From Screens to Scenes: Technology's Impact on Intimacy with dr. Markie Twist

Join us on Thursday, November 20th at 9pm ET for our discussion with dr. Markie Twist.

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🔍 What We’re Talking About

In this episode, Dr. Markie Twist joins Dustin to explore how the digital world has become an extension of our erotic and emotional lives. As a therapist, educator, and researcher of technology in relationships, Dr. Markie offers a nuanced lens on how devices can both disrupt and deepen human connection. Together, they unpack the paradox of our time: that the same screens which isolate us can also become sacred spaces of disclosure, consent, and care.

Drawing from their work on the Couple and Family Technology Framework, Dr. Markie examines how virtual intimacy challenges traditional models of touch, trust, and embodiment. They discuss how attachment patterns play out in digital exchanges, how ethical lines blur when the body becomes optional, and how AI and technology are rewriting what it means to be “with” someone.

When our most intimate connections can exist without physical presence, what does it truly mean to be close?

🎙️ Meet Our Guest

Markie Louise Christianson (L. C.) Twist, PhD, MA, MEd, BS, LMFT, LMHC,CSE-S, RegCOSRT (dr./she/they) was born in Alaxsxaq (Alaska), grew up in a small village on the road-system, and currently is living as a digital nomad across Canada and Europe. dr. Markie is Teaching Faculty and the Graduate Student Research Chairperson in the Doctoral and Masters Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) programs, as well as the Interim Program Coordinator of the Sexuality Studies Certificate in the Relational Therapy Division at Antioch University (New England and Seattle campuses) in the Graduate School of Counseling, Therapy, and Psychology. dr. Markie is also the Session Instructor in the University of Guelph Professional Sexuality Practices Clinical Training Program in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. dr. Markie is a registered member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT), a licensed marriage and family therapist (IA, NV) and mental health counselor (IA), as well as a clinical fellow and approved supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and certified sexuality educator and supervisor through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). dr. Markie is co-author of the books, The Internet Family: Technology in Couple and Family Relationships, The Couple and Family Technology Framework: Intimate Relationships in a Digital Age, and Focused Genograms: Attachment Focused Intergenerational Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families (2nd ed.) dr. Markie serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Sexual and Relationship Therapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice and is coeditor of the book, Eco-Informed Practice: Family Therapy in an Age of Ecological Peril. Some of dr. Markie’s honors include being the recipient of: the 2025 American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) Sexuality Educator Award, the 2020 Wisconsin Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT) Carl Whitaker Award, a 2019 University of Wisconsin (UW) System Honoree of the Dr. P. B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People, the 2018 Delta Kappa Zeta Chapter Charles Cole Outstanding Professional Development Award, and a 2017 Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Rising Scholar Emerging Professional Award.

You can learn more about dr. Markie at:

drmarkie.com

Follow them on:

Instagram @dr_markie

Facebook @DRMARKIETWIST

LinkedIn: Markie Twist

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