Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli

What do you do when your partner isn’t the person you fell for? Jennifer is joined by Doireann O’Connor and comedians Ger Mullins and Breda Hegarty to answer your sex and relationship dilemmas. Plus: a dad’s new girlfriend takes down Mam’s photo, and is it OK to bring someone you’ve only just met to a family wedding to split the costs?

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Ian Lynam was 13 when he started growing breasts. Doireann O’Connor jokes she’s still waiting for hers. Now that chicken fillets are out and natural everything is in, Jennifer asks who decides what a normal chest looks like. They get into male breast reduction surgery, stuffing bras for the disco, and how looksmaxxing and filters keep raising the bar.

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Mark T Cox learned to flirt set dancing in Clare, and now he’s here to teach the rest of us. He tells Jennifer why being direct beats a joke, what your backdrop says about your saucy pics, and how to stay safe online. Plus, Doireann is matched with an 80-something farmer at Lisdoonvarna.

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Is liking a thirst trap cheating? What about keeping Hinge, texting your ex or getting a little too close to ChatGPT? Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by Damo Clark and Doireann O'Connor to tackle the gas, messy world of modern-day micro-cheating.

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Still waiting on a sorry that's never coming? Or apologising for everything except what matters? Leslie Shoemaker joins Jennifer to explain why the Irish over-apologise, why "I'm sorry you feel that way" is gaslighting, and what a real apology sounds like. Plus: Doireann O'Connor tries to quit her 50-a-day sorry habit, the friend who keeps cancelling, and whether you should ever go to bed angry. 

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How do you keep the peace without building up resentment? And when is it time to say enough is enough? Jennifer is joined by Doireann O’Connor, Sinéad Culbert and Brian Gallagher to tackle your biggest in-law dilemmas, from mothers-in-law bringing unwanted food and commenting on what you eat, to fathers-in-law turning down the heating, starting DIY jobs and rearranging the dishwasher.

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Jennifer is joined by Rosie Wilby to talk about what happens when relationships end, from being dumped by email to finding ways of moving forward with compassion. The award-winning comedian and author of The Breakup Monologues explores what breakups can teach us about ourselves, why humour can help us through heartbreak, and whether staying friends with an ex is really possible.

To find out more about Rosie and her work: rosiewilby.com

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Jennifer is joined by friend of the show Doireann O’Connor, comedian Julie Jay, and intimacy coach and sex educator Grace Alice Ó Sé to chat about dating, long-term relationships and listener dilemmas at the show’s first-ever live recording at Kildare Village.

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What are Irish people really bringing to sex therapy? Jennifer is joined by Orlagh Reid, a psychotherapist specialising in clinical sexology to decode the bizarre riddles and everyday code words we bring to therapy, why some people wait decades before they book an appointment, and what's really going on behind closed doors.

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From soft launches and couple posts to red flags and the bare minimum, social media has created a whole new relationship rulebook. Jennifer is joined by journalist Édaein O’Connell and comedian Ger Mullins to talk comparison, expectations, privacy versus secrecy — and what actually matters in a relationship when nobody else is watching.

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Smut didn’t begin with BookTok. From Judy Blume and Jackie Collins to audiobooks and sexy dragons, women have long read it for fantasy and escape. But can it help you work out what turns you on, or leave real-life sex feeling flat? Jennifer is joined by bestselling author and former sex columnist Vicki Notaro to talk desire, porn and whether sharing a steamy chapter can help couples say what they want.

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A couples’ holiday sounds romantic until you’re tired, lost and arguing over where to eat. Jennifer is joined by psychotherapist Síle Uí Chiaráin to explain why holidays can expose pressure points in a relationship – and how couples can manage conflict, repair a row and reconnect.

Just Between Us is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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Anal sex is surrounded by myths about preparation and pain. General Surgeon Dr Evan Goldstein joins Jennifer to explain what people often get wrong and how to approach your body from a pleasure point of view.

Listeners note; Competition entries are now closed for tickets to our live podcast recording.

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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When a friend keeps returning to the same relationship, it can feel like you’re trapped in the cycle with them. Do you tell them exactly what you think, keep your mouth shut or admit that you can’t keep having the same conversation?

Psychologist Louize Carroll joins Jennifer Zamparelli to discuss compassion fatigue, boundaries and the difference between honest support and judgement disguised as care. Plus, why people go back, whether no contact works and how to face the ex everyone called a bastard.

Listeners note; Competition entries are now closed for tickets to our live podcast recording.

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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We've all had a fantasy we've kept to ourselves, but should it stay there? Jen is joined by relationship and sex educator Aoife Murray to talk about the fantasies people actually have, why they're so common, and why talking about them doesn't have to be awkward.

From BDSM and foot fetishes to communication, consent and Irish shame, this is an honest, funny conversation about what really goes on in our heads.

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

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Who should pay on a first date, should couples split everything equally, and how much financial independence should each partner keep? Jennifer Zamparelli and matchmaker Mairead Loughman explore how money exposes our expectations around fairness, security and respect—from joint accounts and childcare to debt, spending habits and the rows that are rarely just about money.

Listeners note; Competition entries are now closed for tickets to our live podcast recording.

Just Between Us is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long before our first kiss or heartbreak, our ideas about love were already taking shape at home. Jennifer is joined by Emma Kehoe, Brenda Dennehy and Kieran Corrigan for a funny and revealing chat about how siblings, birth order, school and the Irish mammy can shape our relationships. From eldest-daughter syndrome to growing up with brothers or in a family of eight, they ask how much of our love lives can be traced back to childhood.

Listeners note; Competition entries are now closed for tickets to our live podcast recording.

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Why do good people cheat? Jennifer Zamparelli sits down with psychotherapist Dr. Richard Hogan to talk about the messy reality of infidelity and why it's rarely as simple as right or wrong. They chat about attachment styles, midlife, rebuilding trust, and whether a relationship can ever come back from betrayal.

Listeners note; Competition entries are now closed for tickets to our live podcast recording.

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Most of us learned about sex in fragments through rumours, awkward conversations and a lot of guesswork. Twenty years after his bestselling book She Comes First changed the conversation around female pleasure, sex therapist Ian Kerner joins Jennifer for an honest, funny, and eye-opening chat about cunnilingus, the orgasm gap, performance anxiety, and why great sex has far more to do with communication than technique. From clitoral anatomy to confidence in the bedroom, this episode unpacks what actually works and why many of us are still getting it wrong. 

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How long would you ignore a sexual health problem before getting it checked? For some people, the answer might surprise you.

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This week, Jen is joined by Olympic rower, doctor Dr Philip Doyle for a funny and fascinating conversation about sexual health, STI testing, mental health, blue pills, broken penises and the medical issues people leave far too late.

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From awkward symptoms and emergency room stories to why so many of us avoid getting help, Dr Doyle answers the questions most people are too embarrassed to ask.

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This week Jennifer is joined by Shawna Scott, sex educator and owner of Ireland's multi-award-winning, sex-positive online boutique SexSiopa.ie. Together they explore the apps promising better sex, better communication and better relationships. From scheduling intimacy and sharing fantasies to app-controlled sex toys and AI matchmaking, can technology actually help us connect or is it getting in the way? Why are so many people exhausted by dating apps? What exactly is Madonna doing on Grindr? And is scheduling sex really as unsexy as it sounds?

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Have you ever said “yeah, that’s fine” when it absolutely wasn’t fine? This week Jennifer is joined by sex and relationship coach Shannen Barry to unpack people-pleasing in all its forms. From overcommitting and avoiding confrontation to faking orgasms. Why do so many of us prioritise someone else’s comfort over our own needs? And how do we stop? Expect laughs, honesty and a few uncomfortable truths. Sorry.

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Got a sex question you’ve never said out loud? Jennifer Zamparelli is joined once again by sex educator and intimacy coach Grace Alice O’Shea for another special listener Q&A. 

From why sex can feel amazing one day and awkward the next, to random body reactions and feeling undesired in a relationship, no question is off limits. Jennifer and Grace Alice discuss how to talk about intimacy, reconnect with your sexual self, and the one question Grace Alice believes everyone should ask themselves about their sex life. 

They’re answering the questions you usually keep to yourself. 

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Feeling sexy… it sounds simple, but for a lot of us, it’s anything but.

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This week, Jennifer is joined by comedian Aideen McQueen and burlesque performer Bonnie Boux to unpack why so many of us feel awkward, self-conscious, or just completely disconnected from that side of ourselves.

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From Irish shame and long-term relationship ruts to crochet-induced icks and the surprising power of a good playlist… this is a conversation about confidence, comfort, and figuring out what actually makes you feel good

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Because as it turns out, sexy isn’t a look… it’s something you can learn.

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Ever heard of lactophilia or sploshing ? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

This week, we’re getting into kinks… and all the questions you’d nearly be afraid to ask out loud. From erotic lactation (yes, it is what you think!) to squeaking balloons, there is no stone left unturned. Jennifer, comedian Aideen McQueen and Jamie Ryan (aka Mr Leather Europe 2026) unpack where curiosity comes from, what draws people into this world, and what actually goes on behind the scenes. And let us tell you… it’s a lot more common, and a lot less “out there” than you might think.

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For this episode of Just Between Us, we're talking about better sex, not more of it, not swinging from the chandeliers, just figuring out what actually works for you.

Because let’s be honest… for something most of us are doing, we’re still wildly awkward talking about it. Between Catholic guilt, dodgy sex ed and the idea we’re all meant to just know what we’re doing, a lot of us are out here guessing and hoping for the best.

Joining Jennifer is sex educator Jenny Keane, who’s here to take the pressure off. From viral workshops (and yes, the great Irish cucumber shortage) to simple, practical ways to shake things up, this is all about getting out of your head, out of the same old routine, and into something that feels good.

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For this episode of Just Between Us, Jennifer sits down with psychotherapist Stephanie Regan to unpack what makes a relationship last.

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Because love, chemistry and butterflies are all well and good but they won’t carry you through the everyday reality of life, when you’re busy, distracted, and trying to stay connected in the middle of it all. From communication and self-awareness to fun, respect and learning how to argue without tearing strips off each other, this is a warm, honest and insightful conversation about the habits that keep relationships strong long after the honeymoon phase fades.

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For this episode of Just Between Us, Jennifer opened the DMs and asked listeners to send in the relationship dilemmas keeping them up at night and wow, you absolutely did not hold back.

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Joining her to sort through the chaos are comedian Enya Martin, writer and broadcaster Barbara Scully, and Laughter Lounge MC Brian Gallagher. From ghosting and dating apps to sex chats, gym hints, and mothers barging into bedrooms at the worst possible moment, this is a funny, honest and gloriously unfiltered deep dive into modern love.

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Desire doesn’t have to have an expiry date. This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer sits down with clinical sexologist Emily Power Smith to talk about sex and ageing, from libido shifts and menopause to illness, disability and changing bodies. It’s a reassuring conversation about letting go of old expectations, learning what works now, remembering pleasure can evolve with you and sex can keep getting better.

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Love doesn’t always arrive neatly or on schedule. This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer is joined by Jennifer Rock and Jill Deering to talk about building a family that doesn’t fit the traditional script. From parenting young and navigating small-town scrutiny, to coming out later in life and becoming a stepmother in your 30s, they share what it really takes to blend lives with care. They open up about co-parenting with ex-partners, putting kids first, and learning to do the work even when relationships change shape. It’s a warm, honest conversation about choosing kindness, earning trust slowly, and trusting that love can still be full and meaningful when it takes an unexpected path.

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Welcome to Just Between Us, the sex and relationships podcast from the Irish Independent, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. This week, Jennifer is joined by Bobby McQuaid, a new dad who spent years struggling in silence with erectile dysfunction and the shame that came with it. Bobby opens up about the pressure young men feel, how ED affected his relationships, and the long road to getting the right help.

Just Between Us is an Irish Independent podcast hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. New episodes every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Just Between Us, the sex and relationships podcast from the Irish Independent, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. We’ve all heard about the wage gap – but what about the orgasm gap? This week, Jennifer is joined by writer, broadcaster and Sex Education script consultant Alix Fox to talk about why straight men are still having more orgasms than straight women, and how sex toys, better conversations and a broader idea of sex could help close that gap.

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Just Between Us is an Irish Independent podcast hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. New episodes every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Jennifer is joined by pharmacist and author Laura Dowling to talk vulvas, vaginas and everything we were never taught about women’s sexual health – from pubic hair and “feminine freshness” myths to lube, menopause, prolapse and the power of finally finding your own pleasure.

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Just Between Us is an Irish Independent podcast hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. New episodes every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.