Catch Kristen’s interviews on podcasts, TV, radio, and in print
Keep Them Coming: I smell sex and cannabis with Ashley Manta, The CannaSexual
Published in The Pitch KC, April 2022
In my 20s, I found that cannabis made sex more erotic for me—definitely a pleasantdiscovery. I was able to get out of my head, simply focus on the experience I was having, and unleash my orgasm way easier.
By the time I was around 35, I had a group of friends whose consensus was that sex is often better when paired with cannabis. There’s even research from the National Library of Medicine showing that women have two times higher odds of reporting a satisfactory orgasm if they use cannabis before sex.
As a coach, I’ve been advocating for weed lubes to my clients for a few years. It wasn’t until 2020 that I started taking my own advice… Read more on ThePitch.com
Transformations KC is providing important resources for trans youth, family education
Published by The Pitch KC March 29th, 2022Started back in 2009 by Michigan-based therapist and activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker, International Transgender Day of Visibility occurs on March 31. The day aims to highlight the accomplishments and triumphs of the transgender community, as a balance to the somberness of the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
The celebration is organized nationally by Trans Student Educational Resources.
A study by Travers et. al. via the Trans PULSE Project in Ontario showed that housing, food security, self-esteem, mental and physical health, and overall satisfaction with life are all positively impacted if parents are supportive of their transgender child.
Ahead of Trans Day of Visibility this year, The Pitch spoke with an organization focused on helping young transgender people thrive in our region. Transformations KC, founded by Merrique Jenson…Read more on ThePitch.com
Keep Them Coming: The Strand Theater on Troost
Published in The Pitch KC, March 2022
It feels like my duty to visit anything related to erotic art and human sexuality in this city. Not every place has a shiny veneer, and from simply driving by The Strand Theater on Troost, I knew that some of the paint might be chipped in this long-running cinema before ever stepping inside. That wasn’t going to stop me, but I needed intel first.
“What is The Strand like?” I asked a sex-positive friend who’s been a few times.
He described a place that was seedy enough to pique my interest, yet not scare me away from going. He described a debaucherous time warp I wanted to experience firsthand. I’ll try almost anything twice. He agreed to escort me for my first foray to The Strand, so long as I call him My Date for the purpose of this story.
Walking into The Strand… Read more on ThePitch.com.
Keep Them Coming: Men need sexy undies too
Published in The Pitch KC, February 2022
“I took your advice, Kristen.”
“Oh yeah? On what?”
“I finally bought some non-cotton, non-boring underwear and wore them for my date. I felt sexy, and it put me in a different mindset for the date!”
I give this advice to all my friends of all genders. This particular conversation happened with a fella who had just worn new boxer briefs he liked his butt in. I’m a firm believer in wearing undergarments that aren’t your boring same old, same old when you want a little something “extra” for the day. Maybe they have a little flair, they feel and look like new, and you feel comfortable and sexy in them.
Keep Them Coming: Sex toys to usher in the New Year
Published in The Pitch KC, January 2022
It’s my birthday month, and like many birthdays before, I don’t know what to ask for. I mean, I know a new sex toy is at the top of my list, but what should I choose? While I already have a collection big enough to get me arrested a few times over in the state of Texas—where you cannot own more than six dildos—I’m a big fan of having options and trying new things.
The sex educator in me sees this as a lovely opportunity to help Pitch readers learn how to select a toy for their needs! Sex toys can be simply a tool, a piece of equipment, or an accouterment to pleasure.
Keep Them Coming: It’s the most wonderful (and sexiest) time of the year
Published in The Pitch KC, December 2021
All the attention on relationship rejuvenation you read in magazines seems to be focused on the summertime. Perhaps it’s the summertime sizzle that makes late fall and early winter the most common time to conceive. (Psst—it’s also when Americans are most likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea, so please start getting tested regularly and use barrier protections.)
But, in my opinion, December flies under the radar as the sexiest month of all. Personally, I’m more of a quality vs. quantity gal, and December makes for some quality mattress dancing. There’s also a special something in the air that lends itself to a romantic mood.
The Pitch’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide
Featured in The Pitch KC, by THE PITCH STAFF, December 3, 2021
Against all odds, the holidays are upon us again. We’re not fully out of our hidey-holes, and yet we’re probably expected to return to the normal flow of gift-giving.
If you’re trying to figure out how to cross names off your list, we have a guide of The Pitch’s personal recommendations for what to put a bow on.
While we always advocate for shopping local in these holiday guides, this is the first year where it might be your only option. Global supply chains are collapsing and your uncle who intended to shop at Target is getting none of the shit he hoped to grab. But local creators are here to make sure you have everything you need.
There’s never been a better time to support your friends and neighbors, all while giving everyone on your list the most memorable gift of their 2021 holiday season.
Check out Kristen and her coaching sessions featured as a great gift for the holidays!
The Pitch’s Infinite Playlist: Round 5: Kristen Thomas
Featured in The Pitch KC, by THE PITCH STAFF, December 2, 2021
Welcome to The Pitch’s Infinite Playlist, a forever-growing playlist of songs picked by people in KC. View/follow the full playlist on Spotify and you can always go back and check out the full run of articles.
In this article, Kristen had the opportunity to pick out some of her favorite songs to add to The Pitch KC’s ever-growing playlist and explain why she chose each individual song. She was very meticulous about each one of her choices and explained in full detail why she chose them to be a part of the playlist.
Keep Them Coming: Shop local for your sex toys and leather gear
Published in The Pitch KC, November 2021
The internet has brought us access to many things we might never have been exposed to when it comes to sex, fetishes, and kinks. It’s also given many of us the chance to buy vibrators, leather gear, and implements quickly and discreetly when we want to try something new.
Sex toy sales are through the roof since the pandemic began. However, this also means we’re more likely to fall prey to companies that create inferior toys and gear that break easily, contain products dangerous to genitalia, or just don’t look as good in person as they do online. Then, to a dark corner of the closet or the trash they go!
IN NO MOOD: I’m a sex coach, women always ask what to do if their man won’t talk about sex and it’s NEVER a good sign
Featured in The US Sun, by Katherine Gannon, November 5, 2021
“A PROFESSIONAL sex coach tells how women constantly ask why their man won’t talk about sex – and she says it’s not a good sign. Answering the common question, sexologist Kristin says that when this happens it may be that your man is no longer all that into you.
Taking to get TikTok, the expert answers a user who asks: “My boyfriend hasn’t been in the mood for a while. I’ve tried to arouse him but he’s just never in the mood and it’s getting worse. Any advice?””
Inspiring Conversations with Kristen Thomas of Open The Doors Coaching
Featured on Voyage KC, October 20, 2021
Voyage KC looks to introduce local artists, business owners, and people making a difference in Kansas City through its online platform. In this article, they asked Kristen several questions about herself including how she got started in her line of work, how the journey to where she is today has been, a full description of the work that she does, and any books, blogs, and podcasts that help inspire her in her work.
Keep Them Coming: Sex Workers Keep Getting Screwed (by online platforms)
Published in The Pitch KC, October 2021
OnlyFans, a site that is culturally synonymous with online sex work, made headlines in August. In five days’ time, OnlyFans (OF) went from saying they would ban sexually explicit content beginning October 1, to “suspending” their decision. It sent content creators into a tailspin, though many were familiar with the trope.
While early internet blame was placed on Mastercard and Visa, OF’s elusive CEO Tim Stokely named JPMorgan Chase, BNY Mellon, and Metro Bank’s policies as the culprits behind the decision. Stokely denied that Mastercard’s policies had any influence on them.
“Can I Masturbate with a Yeast Infection?” and Other Burning Questions
Featured in HelloWisp, by Kathleen Morrison, September 23, 2021
So you’ve gotten treatment and are on the mend from some unpleasant vaginal symptoms due to bacterial vaginosis, UTI, or a yeast infection. You’re taking your prescription meds as directed, but now you’re starting to feel a different kind of tingle and you’re wondering, “When can I get back to orgasms??” If you’re asking yourself this question you certainly aren’t alone — most of us aren’t thinking about getting down when we’re in the middle of itchy, painful, or plain uncomfortable symptoms. But once you start feeling a little better you’re ready to get back to your life, including masturbation. Let’s get into some of your most common sex-related vaginal health questions.
Click here to read Kristen and other sex expert’s responses to various sex-related health questions.
Keep Them Coming: Polyamory in the Pandemic
Kristen’s first column published in The Pitch KC, September 2021
Chances are if you’re a loyal Pitch reader, you’ve heard of polyamory—and if not that’s okay, too. While there’s increasing awareness around polyamory because of pop culture, it’s not often monogamous folks have exposure to couples in the lifestyle. 6.5% of people report knowing someone (Moors, Gesselman, and Garcia March 2021) who was or is practicing some form of consensual non-monogamy. That makes sense, because about 4-5% of our population is currently in a CNM, or consensual nonmanogamous, relationship (Rubin et al, 2014).
How to Tell Your Boyfriend You’re Pregnant Unplanned
Featured in UpJourney, by The Editors, March 25, 2021
If you don’t know where he stands on having kids it may be best to find out more about his thoughts first.
Several scenarios played through my head; from failed birth control to mismatched wants, there’s a lot to think about. I’ve supported clients and friends through this scenario many times.
10 Sex Positions For Small Spaces
Featured in Bustle, by Aly Walansky and Carolyn Steber, Aug 14th, 2020
If you live in a tiny apartment that can only fit a twin-sized bed, then you’re already well aware of how tricky it can be to have sex in small spaces. The same is true when hooking up while camping in a tiny tent in the woods, doingg it in a shower stall, or when trying to contort yourselves into certain sex positions in the car. It isn’t always easy, but it is often worth it to find a way to make sex happen, anyway.
Click here to read Kristen and other’s advice!
Make the moments count, Better Kansas City, May 27th, 2020
When You Finally Meet Someone You’ve Been Dating Online, Here’s What To Do
Featured in Bustle, by Carolyn Steber, April 30th, 2020
There’s no way around it: First dates are always a little bit awkward. But if you’ve finally met someone you’ve been dating online after social distancing ends, you may have forgotten how to be an actual human who goes on actual dates. Instead of hiding behind a screen and thinking up witty remarks, you’ll be face-to-face and chatting in real-time. How will you be your charming self without the ability to turn off your camera? What if the chemistry just isn’t there in person? The transition probably sounds a bit harsh.
Weed and Dating: A Guide to 420-Friendly Love and Consent In The Age Of Cannabis
Featured on Weed Maps via Benzinga Cannabis, by Suzannah Weisse, February 21st, 2020
With 22% of 18—29-year-olds in the US smoking weed, the issue of cannabis usage is coming up more and more on dates and in relationships. Dating apps like Hinge and Bumble have features for people to indicate whether they smoke weed, and there are several dating apps just for cannabis users.
“It is a good idea to talk about sex, boundaries, and fantasy before you get baked together,” says Thomas. Some people love stoned sex and even have better sex under the influence, while others feel it compromises their ability to consent.
Check out more of what Kristen has to say about weed and relationships by clicking here.
Startup Hustle with Matt DeCoursey and Matt Watson
February 13th, 2020
In this episode of Startup Hustle, Matt Decoursey is joined by Kristen Thomas as she shares the ups, downs, ins, and outs of the sex coaching business. Kristen is a coach who focuses on relationships, dating, and sex. She takes us through what it’s like to coach people on something that is often taboo, gives advice about the best ways to market yourself, lower barriers to entry for your potential clients, and learning how to create a sustainable business structure.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-coaching-201/id1323580239?i=1000465477572
Better Kansas City, February 11th, 2020
Must Love Pets: How Millenials’ Devotion to Pets Has Revolutionized Dating
Featured on Chewy.com, By Sara Ventiera, January 31st, 2020
Millennials accounted for the largest segment of pet parents for all types of pets, especially smaller animals like birds, fish and small, exotic companion animals, according to APPA’s Generational Report. More than 80 percent of millennials and Gen Z pet parents have dogs while just under 50 percent have cats.
“Something I hear consistently from younger clients is, ‘If you don’t like pets, something is wrong with you,’” says Kristen Thomas, 38, head coach and owner of Open the Doors Coaching, which offers life and relationship coaching services in Kansas City, Missouri.
Photo: iStock.com/sonjaarose. Illustrations: Ashley Santoro
Better Kansas City, January 13th 2020
Radiate Wellness Podcast with Christi Clemons Hoffman, January 7th, 2020
What To Do With Your Partner Before The End Of The Year, According To Experts
Featured in Bustle, by Kristine Fellizar, December 13th, 2019
With all the stress that comes with the holiday season, it’s no secret that this time of that year can be a little tough on couples. Not to add any more pressure, but there’s only a couple of weeks left in the year. If you want to start the new year off right, it’s time to make sure your relationship is in good shape. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do with your partner between now and the end of the year, so you can start 2020 off strong.
Kristen added #3 – Talk about your Sex Life
Better Kansas City, November 19th, 2019
The Jonathan Wier Show
Kristen joined Rod on The Jonathan Wier Show. She helped people understand what a sex coach does, answered all of Rod’s burning questions about love, romance and sex, and had lots of laughs along the way. We also discussed the concept of ‘permission for pleasure’, how porn has affected our perception of sex, and how to approach your partner if you want to try something new in the bedroom.
The Realennials
Startup Hustle with Matt DeCoursey and Matt Watson, July 23rd, 2020
The Matts – Matt Watson and Matt DeCoursey – had Kristen on to explain what she does and how she does it, and what its like to build a service-based business like this. We discussed finding love via dating apps, what its like when your reputation proceeds you when you’re dating, especially when you are easy to search on the internet. There were lots of jokes about being a “Head Coach”, but the Matts came to understand the niche that OTC fulfills.
https://www.startuphustle.xyz/startup-hustle-episodes/business-sex-coaching/
A vacation could be just what your sex life needs!
Of course, I couldn’t really phrase it like that, but I did share some tips on Better Kansas City
about using vacation time to reignite the passion in your relationship.
Shelf Life: Guilty Pleasures, Story time with David Wayne Reed
Podcast: Rich Dad Roundtable
With Valentine’s Day approaching, the guys thought it would be great to sit down and have a discussion about sex, romance, and relationships. Seeing how they lack the education surrounding the topics they phoned in an expert! They welcomed Owner and Head Coach of Open The Doors Coaching Kristen Thomas to the studio for a round table discussion. Kristen offered some insight into her personal life, her career, and overall some great advice.
Better Kansas City, February 14th, 2019
Better Kansas City, December 17th, 2018
Discovering Kansas City with Mitch Weber, November 30th, 2018
On the Must Love Fetish Podcast, listen to Kristen and Sweetly Sensual Sara discuss monogamy, polyamory, and being new to the BDSM scene. They also discuss navigating a threesome for the first time, and what its like to be a sex coach.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/must-love-fetish/id1213694864?mt=2#