We're excited to share a recording of the Sex in Space podcast interview with Andrew Gurza and Heather Morrison, co-founders of Handi. Handi makes sex toys designed by and for disabled people. The mission behind Handi is that everyone should be able to ‘get off’. Listen in to hear about how Handi came to be, the hands on research behind Handi and how the bendable, flexible design of the Bump'n Joystick has revolutionized the accessibility of pleasure for all.
Show Notes:
[00:00:17] Introducing the Sex in Space podcast trio and their mission to create a space for discussing sex across all dimensions. [00:00:46] Interview introduction for Andrew Gurza, a queer, disabled porn star who creates sex toys for people with limited hand movement. [00:01:15] Discussion on consent and disabled people's experiences with touch.
[00:01:46] Transition to Andrew Gurza's interview.
[00:03:12] Lack of recognition of disabled people as sexual beings and the need for education in this area. [00:04:00] Discussion on the struggle for disabled people to achieve sexual pleasure on their own.
[00:04:30] Lack of products specifically designed for disabled people's sexual needs.
[00:05:00] Introduction to Handi, a company creating sex toys for disabled people.
[00:05:34] Andrew and Heather Morrison, co-founders of Handi, discuss their journey and the origin of the company.
[00:06:28] Heather and Andrew's frank conversation that led to the idea of creating sex toys for disabled individuals.
[00:08:00] Handi's name as a playful way to reclaim the term "handicap" and address the needs of people with hand limitations. [00:08:59] The decision to write a book to share experiences and educate about sex and disability.
[00:10:00] Launching Handi as a brand during International Masturbation Month.
[00:10:39] The process of creating the book "Sex and Disability."
[00:11:00] Andrew Gurza's Journey as a Disability Consultant
[00:11:00] Andrew's transition from seeking a traditional job to becoming a freelance disability consultant. [
00:11:23] Andrew's early work as a disability speaker, writing articles on queerness and disability. [00:11:57] The impact of Andrew's photo shoot for a gay magazine on challenging perceptions of disability and sexuality.
[00:13:00] The relevance of disability stories to both disabled and non-disabled individuals.
[00:14:00] Andrew's experience reading the book "Sex and Disability" and the roller coaster of emotions it evokes. [00:15:00] The relatability of the book's stories despite different disabilities.
[00:15:39] The impact of the book on changing perceptions and educating about disability and ableism.
[00:16:00] Discussion on Differences and Similarities:
[00:16:00] The duality of being the same and different when it comes to sexuality.
[00:16:31] The importance of sharing experiences and representation in breaking down societal barriers.
[00:17:13] The bravery and confidence gained through representing disability and sexuality in media.
[00:18:00] Andrew's journey as a freelance disability consultant and speaker.
[00:18:29] The global impact of Andrew's work in challenging perceptions of disability and sexuality.
[00:19:00] Handi's Sex Toy Development Process
[00:19:00] Collaboration with University to validate the need and create concepts.
[00:19:48] Testing concepts with occupational therapists and the disabled community globally.
[00:20:59] Sending 10 prototypes to testers for feedback and collaborative refining of the design.
[00:21:18] Continuation of testing and validation as they move toward the launch.
[00:31:19] Heather and Andrew discuss the huggable nature of their sex toy design, which allows for increased intimacy and positive emotional responses in both disabled and able-bodied individuals. They ta
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.