This is a 5 part video series called Beyond Within produced by TheHomeGround.Asia. I am in the first two panels and helped coordinate the other panels. Sexuality is a topic not talked about enough including in Asian society, so I am proud to be involved in making them happen! Hope you enjoy this series!

Ep 1: Psychologically Abused Divorced Women

Psychological abuse in relationships: Four women speak TheHomeGround Asia’s newest series, Beyond Within, takes an in-depth look into women empowerment and the struggles that women face, offering ways for women to rediscover their inner confidence through topics such as relationships, sexuality, as well as mental health and well-being. Hosted by stand-up comedian and gender rights advocate Sharul Channa, the first episode of this series explores the experiences of four divorced women who were psychologically abused in their marriages. They discuss how to recognise the triggers of an unhealthy relationship and to move on from an unhappy union.

The panellists in this episode are author and life coach Carol Gockel, relationship counsellor and clinical sexologist Dr Martha Tara Lee, CEO and founder of Nu Ren (Women’s) Secret Club Christine Looi and dental practice manager Sngeeta (Geeta) Singh, who through their work continue to empower women and improve their mental wellness.

Ep 2 – Detoxing from Toxic Relationships

The panelists in this episode include clinical psychologist Mahima Gupta, experienced couple and family therapist Evonne Lek, and relationship counsellor and clinical sexologist Dr Martha Tara Lee.

Statistically, eight in 10 people deal with toxic relationships at one point of their lives. These toxic relationships can come in various forms, not just between spouses. If you find yourself or your loved one in a toxic relationship, this episode can provide perspectives on how to recognise these relationships and how to overcome them.

The panellists in this episode include clinical psychologist Mahima Gupta, experienced couple and family therapist Evonne Lek, and relationship counsellor and clinical sexologist Dr Martha Tara Lee.

Ep 3: Women and sexuality cross generation conversations

TheHomeGround Asia is back with a new episode of Beyond Within. This week, we have a cross-generational panel of four women, who talk about their sexuality and experiences as a woman living in Singapore. They are Aarti Olivia, who runs the blog Curves Become Her; Chang who is an engineer and identifies as bisexual and is also poly-amorous; Vanessa Ng who runs the account Up and Out; and Annie Chan, who manages an events agency, is a certified matchmaker and President of the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry.  The four panelists agree that one is unlikely to find a partner that is 100 per cent compatible. What is important in a partner is that you connect and are able to grow with together.

Here are some nuggets you can expect in this episode:

• Being a woman in Singapore
• Connecting sexually with oneself
• Not in the mood for sex?
• There is no right way to do things
• There is no ‘right’ life partner
• Maintaining a healthy sex life

Ep 4: Giving consent before sex, what this looks like in Beyond Within (Part 1)

TheHomeGround Asia is back with another episode of Beyond Within. This week, we explore the topic of consent and what it means to both men and women. In the first of a two-part episode, the panel includes Luke Levy, an Arts and Social Sciences undergraduate at National University of Singapore; Sri Mulyadi, a natural healer and spiritual advocate; Samuel Chou, an entrepreneur; and IT professional Melissa (who preferred not to share her last name).

Here are some choice snippets you can expect from this week’s episode:

• The definition of consent
• Examples of consent
• Are there differences in consent between men and women?
• Enthusiastic consent
• Educating others on consent
• What can survivors of consent violations do to cope

Ep 4: Consent in a marriage: ‘yes’ or ‘no’ still applies (Part 2)

In the second part of the fourth episode of Beyond Within, TheHomeGround Asia returns with new guests to dive deeper into the issue of consent for a sexual act and how it affects relationships. This week’s panellists include two married couples: Aaroson Koh, Co-founder of an ‘adulting’ podcast called Mental Dumbells and Candice Koh, a flight attendant; as well as Lisa Tan-Koh, a certified professional coach and Lionel Koh, a professional (mind and emotion) clearer.

Here are some points from this week’s episode to start you thinking:

• How consent applies in a relationship
• Improving relationships and understanding each other in a marriage
• Media setting unrealistic relationship expectations
• Dealing with consent violations in the virtual space
• Educating the younger generation
• Coping with trauma from consent violations

Ep 5: Dangers of social media use for teens and what should be done

TheHomeGround Asia is back with the fifth and final episode of Beyond Within. This week, we explore the dangers of social media use for teens and what should be done to better protect them. Our five guests react to InstaSex, an investigative story by The Straits Times that examines the challenges and sexual threats faced by young girls online.

We hear from Vanessa Ng, an accountant who also runs @upand.out on Instagram, which offers sex-education for the masses; Hope Tay, one-half of the self-help podcast @Mentaldumbbells that chronicles issues facing growing adults; Haikel Fahim, founder and host of The Ironing Board Podcast, where he opens discussion around various social issues; entrepreneur Annie Chan; and Dr Simon Neo, a psychotherapist.

More about Dr. Martha Tara Lee