LOVERS by Shan – Details, episodes & analysis

Sex Is a Skill. Beducated is where you learn it. Join the world's largest sex school and access 150+ courses for curious adults: https://beducate.me/shan2026  —---------  In this episode of Lovers, Jared and I sit down on vacation for a conversation we’ve never had this honestly before. This is our seventh year of marriage, the year people warn you about. The year of the “seven-year itch.” And while we’ve built a life together, kids, history, love, this was the first year I really sat with a truth that surprised even me. For a long time, I wasn’t fully certain we would stay married forever. In this conversation, we talk about what it actually feels like to be years into a relationship, how having children changes the dynamic between partners, and why even strong marriages go through seasons of doubt, distance, and recalibration. We share the fears we had going into year seven, the honest ways our relationship has been tested, and what ultimately shifted for me to say, fully and consciously, that this is the person I’m choosing for life. This episode isn’t about perfect love. It’s about commitment, growth, and what it really takes to stay. If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship can survive the hard seasons, or questioned what long-term love is supposed to feel like, this conversation is for you. Follow Jared BradyInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/enjoyjaredbradySubscribe to his YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKVWwEy39GLNzKXXt9v46TA  Want more Lover Receive the weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newslette Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore quizzes and worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shout out to the sponsor of this episode Tonal. Right now, Tonal is offering our listeners $200 off your Tonal purchase. Just go to tonal.com and use promo code LOVERS. Big love to the sponsor of this episode, Masterclass. Right now, our listeners get an additional 15% off any MasterClass annual membership at https://www.masterclass.com/lovers  ——————— In this episode of Lovers, I sit down with Affion Crockett for a conversation about love, timing, and what it really takes to build a relationship that works. Affion is actually part of my own love story. He’s the reason Jared and I met. But in this conversation, we turn the lens on him. Now in his 50s, after years of dating, therapy, and the loss of his father, Affion shares that he finally feels clear on what he’s looking for in a partner, and what he’s no longer willing to force. For a long time, he believed in the idea that if you try hard enough, you can make a relationship work. But watching his father spend years in an unhappy marriage, and ultimately pass away still carrying that weight, changed how he sees love completely. We talk about why some relationships aren’t meant to work no matter how much effort you put in, why “happy wife, happy life” doesn’t always lead to real fulfillment, and what it looks like to pursue a relationship that actually adds to your life instead of draining it. This isn’t a story about giving up on love. It’s about getting honest about what love should feel like, and having the clarity to wait for the right fit. If you’ve ever tried to make something work that just didn’t click, or wondered if it’s too late to find the kind of relationship you really want, this episode is for you. Want to manifest a love that FEELS exactly as you’ve always dreamt it would (in your wildest dreams)? Get specific with that language using our LOVERS feelings wheel + Romantic Wishlist worksheet https://www.loversbyshan.com/resource/the-feelings-wheel---newsletter-subscribers-only   Follow Affion CrockettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/affioncrockett/Watch A Hip-Hop Story Now → https://www.ahiphopstory.com/  Want more Lover?Receive the weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletterJoin the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/communityExplore quizzes and worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Lovers, Abby De La Rosa returns three years after our first conversation to reflect on what time, motherhood, and public scrutiny have actually taught her. When Abby first joined the show, she was pregnant and navigating intense speculation about her relationship with Nick Cannon, who now has 12 children with multiple partners. That episode sparked massive conversation and debate about alternative relationship structures, belief, and who society decides to trust. Now, years later, Abby comes back with clarity, boundaries, and lived experience. In this follow-up conversation, Abby opens up about what it’s been like raising children within a highly publicized family dynamic, how her understanding of love and partnership has evolved, and why she remains grounded in her choices despite ongoing judgment. She addresses the assumptions people make about women in nontraditional relationships, what outsiders often get wrong about consent and agency, and how motherhood reshaped her sense of self. This episode isn’t about defending a headline or convincing anyone of a particular relationship model. It’s about autonomy, growth, and what happens when a woman is given time to live inside the decisions she once had to justify. If you’ve ever wondered what comes after the internet forms an opinion, this conversation answers that. Right now, Tonal is offering our listeners $200 off your Tonal purchase. Just go to tonal.com and use promo code LOVERS. — Thank you to Evvy for sponsoring today’s episode! Check out Evvy here: https://evvy.yt.link/SVTTsvO and use code LOVERSBYSHAN10 for 10% off your first purchase (up to $25). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am answering 10 questions submitted by YOU, allll about sex! I am looking forward to making more Q+A episodes, so feel free to submit your questions around sex, love and dating. Huge thank you to the sponsors of this episode Ritual Use code Lovers for 10% your order for 3 months. Http://ritual.com/loversFollow Shan:https://www.instagram.com/shanboodramhttps://www.tiktok.com/@shanboodyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qngloversfriendspodcast@gmail.comFollow Jared: Http://instagram.com/enjoyjaredbradySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Jauregui talks about breaking things off with Ty Dolla Sign, writing Always Love, holistically healing and then finding real love again with another woman.Lauren Jauregui rose to prominence as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony, which became one of the best- selling girl groups of all time.Since then, she has gone on to release her solo projects “Expectations” and “Prelude.” Lauren has also collaborated with Steve Aoiki, Halsey, Tainy (Tiny), and Ty-Dolla Sign whom she publicly dated for about 2 years. Her hit, Always Love, pays homage to the end of her relationship with Ty and in this episode we get under the covers of that song to discuss the reason for the split, the lessons from that love lost and the discoveries she's made about who she is and what she needs since.Follow @Laurenjauregui on all social media platformsIf you are an international listener, catch her on tour starting in March https://www.laurenjauregui.com/Listen to “Always Love” the single and her project “Prelude” which are out nowThank you to the sponsors of this episodeMAGIC SPOONGo to http://magicspoon.com/lovers to grab a variety pack and try it today! And be sure to use our promo code LOVERS at checkout to save five dollars off your order!DIPSEAFor listeners of Lovers and Friends, Dipsea is offering an extended 30-day free trial when you go to http://DipseaStories.com/lovers BETTER HELPVisit http://BetterHelp.com/lovers to get 10% off your first monthBUMBLEDownload Bumble in your App Store and put yourself first when you look for love. Also, learn how Bumble can help make your search simpler and more satisfying at http://Bumble.com by clicking on "The Buzz"Follow Shan:https://www.instagram.com/shanboodramhttps://www.tiktok.com/@shanboodyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qngloversfriendspodcast@gmail.comFollow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenjauregui/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I talk about the 10 soulmates we may encounter over the span of our lives. Thanks for being patient with me this week on this episode. Promise to do better!Here are the 10 types of soulmates.The Stranger Soul Mate - unrequited love is still love. We needed them, we loved them, we were certain we were destined to marry them and they barely remember our last name.The black hole Soul Mate -  the person that we lost ourselves and our sensibilities to (usually our first requited soul mate experience)The Almost doesn’t count Soul Mate - the person who checked all the boxes but couldn’t light your fire (or vice versa)The Only If They… Soul MateThe Stay with you Forever but Stay Away From Me Forever Soul Mate - the person you’ll never truly be over even though it’s definitely overThe one that got away - the good guy/ girl who you blew it with and now they’re happy with someone elseThe Rip Tide Soulmate - the relationship that preys on your needs, insecurities, weakness’ and fears.The prototype Soulmate - the person you are so sure is your one but upon further inspection you realize is just a beautiful imposter who taught you what you really needed to know about what you need out of loveThe Muse Soulmate - the person who’s meant to teach you about love/ connection, but not give it to you (usually a crush you never get a shot with)The Love of my Life soulmate- the relationship that allows you to be your best self and love at a higher frequency. A love marked by self insight, happiness, individual growth and true mutuality.Thanks to the sponsors of this episode!Babbel!Http://www.babbel.com/loversBumble: Download the Bumble app today for free!Hello Fresh!Http://www.hellofresh.com/loversFollow Shan:http://instagram.com/shanboodyhttp://tiktok.com/shanboodyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qngloversfriendspodcast@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself attracted to someone of the same sex? How do you navigate re-orienting or re-navigating your sexual orientation after a queer experience? That is exactly what we are breaking down in this episode. Our starring guest is singer, songwriter Kiana Lede. Kiana is an Arizona born actress, singer and songwriter who burst into the scene with her Youtube series dubbed “Soulfood Sessions”. Her cover of Hotline bling went viral in 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77MenaZJrNwSince then Kiana has released 2 Studio EPs, over a dozen singles, and a 17 track debut album which debuted at #30 on the Billboard 200 in 2020. Her music has featured artists like Offset, Ari Lennox and BLACK. Her music has a way of laying out sexual exploration and liberation, Her latest project, a mixtape titled “unfinished” pays tribute to her late friend Azuma.Thanks to the sponsors of this episode. http://www.Bumble.com or Download the Bumble AppHttp://www.BetterHelp.com/LoversHttp://www.zocdoc.comFollow Shan: http://instagram.com/shanboodyhttp://tiktok.com/shanboodyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qngloversfriendspodcast@gmail.comFollow Kiana: https://www.youtube.com/@KianaLedehttps://www.instagram.com/kianalede/?hl=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celibacy, abstinence, sex strike, sexlessness, dry spell ….call it what you may but we can all agree is challenging. This week we are joined by Stephan Speaks- one of the most popular voices in the relationship education space. Stephan has devoted himself to a life of celibacy on more than one occasion: first run with the intention to connect with God, second to connect with his God-given purpose and now he finds himself conflicted between looking for the clarity that celibacy seemed to give him before and longing for the intimacy he desires as a healthy, single, eligible bachelor. Thanks to the sponsors of this episode. Dipsea!Whether you want to energize your sex life for yourself, a lover or so you can channel that energy elsewhere, try tuning into Dipsea because listeners of Lovers and Friends, get a 30 day free trial! Go to http://DipseaStories.com/LOVERSLinks to episode clips that were featured in this episode. Glo Atanmo:https://youtu.be/lbIaM09t0ZUTanarelle:https://youtu.be/FcKrnF2OpS4Rachel Lindsay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnEORZJD2pQ&t=354sSex Strike: http://youtu.be/71ZgcVtMq84Follow Shan: http://instagram.com/shanboodyhttp://tiktok.com/shanboodyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qngloversfriendspodcast@gmail.comFollow Stephan Speaks:http://instagram.com/stephanspeakshttps://www.stephanspeaks.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPBO9gLGy8ujsJ7xjARI7owSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On your journey to find and keep love (if this is your wish) have you ever felt like maybe you are meant to stay single forever?That is how this week’s guest, Glo Atanmo aka Glo Graphics on IG felt throughout most of her life. She was used to not being any man's first choice only to later date 12 quality men at once. Then in 2022, she embarked on her pursuit of finding her forever love.  She is now openly sharing her love story with her millions of followers online. In this episode, she breaks down what the journey looked like and how she pursued an intentional dating season that led her to her lover.Research article by Lachlan Brown for HackSpirit called “I can’t find love”. - 20 things to remember if you feel this is you”.  You’re not really looking You’re list of wants in a partner is too long You’re in the wrong place You believe too much in soul mates and destiny You’re still not over your ex (intimate idealization) You don’t know what people want from you/ you don’t want to give it You have unresolved childhood issues You feel like you unconditionally deserve love You try way too hard You’re not being your true self You don’t know how to play the game You take dating for granted (entitlement issues) You sabotage relationships Thanks to the sponsors of this episode. ZocDOC: Go to https://zocdoc.com/lovers and download the  Zocdoc app for FREE. Babbel: Get up to 55% off your subscription by going to https://babbel.com/LOVERSMagic Spoon: Get 5$ off your order by going to https://magicspoon.com/LOVERSFollow Shan: http://instagram.com/shanboodyhttp://tiktok.com/shanboodyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qngloversfriendspodcast@gmail.comFollow Glo: http://instagram.com/glographicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are drinking games for lovers or losers? Does alcohol make sex better and wetter or dryer and dimmer? A study by Kathryn Lakeland of Femfresh found that 75 per cent of women said they liked to drink before getting into bed with their husband or boyfriend. In this episode we ask those in the 75 per cent to examine if this is a powerful or limiting decision.Many share that alcohol makes them feel confident, flirty and powerful, but also less aware, less excited and more prone to regrettable decisions. My guest on this episode, ‘Drinking Games’ Author,  Sarah Levy once described being drunk on dates as a mandatory activity that made her feel like she had warm honey in her veins. Now, she is 5 years sober and ready to tell the world why. In this episode, I am also joined by licensed therapist Erica Lubetkin who specializes in anxiety and addiction. Erica breaks down how alcohol can momentarily spike dopamine in your system, but the lasting effects are not so good. This podcast is intended to spark hard-to-have conversations in your romantic and sexual life that lead to powerful shifts. I genuinely believe this episode delivers on that promise because we are talking about some powerful shit - alcohol. Thanks to the sponsor of this episode, Better Help! Visit http://Betterhelp.com/lovers for 10% off your first month. http://Betterhelp.com/LOVERSFollow Shan: http://instagram.com/shanboodyhttp://tiktok.com/shanboodyhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qngloversfriendspodcast@gmail.comFollow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahllevyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sarahllevyhttps://www.sarahllevy.com/Follow Erica: https://ericalubetkin.com/https://www.instagram.com/erica.lubetkinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices