Ossa member Danielle Bezalel is the host, creator, and producer of the Sex Ed with DB podcast. Currently in its third season, Danielle’s sex ed podcast takes an intersectional feminist approach to the all-too-often taboo topic of sex education and sexual health with a fun, honest, and inclusive voice.
Danielle launched her podcast in 2017, partially as a positive way to channel her shock and horror following the outcome of the U.S. Presidential election. She paired this source of inspiration with her personal journey regarding the religious stigmatization of sexuality.
Danielle’s podcast is the perfect counterpart to her academic pursuits. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Health program at Columbia University, focusing on Sexuality, Sexual, and Reproductive Health.
We spoke to Danielle to find out more about the podcasting powerhouse behind Sex Ed with DB.
Name: Danielle Bezalel
Podcast: Sex Ed with DB
Current home base: New York, NY, USA
Originally from: Long Island, NY
Your superpower:
Knowing all the lines to a movie after I’ve only seen it one or two times!
One thing on your bucket list:
Going to New Zealand!
Quote/piece of advice that you live by:
“There’s always room for dessert!”
Personal Anthem:
“Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams
A book or article you read in the past year that you would recommend:
The Coitus Chronicles by Olive Persimmon
What inspired you to start your podcast?
A combination of an “aha” moment while visiting a religious community in Israel (you can read the full story here) and the election of our dipsh*t of a president.
How are you making a positive impact and generating change through your podcast?
Great question! I hope Sex Ed with DB not only informs people about sex education and all of the topics within that realm, but [that it] also encourages people to take action in their own communities in advocating for sexual health.
What is one thing you have accomplished with your podcast that you are most proud of?
We were featured in BUST magazine’s list of the best sex podcasts in the summer of 2019. It felt SUPER good to be recognized by such a badass company!
What is one major milestone that you would like to accomplish with your show in the next year?
One major milestone I’d like to accomplish with my show in the next year is getting a few more major sponsors so that the people who do this work (and I) can get paid for our super important labor. (Hey advertisers! Join Ossa & you can book advertising spots on Sex Ed with DB in just a few clicks!)
What is your show’s USP?
We talk about sex ed in a super funny, entertaining, and educational way. I don’t think any other sex podcast on the market does that right now.
What do you see as one of the biggest challenges facing the podcast industry today?
There are so many podcasts! Oversaturation is definitely an issue. People don’t know what to listen to because there are so many options out there.
What were you doing career-wise before you started your podcast?
I’m currently working on getting my Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University focusing on sexual and reproductive health. After I graduate, I’d love to incorporate my podcast into what I’m doing full-time!
What is one of the worst pieces of advice you have ever received and why?
“Be more realistic.” People would never create anything if all they did was “be realistic.” Take risks! Make moves!
Are there any great podcast-related resources you love that you would like to share?
If you live in the Bay Area in California, the Bay Area Video Coalition has awesome classes and workshops on how to make your own podcast. I’d highly recommend them!
Is there a charity or cause you care about that you would like to share?
The Trevor Project does some really awesome work here in NYC. It is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25 years old.
LGBTQ+ folks suffer disproportionately from mental health issues compared to the cisgender/straight population. We need to recognize that, destigmatize LGBTQ+ identities, and celebrate LGBTQ+ people for who they are.
What are your favorite podcasts hosted by women? (Besides your own!)
My Favorite Murder, 2 Dope Queens (when they were still recording), and Why Won’t You Date Me
(*Editor’s note: two of these were featured on our “Top 5 Women-Hosted Comedy Podcasts” roundup!)
Fun fact about yourself:
I was on a kid I was on Slime Time Live! (If you know, you know).
Listen to Sex Ed with DB on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Soundcloud!
For more from Danielle Bezalel and Sex Ed with DB:
Website // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // LinkedIn