Two Open Doors

Claude Cruz

Two Open Doors is dedicated to exploring the many sides of deep personal relationship. We explore how relationship works; the range of relationship, from everyday to intimate; how we can understand and grow our personal capacity for relationship; how to identify and deal with relationship blockers; and how to make deep human connection a central part of your own life. Host Dr. Claude shares his insights, and invites guest presenters and listeners to contribute their perspectives. Please join us!

New weekly episodes are usually published on Sundays. You may also want to check out the companion private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/645271539750218 (for posts and discussion), and the Two Open Doors Meet-Up group at https://www.meetup.com/two-open-doors/ (for event announcements). Dr. Claude welcomes your questions, comments, requests and suggestions, at claude@twoopendoors.com.

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Episode 4-20: Making Connections in the Digital World

Episode 4-20: Making Connections in the Digital World

Nowadays, people who inhabit even moderately-advanced countries live in an “always-connected” world. Our mobile phones, tablets and Internet access provide essentially instant access to people scattered across the globe. This pervasive connectivity affects how we establish deep connections with others. Internet-based apps enable us to find and communicate with potential kindred spirits, both locally and across large areas. We can now “fish” for prospective intimate partners in a “pool” that’s much larger than what was available to prior generations.In this episode, we’ll explore how this global, always-available connectivity affects how we date and find intimate partners. We’ll see how our communication “power tools” offer both benefits and shortcomings.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episodes

Episode 4-20: Making Connections in the Digital World

Episode 4-20: Making Connections in the Digital World

Nowadays, people who inhabit even moderately-advanced countries live in an “always-connected” world. Our mobile phones, tablets and Internet access provide essentially instant access to people scattered across the globe. This pervasive connectivity affects how we establish deep connections with others. Internet-based apps enable us to find and communicate with potential kindred spirits, both locally and across large areas. We can now “fish” for prospective intimate partners in a “pool” that’s much larger than what was available to prior generations.In this episode, we’ll explore how this global, always-available connectivity affects how we date and find intimate partners. We’ll see how our communication “power tools” offer both benefits and shortcomings.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-19: Spring/Winter Relationships

Episode 4-19: Spring/Winter Relationships

Most intimate relationships are created by partners who share a similar age, socioeconomic standing, and lifestyle. There are, however, examples of deep connections that exist between partners who are quite different from one another, at least as seen by an outside observer.In this episode, we’ll consider one such possible atypical combination: that between partners who differ significantly in age. We’ll consider what such relationships might offer, what challenges they present, and how they tend to be viewed by society.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-18: The Power of Authenticity

Episode 4-18: The Power of Authenticity

In many previous episodes, we’ve noted that self-knowledge is a central pillar for the ability to form healthy relationships. Self-knowledge enables a person to set relationship goals that are appropriate for them, and it also encompasses a clear understanding of one’s boundaries and desires.In this episode, we’ll take a look at a related concept, specifically that of authenticity. As we’ll see, authenticity is the result of living one’s life in accord with a self-knowledge-based understanding of one’s true nature.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-17: The Importance of Touch

Episode 4-17: The Importance of Touch

The sense of touch is one of the richest channels through which we humans connect with our world and with other people. It’s what underlies so-called “haptic” (or touch-based) communication. Beyond conveying a wealth of information, touch is also a powerful vehicle for validating and providing support between people.In this episode, we’ll explore the nature of touch, to understand why it plays such a central role in our lives as embodied creatures. We’ll also delineate several rather different kinds of touch, which are differentiated by the function or purpose that each serves.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-16: Sex in Midlife and Beyond

Episode 4-16: Sex in Midlife and Beyond

Ours is a very youth-focused society. In America, perhaps more so than in other Western societies, I see a tendency to focus on the diminishment that comes with age--- while ignoring or downplaying the possible benefits and satisfactions that can accompany a long life well-lived.In this episode, we’ll consider how this focus affects social perspectives on sex and intimacy. We’ll see how making negative assumptions about our enjoyment of sex in our later years can reduce our quality of life, at a time when our deepened understanding of how relationships work offers us the potential of deep human connections that are unusual, if not impossible, prior to our accumulating life-experience.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-15: Polyamory and PINO

Episode 4-15: Polyamory and PINO

Polyamory is a form of ethical non-monogamy that is slowly making its way into our societal mainstream. (As we’ve noted in previous episodes, monogamy or serial monogamy comprise the vast majority of socially-sanctioned long-term committed relationships in our society--- but perhaps 5% of adult intimate relationships in the US are polyamorous.)As someone with years of immersion in the polyamorous community, I’ve noted a number of relationships that their participants label as polyamorous, but which seem to lack one or more of the fundamental traits of polyamory. To coin a new term, I think of those as examples of PINO: Polyamory In Name Only. In this episode, we’ll explore why that may be an apt label in at least some of these cases.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-14: Open Relationships, Swinging, and Polyamory

Episode 4-14: Open Relationships, Swinging, and Polyamory

Lifestyles that fall outside our society’s mainstream often come with associated terminology that is unfamiliar and potentially confusing to many. While labels can be misleading or artificially confining, they can also clarify important concepts.In this episode, we’ll explore three terms that describe non-traditional relationships: open relationships, swinging, and polyamory. We’ll see how these are related, and how they each describe potentially rewarding alternatives to mainstream monogamous relationships.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-13: First, Do No Harm

Episode 4-13: First, Do No Harm

One of the guiding principles for physicians is captured in Hippocrates’ admonition to “first, do no harm” in the process of trying to help a patient. The Hippocratic Oath includes a similar commitment. These statements remind physicians of their commitment to try to improve the well-being of their patients.The spirit of “first, do no harm” applies to the conduct of healthy relationships, as well. If we care for someone, we will focus our efforts on bringing them good (as best we understand it), and on avoiding intentionally harming them. In this episode, we’ll consider how this orientation shapes the behavior of partners in a mutually-beneficial intimate relationship.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-12: Is Intimacy Transactional?

Episode 4-12: Is Intimacy Transactional?

The well-known sex educator and podcaster Dan Savage has stated his belief that all loving relationships are transactional. In contrast with that, there is the proposal that true love is unconditional. Can these two polar positions be reconciled?In this episode, we’ll consider what it means for a relationship to be transactional, and we’ll also envision what an unconditional relationship might look like. We’ll then consider what these two perspectives have in common, to try to gain a broader and more inclusive understanding of the nature of intimate relationship.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-11: Living on the Edge

Episode 4-11: Living on the Edge

One of the things that I’ve observed about the sex-positive community is that many of its members differ in significant ways from the mainstream population. That’s reflected in the lifestyle preferences of these community members, as well as in how they interact with one another. We’ll explore some of these differences in this episode, and we’ll see that living outside the mainstream calls for the personal attribute that was the focus of our previous episode: courage. We’ll also note the many benefits that are open to those who do choose to live a self-examined and self-determined life. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-10: Courageous Connections

Episode 4-10: Courageous Connections

Connecting intimately with another human being can sometimes be a scary thing. Deep connection requires vulnerability and radical authenticity, and both of those can expose a person to potential hurt. Yet, without accepting the risks inherent in relationship, one cannot reap the many benefits of deep connection.In this episode, we’ll consider why risk is inherent in relationship, and we’ll then entertain how that risk can be managed. That will help clarify why courage is a prime requisite for living in intimate connection.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-9: The Magic Trick

Episode 4-9: The Magic Trick

In our last two episodes, we considered the idea of socially-constructed “sexual imperatives” that constrain our sexual expression, as described by Dr. Emily Nagoski in her new book, “Come Together”. We then examined the possibility of living an “erotic” life, in which all of our experiences are expressions of the flow of life-energy.In this episode, we’ll take a look at a kind of experience that becomes possible when we’re living a life in touch with our erotic essence. We’ll explore a very special kind of deep human connection in which our sexuality provides a path to personal transcendence.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-8: Beyond Sex

Episode 4-8: Beyond Sex

Our previous episode considered a number of socially-constructed “sexual imperatives” (or expectations and limitations) that were cited in Dr. Emily Nagoski’s new book, “Come Together”. That book also described another topic that I find both important and fascinating: the transcendent potential of human connection. In this episode, I’ll explore that concept, and relate it to my own experiences.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-7: Sexual Imperatives

Episode 4-7: Sexual Imperatives

In her wonderful and informative new book, “Come Together”, the sex educator Dr. Emily Nagoski extends the lucid understanding of how sex works that she delivered in “Come As You Are”.In this episode, I’d like to share and comment on an observation that I believe is relevant to all thinking adults who wish to determine the course of their own sexuality: the notion of “sexual imperatives”.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-6: Revisiting the Sexual Response Cycle

Episode 4-6: Revisiting the Sexual Response Cycle

In my prior episode, I highlighted the scientific field of sexology, and I described why I believe that sexology is relevant to everyone who is striving to live a fulfilling life. I noted that sexual misinformation is widespread, and that it damages society.In this episode, I’d like to take that theme a bit further, by focusing on a topic that is especially misunderstood by many: the human sexual response cycle.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-5: The Importance of Sexology

Episode 4-5: The Importance of Sexology

I recently had the pleasure of participating in a thank-you event for a friend and colleague who is a fellow sҽxologist. From the many glowing comments I heard, it’s clear that my friend has made many contributions to her professional community. At least as importantly, she has touched many lives.In this post, we’ll revisit what sҽxology is, and why it matters in our society. We’ll consider why and how it provides essential support for the full expression of our humanity.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-4: Morality and Relationships

Episode 4-4: Morality and Relationships

Human sexuality is a strong force, which impacts both personal lives and the fabric of society in many ways. Not surprisingly, then, sex can stir up some very strong feelings in people. Similarly, the expression of sexuality can provoke both strong reactions and constraints in many if not most societies. In this post, we’ll take a look at a connection that bears on this uneasy relationship between sex and society: how morality enters the realm of sexuality. It’s important to understand this connection, if we as individuals are to be able to comfortably and responsibly enjoy the gift of sexuality. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-3: Kinds of Connection

Episode 4-3: Kinds of Connection

I’ve recently been wondering about why I’ve had such an intense longstanding interest in deep human connections, even in childhood. While many of my peers seemed to be focused on sports, or having adventures, or running in popular social circles, I was drawn to the exploration and understanding of intimacy. Why?We’ve previously explored the three realms in which human connection plays out: the physical, mental and emotional planes (with the latter including spiritual experiences). In this episode, we’ll consider the very special role filled by intimate relationships.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-2: Learning to Love

Episode 4-2: Learning to Love

I recently came across a book that I found to be full of thought-provoking observations: All About Love, by the feminist and cultural critic bell hooks. That work deals with what is perhaps the central orienting theme in intimate relationships: our desire for love, and how that desire plays out in our lives. In this episode, we’ll explore some of bell’s often-pointed views on what love is, how we acquire our understanding of love, and how we try to bring it into our daily life. Hopefully, that understanding will help us in our ability to create and sustain truly loving relationships.Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Episode 4-1: Becoming Invisible

Episode 4-1: Becoming Invisible

As is often observed in the media, our society is facing a tsunami of loneliness and alienation. In 2023, the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy published a report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation”, in which he describes the prevalence, effects and possible cures for loneliness. One aspect of this problem is that of people feeling that they are “invisible” to one another. In this episode, we’ll explore this phenomenon, and some of its causes. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at claude@twoopendoors.com.This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including:* Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033* Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors* Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL* iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/