Good Vibrations Magazine » Behind the Vibes: Staff Profiles

Making the (AVN) List: An Interview with Coyote Days, GV’s Sr. Toy Buyer

Judi B. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:27:32 +0000

Coyote Days has been Good Vibration’s Senior Toy Buyer for two years. In the latest issue of AVN (Adult Video News) magazine, she received the great honor of being chosen as one of “50 Under 40 Porn’s New Generation of Influential People.” The list puts Ms. Days among some great company: CEOs, company presidents and owners, directors, producers and performance stars.

I sat down with Coyote to talk about what making this important list has meant to her….

How does it feel to be featured in the same magazine, on the same list as Belladonna and Jenna Jameson?!

To be honest, completely overwhelming. Not only are we in different segments of the industry (making content versus buying content) but they are mega-stars in both adult and mainstream industries and I don’t feel that important. To be considered influential in this larger-than-life industry is really an honor. I just feel really honored.

How did AVN find you? Or…How did the nomination come about?

I don’t know. I work closely with people over at AVN in the promotion of Good Vibrations products and brands. I have also been included in a few articles they’ve written such as the one on phthalates. A few months ago I received a phone call from AVN asking for my thoughts on some of the top players in the industry who were under 40 and I named a few accomplished people never thinking that I would be under consideration as well.

Did you know who the others were that were picked before you saw the issue?

I had no idea. I honestly don’t know the ages of many of the people I work with and I didn’t know which segments of the industry they were looking at.

Did you scream when you first saw the cover?

I think I actually gasped for air and my skin was all goose-bumpy. I adore Belladonna and to see her looking so radiant… and knowing that somebody considered me to be the same caliber or in the same range of caliber. I just feel really honored… and a bit overwhelmed by it all.

Were you the only non-porn-world person chosen for the list?

No, but one of a few. Julie Stewart, co-owner, of Sportsheets was also included. I was actually excited to see this – Julie is great to work with and such a lovely person in general. It was great to see another sex-positive company included in the list and one where women and female pleasure is very much a value.

How psyched were you that you had the chance to verbalize why your job is so important to you?

I love my job and I love this company. I don’t often get a chance to talk about what it is I work so hard for and why this company and our values are so important to me. It was awesome to be able to be passionate and know that other people would be able to hear about what it is I work for every day.

By the way, what’s your favorite adult movie and who’s your favorite performer?

I’m usually a fan of the story-line adult videos… but recently added video selection for Good Vibrations to my position to I’ve been watching A LOT of porn. Out of everything I’ve watched recently my absolute favorite was Mami Culo Grande 4! Seriously hot. Lots of enthusiasm, attraction and round, round bottoms.

As for performers, I have to say that Belladonna remains one of my favorites. Lorelei Lee grabs my attention as well—such a cutie. And despite not being that impressed with his AVN acceptance speeches, Manuel Ferrara is a super performer!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10?

I think about this a lot. This industry is amazing and I would hope to still be in it in 5 years. I can’t really see myself working anywhere else—Good Vibrations is a great company. Not only in the history and legacy but also in how supportive a workplace it can be. We attract top-notch employees and it can be a real pleasure coming to work. I can still see myself here in 5 years but if not at GV than perhaps working somewhere else in the industry. Maybe someplace like AVN or Free Speech Coalition. There are a lot of ways to work in the industry—I just hope I can continue to exact change and be in a position to talk about issues I feel are important.

Trip the Station, Change the Channel: Sex on the Radio!

Judi B. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:27:08 +0000

An Interview with Good Vibrations’ own, Jo-El!

It’s actually not true that video killed the radio star, because Sirius Radio has become quite a phenomenon, with its 200 channels and superstars such as Howard Stern. In fact, our friend Diana Cage hosts a show on Sirius’ Out Q, the gay channel. On her show, “Diana gets down and dirty with talk about relationships, gender politics and all things personal. Diana blasts stereotypes with an irreverent and smart look at GLBT lives and culture.”

GV Staffer Jo-El is now working with Diana Cage as a guest “sexpert.” Jo-El has been sex educating the masses since 2001, traveling all over north California, Jo-El’s passion lies in the sex positivity that Good Vibrations promotes. Whether it is working with youth, med students or post-menopausal women, nothing is more satisfying than getting accurate sex information out there. (source)

Recently, Jo-El and I sat down via cyberspace and talked about spreading sex positivity via satellite….

Hey Jo-El, how did you get involved with Diana Cage’s Sirius radio show?

I met Diana a couple of years ago in the subcultural world of San Francisco queer “celebrities” via my drag king alter-ego, Rusty Hips. I knew she moved to NY last year, but wasn’t aware it was because of her Sirius radio show. I divulged to my co-worker, Coyote (GV’s toy buyer), that I secretly wanted to do a radio talk show when we were brainstorming marketing ideas. That’s when Coyote told me that Diana was doing her show on Sirius, and suggested I get in touch with her to get in on it. So I did.

What’s your role on the show?

I am the guest “sexpert” every other Friday from 11:15-midnightish Eastern time. Diana knows me and the many hats I wear…one as a performer, which is great for radio…the other as a sex educator, which is great for content. I have been working as a sex educator for almost 6 years…teaching workshops, training all in-coming sex educator sales associates for Good Vibes, and directing the off-site sex education programs of the Center for Sex and Culture. I’ve been ready to take it to the next level for a while now. Diana’s show is a great opportunity to do so.

What kind of questions do people call in with?

You name it! The call-ins have been pretty random. I think what has surprised me most about the show, both listening and when I’m a guest, is how many heterosexual callers are listening to the Out Q Gay Radio station! Yay for the straight but not narrow, right??

Has there ever been a topic brought up that stumped you?

Stumped…not really. The only time I had to really put on my sex educator thinking cap on was in reference to someone inquiring about anal fisting. In my many years teaching about sexuality, I have never had anyone inquire about anal fisting—can you believe it??! Luckily, I know the physiology and anatomy of all-things anal related, in addition to vaginal fisting techniques, so I did pretty good.

What’s the most common kind of question people have about sex? Are there “themes” that pop up regularly?

I’ve been doing the show for only a couple of months every other week, so I haven’t noticed a “theme” yet. Diana always prompts me with questions at the beginning of the show, and those seem to revolve around sex toys and vaginal fisting…so far. Female ejaculation has come up a couple of times, too.

What’s the most unusual question you’ve ever had?

“Unusual,” huh?? Now I’m stumped. So far, I haven’t really gotten a caller with an unusual question. Working as a sex educator, however, I’ve pretty much heard it all…”Can you use shit as lube?”, “Can you get pregnant from having anal sex?”, “Does having anal sex mean that you’re gay??” I love these types of questions the best…they are usually preceded with “I have a really dumb question…” I truly believe that there is no such thing as a dumb question in regards to human sexuality. The truth is that most people have been given misinformation or complete lack of information about sex. Diana’s show is great because it gives us as educators the ability to reach people all over the world, really, and give them accurate, sex-positive information that is so needed.

***

Make sure to check out Jo-El and Diana Cage on Sirius Channel 109 Out Q! You’ll be amazed at what you can learn from the radio waves (all while keeping both hands free)!

Behind the Vibes: Meet Dr. Charlie Glickman

Judi B. — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:38:39 +0000

With a staff as interesting and diverse as ours, we just can’t keep them to ourselves anymore! In this installment, Meet Charlie, a Ph.D. who’s working hard to help you have better orgasms!

Where did you grow up?

Millburn, NJ (about 20 miles west of New York)

When did you start working at GV?

1996

What did you do before working at GV (work-wise)?

I worked at Peet’s coffee for a couple of years slinging java and lattes, I was a program coordinator at Bay Area Women Against Rape and I studied American Sign Language at Vista College in Berkeley. Oh, and I also tutored math, did safer sex outreach and stage managed a dance company.

What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?

I love knowing that right now, someone is having a better orgasm because of something I said or did. And the opportunity to talk about anal sex and vibrators with strangers is always entertaining, especially at parties.

What’s the most unusual experience you’ve had at work?

That’s a tough one- my definition of weird is pretty far out there. But the time that someone bought a butt plug and asked if he could go into the bathroom and put it in was a bit of a surprise. (We asked him to go home before using it.)

Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?

No, but when I got the job, everyone I knew said “of course” so I knew it was the right place for me.

What’s your idea of a “perfect” day?

Breakfast in bed, working in my garden with my sweetie, having friends over for dinner (especially if I’m eating a rare steak), and staying up late talking about everything under the sun.

What are five things you couldn’t live without?

My sweetie

My cats (I’m counting all three as one item)

Music (anything from classical to jazz to house)

Sci-fi books

My garden (I love homegrown tomatoes!)

Favorite (sexy) movie?

I just saw Conversation(s) With Other Women and I have to say- the sexual tension was amazing and it had one of the hottest sex scenes I’ve seen in a movie in a long time. But then, there’s always Secretary…

Book?

Anything by Iain M. Banks, Georgette Heyer or Theodore Sturgeon

Song?

It’s hard to pick just one, but here are a few of my favorite CDs:

Haunted by Poe. I love her smoky voice

The White Album by the Beatles. I grew up listening to the Beatles and I never get tired of them.

Bach’s Lautenwerke. A lovely bit of music to listen to while eating brunch.

A Voyage into Trance by Paul Oakenfold. It always gets me moving.

Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?

Depending on my mood: dancing, watching cheesy movies with my sweetie, going for long walks in the Berkeley hills, spending time with friends.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?

That I used to be a neo-hippie with hair halfway down my back. And that I studied math & physics in college.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? I mean, if you’re not still working at GV!

I expect to still be teaching and doing sex education. I’m setting up a program at the Center for Sex & Culture to offer Continuing Education credits for psychotherapists and I’m an adjunct professor at JFK University in Pleasant Hill, CA. So whether I’m at GV or not, I’ll still be teaching people about sex.

What’s one thing you’ve learned by working at GV that you’d like to share with our customers?

You never know what you’re going to like until you try it, so give it a shot. And if it doesn’t work, try again later- sometimes it takes a couple of times before it clicks.

Behind the Vibes: Meet Kuono

Judi B. — Wed, 09 May 2007 17:00:23 +0000

With a staff as interesting and diverse as ours, we just can’t keep them to ourselves anymore! In this installment, meet Kuono…..artist, pornstar, French Horn blower.

Where did you grow up?

A small cowboy town called Makawao, on Maui, Hawai`i. Really! Next you’ll ask: “So why did you ever leave?!” And I’ll tell you… I got island fever. I longed for a queer community. (Hello! There were like two dykes on the entire island! Two!! And they were already dating each other!!!) I’m also really interested in cutting-edge art. The art scene on Maui is just… so… touristy. I wanted to join the freaky experimentalist haven that is SF. I do go home about twice a year to visit ohana.

When did you start working at GV?

I joined GV’s rockin’ Web/IT Department a year ago.

What did you do before working at GV?

I managed a café, gave private swimming instruction, directed a non-profit Asian American Art organization, was a nude model, a professional modern dancer, and a pornstar. I now work full-time at GV in the web department and am part of the collaborative performance art duo, Twincest.

What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?

Great health benefits (including alternative medicine), which is very hard to come by in the non-profit world. I also love the other perks like my rad co-workers and finding surplus condoms in the free box.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had at work?

I have more interesting experiences outside of work, when I come out to people as working for Good Vibrations.

Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?

Nope. I actually thought I’d forever be a starving art star.

What are five things you couldn’t live without?

1. The Internet

2. My Bicycle

3. Crying

4. txt msgs

5. art (with a lowercase “a”)

What’s your favorite (sexy) movie?
Crash Pad and SuperFreak are pretty wild. Tail of a Bondage Model and Wild Kingdom are great too. (ahem)

Favorite book?

Too many to chose from. I just finished reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (Haruki Murakami).

Song?

Oh, this might be embarrassing… The song’s called “Girlie Girlie” and it’s by a band called Jawaiian Rainbow. I was really into Jawaiian music (Hawaiian songs with a Reggae beat) for most of my childhood. What is a “Girlie Girlie” guy, you ask? This song refers to the kind of playa who has a girl in each town, one for each night of the week. Maybe this early childhood favorite could be my non-monogymous root? It’s one of those songs that gets stuck in my head, but since no one else is from Hawai`i… I keep it to myself, like Iz’s “Over the Rainbow”… mainland folks just wouldn’t understand.

Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?

If I’m not at home or hanging out with my partner in crime, I’m probably working.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?

A surprise for the folks who work at GV is not “I used to perform in an all-nude modern dance company” (they know I’m pretty comfortable in my skin) it’s more like “I used to play the French Horn.”

You know, I really did play the French Horn and I was damned good at it, too!

What’s one thing you’ve learned by working at GV that you’d like to share with our customers?

I’ve learned that there is an infinite amount of wisdom about sexual health and pleasure out there—it’s really quite amazing. I think if more people were educated about sexuality and gender, and not afraid of our differences, the world would be a better place.

Behind the Vibes: Ty

Judi B. — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:11:58 +0000

With a staff as interesting and diverse as ours, we just can’t keep them to ourselves anymore! In this installment, meet Ty—baseball fan, chewy vitamin taker, GVTV star.

Where did you grow up, Ty?

I grew up in Massachusetts, the best place on earth. Home of Marshmallow Fluff

When did you start working at GV?

About 4 years ago.

What did you do before working at GV?

I was a High School teacher.

What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?

My co-workers

Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?

Actually yes! I knew I wanted to work for GV specifically. I came across the GV Guide to Sex in a health class I was taking. I read up about GV and knew I wanted to be a part of GV.

What’s your idea of a “perfect” day?

Fenway Park is perfect.

Name five things you couldn’t live without?

Water, my family, steak, baseball, chewy vitamins

What’s your favorite (sexy) movie?

El Paso Wrecking Crew

Book?

Tortuga

Song?

Different times—Raphael Sadiq

Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?

I need to keep my job.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?

I don’t know how to swim, or I go to church.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? I mean, if you’re not still working at GV!

If I am not at GV I would like to be a guidance counselor.

What’s one thing you’ve learned at GV that you’d like to share?

Silicone lube, combined with a thick water-based lube, can change your life.

See Ty in action in the following GVTV episodes!

Search for the Clitoris

and

Holiday Gift Ideas

Behind the Vibes: Meet Adele

Judi B. — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:03:36 +0000

With a staff as interesting and diverse as ours, we just can’t keep them to ourselves anymore! In this installment, meet Adele—fiery feminist and ex-drawbridge operator.

Where did you grow up, Adele?

Vancouver (not B.C.), Washington (not D.C.)
When did you start working at GV?

March of 2006.
What did you do before working at GV?

I worked as a raw-foods “cook” at a restaurant and wholesale kitchen, though I’m not a raw foodist. Before that, I was a drawbridge operator on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. Some people ask, so I operated the Broadway, Burnside, Morrison, and Hawthorne bridges.
What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?

I feel like it really helps me develop compassion for folks. Seriously, I might not have a whole lot in common with someone, but I find I really care about them having the best sex life possible. Also, I have to say, I have never loved the people I worked around as much as I do here.
What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had at work?

Short of the dead mouse in register #13 two-weeklong saga? It’s hard to say, I really do have interesting experiences here every week. I like working with people who may not know a whole lot about sex toys, persay, but know themselves well and are open. I often end up in really stimulating conversations with these customers.
Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?

I totally did. I taught guerilla sex-ed as a fiery feminist youth to my classmates and knew that I wanted to do this when I moved to somewhere where I could have a positive and sustainable work experience doing it.
Name five things you couldn’t live without?

neutrals and metallics
my bicycle
maximus
natural light
ice cream
What’s your favorite (sexy) movie?

The first two scenes in Belladonna’s Fetish Fanatic 2
Book?

I really like Patrick Califia’s sci-fi erotica.
Song?

Off the subject of sexieness…I love the song Daniel by Elton John. It’s forever my favorite. Here at the Valencia Street Good Vibrations, Bossy by Kelis seems to get the most airtime.
Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?

On the last-BART to Pittsburgh/Baypoint. With my bike.
What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?

I took a vow of chastity, was a registered Republican and had a promise ring when I was 18. Hot huh?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? I mean, if you’re not still working at GV!

I would like to get an MSW and work as a therapist. I would like to do as much work with sex-ed in the meantime, though.

Behind the Vibes: Meet Robbie

Judi B. — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 22:12:48 +0000

GV Staff Profiles

Robbie is rocking our Wholesale Department like a hurricane! Robbie has been with GV for a year, and in that year, she’s proven that humor and fun go hand-in-hand with selling the heck outta vibrators!Oh, and did we mention, she’s America’s Next Top Model’s biggest fan?

Where did you grow up?
Born in Los Angeles but moved to San Francisco when I was 5.

When did you start working at GV?
December ‘05

What did you do before working at GV?
I had a very successful Advertising career, but gave it up for sanity.

What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?
The reputation and the positive impact it has made on its customers.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had at work?
My first Adult Video Awards convention; seeing the porn star red carpet, their version of the Oscars… and seeing Jenna Jameson strut her stuff in person.

Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?
Not in a trillion years.

What’s your idea of a “perfect” day?
The day I got married to my wife, and I looked out and saw my mom smiling in the front row because I never thought she would come to a same-sex wedding, but she did, and she was proud of me.

Name five things you couldn’t live without?
1) My Spirituality
2) My Wife
3) My mom and family
4) A child’s laughter
5) Music

What’s your favorite (sexy) movie?
The original 9 ½ weeks movie with Kim Bassinger and Mickey Rourke — the whole food and refrigerator scene. Can we just say ice cube!

What’s your favorite book?
Maya Angelou I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings ever since I was 9 years old, a classic in my lifetime.

Favorite Song?
At Last by Etta James. I am a music addict, but if I have to choose…

Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?
Having a date night with my wife; either going out on the town just the two of us, or with friends. Or cuddling in front of the boob tube watching a movie with our kids (2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 turtles) Family time.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?
That I have a black belt in Karate and used to own my own dojo (Karate studio).

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? I mean, if you’re not still working at GV!
Growing my family with adding children (not pet ones), my wife and I are in the middle of an adoption. So, I definitely want to be called Mama within that time frame.

What’s one thing you’ve learned by working at GV that you’d like to share with our customers?
That people from all walks of life all strive for the same things “Pleasure, Love, Happiness”, and we have the tools to help you get there.

Behind the Vibes: Meet Coyote

Judi B. — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 22:15:23 +0000

Meet Coyote — GV’s Senior Toy Buyer — Us Weekly reader, cat mom, and high femme since birth.

Where did you grow up?
I mostly grew up in the rainy, lush city of Portland, Oregon, though I spent many weeks each summer basking in the sun in Bridgewater, Massachusetts with my Grams. Oh and on the way, spent time in Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico and Florida… to name a few stops.

When did you start working at GV?
My first day working as a temp in the Customer Service Center was June 19th, 2003 – two days after I drove down in a broke u-haul with my best friend.

What did you do before working at GV?
I was working as a professional stage manager for the union theatres in Portland as well as helping to run a small non-profit touring theatre company.

What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?
I love knowing that every single day — by selling the best products we can find and through our amazing customer service and education — we change the world, one person at a time, for the better.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had at work?
One of the most interesting experiences I have had was when I was working in our Customer Service Center and got a woman on the phone who’d had a mastectomy. We talked for over an hour as I listened to describe what it has been like for her trying to feel present in her body — a body that betrayed her and no longer felt like hers. She talked about how her partner still finds her attractive and how it’s her own struggle to feel sexy in her new body that was proving really difficult to her. I recommend a bunch of products to help bring her back into her body, recommended she take some time to herself, to get to know her own responses without the pressure of performing with a partner. And mainly what I got out of this conversation was the profound knowledge that our words and products and effort impact people around the world. People who we may never meet will be forever changed by their experience with Good Vibrations. I realized that day that what we do matters, and that without our resources there are people in the world who might not feel pleasure in their body — whatever kind of body they have. And I realized that I am so lucky to work here and have this job, and know that what I do matters.

Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?
Um, no. When my Auntie found out I was having sex (at age 15) she dragged me into Good Vibrations to make sure I had all the information (and tools) needed to enjoy myself and be safe. Since then, it’s been a long, long journey to sexual acceptance and unlearning all the crap we are taught in our society and schools about our bodies and sexuality…so to be working in this industry was the farthest thing from my reality. And even when I started here I thought it would be a short-lived thing. But once I got here, I fell in love with the mission of Good Vibrations and can’t imagine never having worked here.

What’s your idea of a “perfect” day?
Getting to sleep in and spend some extra time laying around with my sweetie and my two cats… leisurely breakfast with some strong, good-tasting coffee… reading and playing cards… hanging out at the ocean or in a clear river. Essentially a perfect day for me is about being with people I love, relaxing and not rushing.

Name five things you couldn’t live without?
There are so many more than five… but I would be really sad if I didn’t have:
My cats
My Monster
My Mac lipstick
Good Coffee (which I could not fully enjoy without my Us Weekly or cheesy detective novels…)
Fresh fruits and vegetables
What’s your favorite (sexy) movie?
Harold and Maude and Secretary

What’s your favorite book?
Too Beautiful by Mark Pritchard

Favorite Song?
Anything by Tool… or Wait(the whisper song) by Ying Yang Twins

Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?
Snuggled up with my sweetie is how I prefer it… but if that is not possible, then we like to go out and about our town with friends.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?
My mom dressed me andro or butch even though I’ve been high femme since birth… or maybe that I lived in a canyon with dogs and lesbians when I was 4 and wore my toothbrush around my neck… I’m sure there are lots.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? I mean, if you’re not still working at GV!
I love my job a lot, and most days can’t see myself anywhere else…but we all grow and change so I would hope to still be at GV but growing in my personal life; paying less rent or a mortgage and spending more quality time with my friends and community.

What’s one thing you’ve learned by working at GV that you’d like to share with our customers?
Pleasure is our birthright but not something that comes easily for everybody. Read books, watch porn and ask questions. Each of our journeys takes a different path…but what waits at the end of that journey is well worth the wait. And it lasts a lifetime!

Behind the Vibes: Meet Barbi

Judi B. — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 22:16:24 +0000

Meet Barbi -— Marketing Maven and Milk Maiden

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Miami, Florida (little Havana—to be exact)

When did you start working at GV?
The first time was 1998, but then I took a leave for about 1 ½ years and came back Full-Time in March of 2003.

What did you do before working at GV?
Managed a restaurant.

What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?
Getting the chance to see the GV Weekly editor on a daily basis.

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had at work?
I refuse to answer this one on the grounds that it might get me fired.

Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?
Not legally.

What’s your idea of a “perfect” day?
It involves a goat, little people and a lot of tootsie rolls… should I go on?

Name five things you couldn’t live without?
A mirror
Meat cooked rare
Milk
Candy
Oh, aaaaand did I mention a mirror?!?

What’s your favorite (sexy) movie?
The Cook, the Thief, his Wife & her Lover

What’s your favorite book?
Candy Freak

Favorite Song?
Afternoon Delight

Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?
In front of the mirror, eating meat-flavored candy and drinking whole milk.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?
Come holiday season, I buy the “extra rich & creamy” milk and drink about a gallon a day on my own.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? I mean, if you’re not still working at GV!
In jail, doin’ 20, for knocking off a dairy farm.

What’s one thing you’ve learned by working at GV that you’d like to share with our customers?
Add a little milk, meat, or candy to your sex life and you’ll be amazed at the results.

Behind the Vibes: Meet Jo-El

Judi B. — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 22:18:34 +0000

Meet educator extraordinaire, Jo-El (and her sidekick, Rusty Hips!).

Rusty Hips by Larry Utley
Larry Utley’s Artist Gallery

With a staff as interesting and diverse as ours, we just can’t keep them to ourselves anymore! In this installment, meet Jo-El…sex educator, hand-stander, drag king and future Winnebago driver.

So, Jo-El, what do you do outside of working for Good Vibrations?

I have been a professional Drag King for over five years. My alter ego’s name is Rusty Hips. He just co-hosted this year’s big San Francisco Drag King contest. I am also the Program Coordinator for the Off-Site Sex Education program at the Center for Sex and Culture that Carol Queen started last year. Check out our website!

Where did you grow up?

In the Los Angeles suburbs…San Fernando Valley, to be exact….the porn capital of the world!

When did you start working at GV?

I started in Sept of 2001.

What did you do before working at GV?

Before I realized I was destined to be a sex educator, I taught gymnastics, worked on an ambulance as an EMT, and was a Surgical Technician.

What’s your favorite thing about working for GV?

The best part is working with the public-the transformation that occurs when you debunk the myths of sexuality, and allow people the space to learn more about their own sexuality without the shame that is so prevalent in our society. I love educating the public about the best way to stimulate the G-spot, that the clit is 4″ long (the legs are called the “crura”-tell all your friends), the proper ways to have anal sex, and that 90% of women require some sort-of external stimulation in order to achieve orgasm. The world needs to know these things, ya know?

What’s the most interesting experience you’ve had at work?

I’ll never forget the time I was helping an older gentleman who appeared to be wearing very short shorts with a longer shirt. When he came to the counter to be rung up, he pulled his shirt up to get his wallet, which was attached to a g-string speedo. When I told him that I would be happy to ring him up once he put some pants on, he replied with, “These ARE my pants!”

Did you ever think you’d be selling sex toys?

Nope, but I’m damn good at it. At the root of selling sex toys is knowledge of pleasure physiology and anatomy, and what toys/lube/barriers will be best for a customers needs. This requires creating a comfortable, safe space to divulge pretty intimate conversation. The more you educate a customer about their bodies and the way toys work, the more you’re going to sell. And then everyone is happy!

What’s your idea of a “perfect” day?

I’m pretty simple…having uninterrupted time with my love at the beach with delicious food.

Name five things you couldn’t live without?

Hmmmm…”things”, huh?? OK-a decent knife, music, chocolate, comfortable shoes, and sex.

What’s your favorite (sexy) movie?

Outlaw Ladies…I love classic porn!

Where could we find you on any given Saturday night?

Haha! Probably going on a long walk after having a delicious dinner, scheming up ways to spend my two days off (Sunday/Monday are my weekend).

What’s one thing about you that would surprise your co-workers if they found out?

That’s a hard one…at this point, working with them for the last five years, I don’t think anything will surprise them. Let’s see…I was raised Mormon, and could probably beat most people my age at a handstand contest. I think they all know that already…oh yeah…and I’m a lover, not a fighter.

What’s one thing you’ve learned by working at GV that you’d like to share with our customers?

ONE THING: Don’t be misled by the shape of vibrators. Vibration is most effective when used on the outside of the body. Only about 10% of all female-bodied people can achieve an orgasm from JUST penetration…the other 90% need external stimulation. I’ve encountered too many women who feel like there is something wrong with their bodies because they are not able to achieve orgasm from penetration alone, and too many men who feel like they aren’t doing something right if they’re unable to get their partners to come from just intercourse.

TWO THINGS: Don’t use spermicide!! All water-based lubes will have somewhat of a spermicidal effect. Spermicide is pretty toxic stuff…many Planned Parenthoods, and the city of San Francisco do not promote the use of this stuff. There are lots of other alternatives.

Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years? I mean, if you’re not still working at GV!

I’m a big fan of living in the present, but if I had one fantasy of my future, I’d be in a Winnebago, livin’ life out on the road.

Perhaps I can take Good Vibes with me.