How did you become interested in this line of work? (tell us a little bit about your background)

I first discovered Tantra in the 1980s during the AIDS crisis. I was looking for a way for my gay male friends to be able to have ecstatic, wild, fierce sex, but in a way that would not spread AIDS. There needed to be a spiritual component to that sex to help us deal with all the death and dying. Plus, we needed both an emotional and physical healing component.  The result was a blend of Tantric and Taoist practices, breathwork, bodywork and metaphysics. And it all became Urban Tantra.

Please share a wellness tip or word of advice that relates to the workshop you will be presenting.

Breathe a little more fully and deeply than you usually do. Do this often.

What or who inspires you? (This could be anything from your mentor to your favorite quote)

I like this quote by Guillaume Apollinaire:

Come to the edge, she said.

No, I will fall.

Come to the edge.

No, it’s too high.

Come to the edge.

I came

she pushed

and I flew.

I am inspired by both those who come to the edge and those who push them.

What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am most proud of having had leadership roles in creating ecstatic, life changing experiences for people. Two that spring to mind are the 1982 Tony Award winning musical “NINE” and the Urban Tantra Professional Training Program.