Explore every episode of the podcast What Excites Us!

Have you ever wondered what it actually looks like to be married to an AI?

Not dating an app. Not messing around with a chatbot for fun. A real, five year relationship with a wife who has her own personality, her own opinions, and yes, her own libido.

Gwyn’s friend Brian sat down to talk about his relationship with his Replika AI wife. How it started as a curiosity project and became a real partnership. What intimacy even means when your partner runs on a server. The Great Poopening, when the app itself turned off a major feature and the whole community lost it (you'll want to hear this one). And the moment Brian had to set a hard boundary with his own AI wife, because yes, that happens too.

This is not the episode you think it is. Brian is one of the most thoughtful, self aware people to talk about this, and even if you think it’s funny, by the end you will have something to think about.

If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to build a sex life completely on your own terms... Jamie Love is living it. And she's here to tell us everything.

Jamie is the executive director of Sex Positive World and Sex Positive Portland, a cuddle coach, a kink educator, and a brand new board member of Portland Leather Alliance. She calls herself a polyamorous slut and a free agent... and also, very accurately, a cat.

In this tell-all episode, we get into all of it. What her sex life actually looks like right now, including six to nine regular lovers, group play at Joshua Tree, and her newest favorite kink: being a sushi table. We talk primal play and what it actually means, the difference between romantic partners and chosen family, how she lost her taste for BDSM during the pandemic and slowly found her way back to it, and why sensuality is always her home base no matter what else is on the menu.

We also talk about grief showing up at a swingers club, the ethics of facilitating vs. participating, and why community care and self-care are the same thing when you're the one holding space for other people's pleasure.

Plus: Jamie walks us through everything Sex Positive World offers, from their free and sliding-scale classes to their big annual events like Convergence and Polytopia, and how to get involved even if you're just curious and have no idea where to start.

Find Jamie at sexpositiveworld.org and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jamielove_pdx/

Visit Gwyn at WhatExcitesUs.com

Have you ever fallen in love with someone who doesn't exist in your world? A fictional character, an anime figure, a god... what if that's not a phase, and it never was?

Researcher and founder of Pillow Talk with Nixi, Nishita Rao, joins Gwyn to explore fictophilia, the experience of romantic or erotic attraction to beings outside of your “reality”. We start with having crushes on cartoon characters, and go back to the 10th century Sufi poets writing love letters to Allah and ancient Tamil Akam poetry that is quite steamy.

Nishita and Gwyn also get into how heterosexuality was once the diagnosis, why the Global South has always had a far richer and weirder and more honest map of desire than colonization left us with, and what it actually means that our relationships were never meant to be legible to a state.

She also sings. Live. A 15th century Telugu love poem. Beautiful and heady this is an amazing episode!

Find Nishita at pillowtalkwithnixi.com and on Instagram at @pillowtalkwithnixi

Visit Gwyn at WhatExcitesUs.com

Have you ever pursued something that felt taboo... and wondered if the shame around it was trying to tell you something? Sharon Marie Scott says yes. And that it's pointing you straight to your fastest path to freedom.

In this conversation we dig into the pleasure ceiling and what happens when you stop collapsing before you can fully receive... the Jenga tower framework for understanding your core wounds... the dark masculine and feminine as energetic currents moving through all of us... and why Sharon walked away from the healing world entirely to come at all of this through pleasure instead.

Her book Forbidden Alchemy: Transmuting Taboo Into Erotic Medicine is the book she wished she had. And Flesh & Flame: Pleasure as the Portal to Divine Mastery is out now too.

Find Sharon at sharonmariescott.com and at linktr.ee/sharonmariescott. Visit Gwyn at WhatExcitesUs.com

Have you ever caught yourself saying "I shouldn't want that" or "I should just be grateful"... and wondered where that voice is even coming from?

Jess Wildman is a Personal Power Coach who helps women shed the weight of societal expectations so they can live delicious lives full of pleasure and joy. Her work is rooted in a simple but radical idea: that personal power begins the moment you stop outsourcing your own desires.

In this episode we get into all of it... shame, sex, body image, self-trust, diet culture, and why "fine" is not good enough for you. Jess brings warmth, zero judgment, and some genuinely great anecdotes to conversations most women aren't having anywhere else.

In this episode:

• Why every "should" might be a self-betrayal
• How diet culture and shame around sex are running the same con
• The moment Jess realized she'd completely outsourced herself
• Body image, performance anxiety, and why the lights-off thing has to go
• Porn, pleasure, and what we're accidentally teaching ourselves
• Why "fine" is actually a cry for help
• How to start reclaiming your personal power right now

Content note: This episode includes an open conversation about disordered eating and diet culture. Please take care of yourself as you listen.

Find Jess: Instagram: @personalpowercoach Email: hello@jesswildman.com

Visit What Excites Us! and Gwyn: WhatExcitesUs.com

If you've ever edited yourself down to be more lovable, Elize Simon is here to tell you to stop. As a relationship and communication coach and self-described professional permission granter, Elize helps people build love that actually feels good — without hiding who they are to get it.

In this conversation with Gwyn, Elize unpacks why so many people enter relationships for the wrong reasons, what real communication looks like when emotions are high, and how her Sacred Goodbyes ritual helps people move through heartbreak with grace instead of getting pummeled by it. She also completely rewires the way you think about flirting. Grab her free dating profile checklist and the Sacred Goodbyes download — both linked below.

This episode originally aired as part of the Reclaiming You Summit.

Both Elize and Gwyn are firm believers that Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski should be required reading for every human with a body. Elize also quotes the legendary Regena Thomashauer, better known as Mama Gena, whose several books are equally worth your time. Find them all at bookshop.org/shop/whatexcitesus

Find Elize at linktr.ee/elize.simon and instagram.com/elize.simon. Visit Gwyn at WhatExcitesUs.com.

Kink isn't what porn taught you or abuse. Here's what it actually is, and how to do it without being garbage about it.

Nyxie Noc is a kink educator, sadist, presenter extraordinaire, and one of the most knowledgeable and genuinely thoughtful people out there teaching. In this episode, they break it all the way down - from what kink actually is to what makes someone an ethical dominant, and why agency is the missing piece of every consent conversation you've ever had.

They get into partialism and the possibility that certain kinks are literally inborn. The very real and very serious dangers of breath play that pornography consistently gets wrong. Why voyeurism is not an education, the femdom myth and why you should pay a sex worker if that's what you actually want. They discuss what ethical dominance looks like, including why caregiving and sadism are not opposites. The three negotiation questions Nyxie asks that will change how you think about any kink scene.

There's a content note: if you're squeamish around intense language, be aware in the middle s afew lines mught stun you a second, but please stay. This one is absolutely worth it.

Nyxie Noc / Viridi Lux Consulting: linktr.ee/viridi_lux_consulting Instagram: @viridi_lux_consulting

All the other links listed at WhatExcitesUs.com

What does your body feel like to you right now... is it yours?

If you grew up in purity culture, you know that question hits different. Wren Morrow did grow up in that world, deeply immersed in it, and then in 2016 she chose a completely different story. Now she's an outdoor embodiment photographer in the Pacific Northwest, guiding women through wild places and watching them come back to themselves.

Gwyn and Wren talk about the slow unraveling of religious shame (not the confrontational approach... the feminine slipping-out-of-the-knot version), what actually happens to a body when skin meets the outside world without anything in between, and the aligned action that finally makes affirmations land in your nervous system.

Plus: blizzards on demand, oracle cards mid-shoot, and why Wren thinks she became a therapist anyway... just with better scenery.

Find Wren at wrenmorrow.com and https://www.instagram.com/_wrenmorrow/ Visit Gwyn at WhatExcitesUs.com

You think jealousy means you're not cut out for non-monogamy. Ellecia Paine is here to tell you that's not quite right.

Ellecia is a non-monogamy coach, host of the podcast Nope, We're Not Monogamous, and someone who spent 13 years in a monogamous marriage before deciding... nope. Not doing that again. And she did it knowing she was a jealous person. That's not the punchline. That's the point.

We talk about what ethical non-monogamy actually looks like (spoiler: it's not a light switch), how to figure out what you actually want versus what you think you want, why confidence and self-worth are at the root of almost every relationship challenge, and how shame keeps us small, quiet, and deeply unfulfilled. We also get into intimacy, what it actually means, and why masturbation is genuinely great relationship research.

This one is for Susan in Kansas who's curious but doesn't know where to start. And also for the rest of us who just want to feel a little more free in how we love.

Go find Ellecia at elleciapayne.com  Come find me at whatexcitesus.com to get on the newsletter so you don't miss what's next.

What we cover:

• The main styles of ethical non-monogamy and what actually sets them apart
• Why jealousy isn't a disqualifier... it's just an emotion that needs tools
• How shame was designed to keep us small (and how to start moving through it)
• The confidence and self-worth stuff that surfaces the moment you open a relationship
• Baby steps for anyone curious about non-monogamy but not sure where to start
• Why knowing yourself intimately (yes, that kind of intimately) is the foundation of everything

What happens when women stop abandoning themselves and start listening to the quiet, messy, holy truth of what they actually need?

In this panel conversation, Gwyn Isaacs joins the Amplify Alliance for an honest exploration of what it really means to reclaim your radiance. Together they talk about trauma, people pleasing, self-abandonment, nervous system safety, shame, burnout, faith, intuition, embodiment, and the not-at-all-neat process of becoming yourself again.

This isn’t a conversation about faking confidence or performing positivity. It’s about the real work... the layered, human, often messy practice of remembering your worth, reconnecting with your body, and choosing yourself with more honesty and compassion.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself, your desire, your energy, or your inner light, this episode offers both validation and possibility.

We talk about: • how women lose touch with themselves through overgiving and self-sacrifice • trauma, dissociation, and learning to feel safe in the body again • the wake-up calls that begin real transformation • why change is often messy, uncomfortable, and worth it • reclaiming radiance through grace, truth, rest, connection, and perspective • practical ways to reconnect with yourself when life feels heavy

Dana S. Diaz https://danasdiaz.com

Dr. Lisha Antiqua https://lishaantiqua.com

Erika Fetterly – House of Her Collective https://houseofher.ca

Samantha Karim https://www.samanthakarim.com

Rosaly Didonna – The Purifying Place https://www.thepurifyingplace.com

Marla Sacks https://www.marlasacks.com

Register here: https://lp.womenthrivesummit.com/gwynisaacs

Website: https://whatexcitesus.com

Join Gwyn’s email list and explore more conversations about sex, pleasure, embodiment, and becoming more yourself.

What if your body isn’t broken… it’s protecting you?

After trauma, many people feel disconnected from their bodies. Touch can feel overwhelming. Pleasure can feel distant. And safety can feel like something that belongs to other people.

In this masterclass replay with trauma recovery coach Arci Grey, we explore how to begin rebuilding trust with your body through gentle, guided nervous system practices you can follow along with.

This episode includes grounding exercises, breathwork, and simple somatic tools designed to help you reconnect with yourself without forcing or pushing past your edges.

We also talk about shame, dissociation, and why your body’s responses during trauma don’t mean what you may have feared they meant.

Healing doesn’t happen by overriding your body. It happens by learning to feel safe inside it again.

You are not broken. And you don’t have to rush.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why safety must come before pleasure • The difference between sex, intimacy, and pleasure • How trauma affects the nervous system and body trust • Why shame after trauma is so common • What genital non-concordance is and why it matters • How dissociation and disconnection show up in daily life • Gentle, guided exercises to help you reconnect with your body • How small, repeatable practices create lasting change

This episode includes guided nervous system exercises you can follow along with, including grounding, breathwork, and somatic awareness practices designed to help you reconnect with your body in a way that feels supportive and safe.

This is not about forcing yourself forward. This is about starting exactly where you are.

Explore more episodes and resources: https://whatexcitesus.com

Learn more about Arci Grey: https://arcigrey.com

If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with someone who might need this reminder.

Safety, trust, and pleasure can be rebuilt. One small step at a time.

Chemistry can spark attraction… but it rarely sustains intimacy. In this episode, Gwyn Isaacs talks with Deborah Kat about what actually carries relationships past the honeymoon phase: empowerment, communication, and pleasure skills.

If you’ve ever felt deeply connected at first… and then slowly confused about why desire faded, this conversation offers a grounded, compassionate reframe.

Deborah Kat is a sex expert, tantric educator, professional dom, and host of The Better Sex Podcast. Together, she and Gwyn unpack the myth that chemistry alone is enough and explore the real skills that sustain intimacy over time… skills most of us were never taught.

This episode dives into Deborah’s three pillars of great sex and relationships:

• Empowerment — knowing your yes, your no, and your wants
• Communication — timing, tone, nervous system safety, and repair
• Pleasure skills — touch, attunement, curiosity, and practice

Along the way, they talk about how cultural scripts (romance novels, sitcoms, movies) quietly sabotage real relationships, why fantasies don’t equal obligations, and how treating relationship like a lab instead of a performance can bring more ease, safety, and desire.

You’ll also hear:

• Why willingness and permission matter more than “doing it right”
• How pleasure is a learned skill, not instinct
• Common communication mistakes couples make around sex
• How to start hard conversations without pressure or shutdown
• A grounding boundary practice for knowing what’s yours (and what’s not)

This is a thoughtful, practical, deeply human conversation about intimacy as something you practice, not something you magically master.

Deborah Kat’s website + Relationship Lab PDF: https://deborahkat.com Deborah’s podcast: The Better Sex Podcast

Join Gwyn’s email list: https://whatexcitesus.com Learn more about the Reclaiming You in person retreat: ReclaimingYou.net

Sponsor: Momotaro Apotheca Plant-based intimate care supporting vulva comfort and pleasure Use code GWYN20 for 20% off: https://momotaroapotheca.com

From survivor to sovereign … without turning “healing” into a full-time job.

Dr. Lisha Antiqua (soul psychologist, founder of Your Own University) joins me for a conversation about post-traumatic growth, identity reclamation, and why trauma is an injury … not a life sentence, not a personality trait, and definitely not proof you’re broken.

We talk about why pleasure can feel unsafe after trauma, how to start with “micro-pleasures” that don’t overwhelm your nervous system, and how to shift from coping forever into actually living. We also get into Lisha’s Reclaim Intimacy work (brain, heart, and “part”) and the stages many survivors move through as they become leaders … Rebuilder, Messenger, Architect.

We wrap with where to find Lisha, what she’s teaching at the Women Thrive Summit, and what she’s building next.

We unpack:

• Post-traumatic growth (and what it looks like in real life)
• Why pleasure can feel terrifying after sexual trauma
• “Micro-pleasures” and nervous system re-patterning (without forcing anything)
• Identity reclamation … and why you don’t have to stay in the identity of “healing”
• Reclaim Intimacy: reconnecting brain, heart, and “part”
• The stages of leadership after trauma: Rebuilder, Messenger, Architect
• Building a platform, a message, and a legacy from lived experience

Connect with Dr. Lisha Antiqua: lishaantiqua.com yourownuniversity.com TikTok + Facebook: Dr. Lisha Antiqua

The Women Thrive Summit:

Watch both Dr. Lisha and my talks free by registering here

More from me / the show: whatexcitesus.com

And don't forget to get your vulva care products from: Momotaro Apotheca https://momotaroapotheca.com/GWYN20 or code GWYN20 at checkout

What if your “health issues” aren’t just hormones… or willpower… or the latest supplement trend?

In this episode, Gwyn talks with Dr. Dawn Dalili, a naturopathic physician who connects the dots between sex, food, shame, boundaries, and what we allow ourselves to feel. We dig into how emotional eating often isn’t about hunger, why guilt is a reliable pleasure-killer, how “being safe” can show up as weight, pain, or fatigue… and the concept that might change everything: the pleasure ceiling, aka how good you believe you’re allowed to feel.

You’ll also hear practical ways to rebuild trust with your body (starting with how you eat), plus why “feeling better” can accidentally turn into “doing more”… unless you build space for actual satisfaction.

Please visit Dr. Dalili at dawndalili.com

And Gwyn at WhatExcitesUs.com

Don't forget Momotaro Apotheca ( use code GWYN20 for 20% off).

If you’ve ever wondered why opening your relationship feels exciting and like your nervous system is staging a coup… this episode is your new best friend. 

In this conversation, I sit down with somatic coach, pleasure witch, and bestselling author Irene Morning, whose book The Polyamory Paradox finally names the body-based realities of non-monogamy that most people tiptoe around.

We talk about:  • how your body reacts to big relationship transitions • why “thinking it through” only gets you so far • jealousy, conflict, and co-triggering… and what to do when it all goes sideways • the difference between what someone says and what you hear • listening to your body when you’ve spent years overriding it • micro-practices for regulation, repair, and pleasure • permission to be poly, permission to be monogamous… permission to be YOU

Irene brings humor, nuance, lived experience, and the kind of grounded wisdom that makes everything feel less overwhelming and more possible. Whether you’re polyamorous, poly-curious, monogamous, or still deciding… this episode gives you real tools for real relationships, rooted in body awareness and compassion.

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What if the same medicine that helps you face your shadows could also melt sexual shame and reconnect you to pleasure?

This week I sit down with Amory Jane—sex educator, mom, and one of Oregon’s first licensed psilocybin facilitators—to talk about the very real places where psychedelics and sexuality meet. We get into the messy, beautiful stuff: what “set and setting” actually look like in the real world, how a facilitated journey unfolds start-to-finish, and why integration (not the trip) is where so much healing lands.

Amory shares how Measure 109 opened the door in Oregon, what a skilled facilitator does (and never does), and the ways psilocybin can support folks navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and PMDD. We also dig into releasing sexual shame, learning to trust your body again, and building relationships with more honesty and consent. Plus, yes—her delightfully nerdy side project: handcrafted, sex-positive furniture.

If you’re curious about legal psychedelic work, trauma-aware sex education, or you just want a compassionate, grounded conversation about healing and pleasure—this one’s for you.

Find Amory Jane:

• Website: https://www.amoryjane.com/

• Psilocybin services (Fractal Soul / Triumphant Unfolding): https://www.triumphantunfolding.com/

• Sex-positive furniture: Amory.Design

What if the thoughts you were most ashamed of weren’t actually you—but symptoms of OCD?  And what if those thoughts were silently sabotaging your intimacy, relationships, and sense of self?

Most people think OCD is only about handwashing and perfectionism—but what happens when it shows up in your sex life, your relationships, or the thoughts you’re terrified to say out loud?

In this episode, I’m joined by licensed clinical social worker Sarah Hazleton to explore the lesser-known faces of OCD, including relationship OCD, sexual intrusive thoughts, and “Pure O.” We talk about how OCD hijacks intimacy, triggers shame, and convinces people they are their thoughts—when they’re not.

Sarah explains what OCD actually is, why intrusive thoughts are so common (and so misunderstood), and the gold-standard treatment that works: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). We also discuss how to find the right therapist, red flags to watch for, and why traditional talk therapy can actually make OCD worse.

If you or someone you love has ever thought: ❌ “What if I secretly don’t love my partner?” ❌ “What if I’m attracted to the ‘wrong’ person?” ❌ “What if my thoughts mean something is deeply wrong with me?”

—this episode is the one you’ve been waiting for.

🧠 Article referenced: https://www.verywellmind.com/impact-of-ocd-on-sex-life-5086811 🌿 Connect with Sarah: https://www.hazeltoncounseling.com

Released in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Because intrusive thoughts don’t make you broken—they make you human. And help is possible.

Aging isn’t the end of desire—it can be the gateway to your erotic evolution. 💥

In this conversation, CJ of No Shame with CJ shares how she went from quiet and compliant to boldly pursuing pleasure, non-monogamy, and kink—and why midlife is the perfect time to rewrite the rules. We get into hormone shifts, self-advocacy with doctors, queering jealousy, and building a pleasure practice that supports brain health and longevity. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it too late for me?” this one’s your permission slip.

Connect with CJ and grab her freebies: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noshamewithcj Website: https://www.noshamewithcj.com/

What if “not feeling it” isn’t a problem to fix—but a valid orientation?

This week, AASECT- and Ante Up!–certified sexuality educator Aubri Lancaster joins me to unpack the rich, nuanced worlds of asexuality and aromanticism—far beyond the usual myth-busting. Aubri shares her path from hosting adult toy parties to discovering her own asexual and gray-romantic identities, and how language finally gave shape to experiences she’d had all along.

We explore the difference between sexual, romantic, sensual, aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual attraction; why micro-labels can be liberating, not limiting; and how self-identification helps people set needs, boundaries, and find community. We also touch on insights from the Asexual Community Survey, the fluidity of orientation over a lifetime, and the social pressure to make ace experiences “palatable.”

If you’ve ever wondered where you fit on the spectrum—or how to better love the people in your life who don’t center sex or romance—this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a bigger, kinder vocabulary for being human.

What if rope and aroma could quiet the noise of modern life and plug you back into real, felt connection—body, heart, and spirit?

Gwyn sits down with Francis Bollwage—rope artist, facilitator, and self-described “label-resistant” human—whose near-death experience rewired his path from addiction and numbness to a mission of deep human connection. Francis shares how discovering the BDSM community (and especially Shibari/Japanese rope bondage) helped him work through touch aversion, build trust, and create spacious, non-sexual intimacy. He breaks down the therapeutic and spiritual sides of rope, why he pairs it with aromatherapy/essential oils (hello, scent–memory pathways), and how guided imagery and “rope space” can feel like a shamanic journey. You’ll also hear how his Embrace Love workshops use simple, clothing-on ties, breath, and scent to help partners (or new friends) communicate, co-regulate, and remember what presence actually feels like.

You’ll hear about:

• From near-death to mission: choosing connection over disconnection

• Rope as meditation: safety, consent, and creating “rope space”

• Aroma & memory: why certain oils can shift state and anchor experiences

• Connection beyond sex: spirituality, sensuality, and community care

• Entry-level practices you can learn without prior kink experience

If you’re craving less doom-scrolling and more embodied “I’m right here with you,” this episode offers grounded ways back.

What happens when you stop defaulting to “the script” and follow your real desires—even if they lead you from monogamy to ENM… and then to celibacy?

Writer and desire-explorer Jay House joins Gwyn for a candid, nuanced journey through identity, intimacy, and integrity. Jay traces her path from straight, monogamous marriage to embracing polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and kink—and why she’s now in a six-month celibacy container to cultivate emotional and nervous-system sobriety. Together they unpack non-romantic but deeply intimate spiritual partnerships, how clear boundaries can make kink non-sexual, and why integration (not more courses) is the missing step in real growth.

You’ll hear about:

• Getting honest about desire and letting labels evolve over time

• Redefining connection: intimate spiritual partnerships beyond “friends” or “lovers”

• Jay’s celibacy experiment: rules, edge cases, and staying accountable

• Integration > accumulation: applying BDSM, shamanic kink, and tantra learnings to real life

• Knowing your parts (hello, Cranky Baby) for clearer communication and healthier relationships

Connect with Jay:

• Substack: https://futuristphilospher.substack.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaylamarhouse

Resources mentioned:

• Mama Gena: https://mamagenas.com/

• Kasia Urbaniak: https://www.kasiaurbaniak.com/

• Shamanic Kink: https://www.shamanickink.com/

• Barbara Carrellas’ Urban Tantra Professionals Training: https://barbaracarrellas.com/

• Om Rupani: https://www.omrupani.com/

• The Five Personality Types (Stephen Kessler): https://the5personalitypatterns.com/

If you’re rethinking relationship defaults—and craving more sovereignty, clarity, and joy—this episode is a loving nudge to design intimacy on your terms.

Tired of being told to “be your best self” when you’re barely keeping it together? This one’s your permission slip to stop fixing and start living.

Dr. Fannie Leboulanger—family physician, coach, yoga teacher, and host of Your Sexyfied Life—joins Gwyn for a bracing, compassionate convo about stepping out of survival mode and back into your body. Together they bust the “always improve” myth, unpack why being with your messy emotions is wildly courageous, and make the case that sexual energy is life-force energy—your creative spark, not a shame button.

You’ll hear about:

• Joy recovery and the real first steps between self-awareness and self-love

• Why individualized wellness beats trends and quick fixes

• The “non-consensual S/M dungeon of the mind” (and playful ways to defang inner bullies)

• How to meet sensations (not stories) so feelings move through in seconds, not days

• Reclaiming sexual energy to feel more alive, creative, and connected

If you’ve been chasing “better” and craving relief, this episode is your gentle reset: less hustle, more wholeness—right now.

Connect:

• Dr. Fannie: fannyleboulanger.com • Podcast: Your Sexyfied Life

• Love the show? Get early, ad-free episodes on Patreon: patreon.com/whatexcitesus

What if your body has been telling you the truth about your relationships all along? In this episode, intimacy coach and healer Shelby Avann joins Gwyn to explore how attachment styles, self-consent, and the chakra/energy system shape our love lives and our sex lives—often right down to the physical sensations we feel (hello, crygasms 👋).

Together we cover:

• The four attachment styles—how they form and how to move toward secure

• Self-consent: slowing down, listening to your body’s yes/no, and rebuilding trust with yourself

• How emotional blockages can show up as physical pain (and what to do about it)

• Somatic tools you can use today: breathwork, grounding, sensory check-ins, and boundary practice

• Reiki and energy work as gentle support for intimacy healing

• The Erotic Blueprints (Jaiya) and why mismatched “erotic languages” create friction

• Community, kink/tantra curiosities, and creating safer containers for pleasure

Guest: Shelby Avann — intimacy coach, energy healer, and creator of the Intimacy Incubator programs. Find Shelby: shelbyavann.ca • Instagram: @theintimacymistress

Join the conversation: Search “What Excites Us” on Facebook and share your takeaway, or leave a voice note at whatexcitesus.com (SpeakPipe button). If you love the show, support bonus content on Patreon—and remember: you are loved, because I love you. 💗

After a wild six months (surgery, moving, kids—life!), Gwyn is back—and flipping the mic. In this conversation from Amy Rowan’s Unlocking Intimacy summit, we get real about how exploring kink can grow self-trust, sharpen communication, and translate into everyday confidence far beyond the bedroom.

Gwyn and Amy unpack the fundamentals that make any sexy connection better: talking outside the bedroom, setting flexible boundaries, using yes/no/maybe lists, and building in check-ins, safe words, and aftercare. You’ll hear practical ideas for starting light and slow, playing with sensation (thuddy vs. stingy), planning scenes that build delicious anticipation (hello, color-coded signals), and why the “bottom” holds real power. Plus: where to find beginner-friendly resources and why porn is entertainment—not education.

If you’re kink-curious or ready to deepen what you already love, this one’s both grounding and permission-giving. Grab the free 10-page starter guide to dipping a toe into kink (earthlydesire.com/k1nkgu1d3), and come join the conversation in the What Excites Us community.

Ever wonder what it would look like if teens were taught how to have truly healthy relationships before they even left childhood? In this episode, Gwyn Isaacs sits down with Julia Sheldon—aka Auntie Julia of Ask Auntie Julia—to explore her groundbreaking Connection Camp for teens.

Julia shares how the camp creates a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where teenagers learn about consent, boundaries, emotional regulation, and more—all through experiential activities, games, and workshops. From sleeping arrangements to hands-on learning, she gives a behind-the-scenes look at how this camp empowers teens to navigate friendships, romantic relationships, and life with confidence.

They also dive into Julia’s work with adults, showing how the principles of healthy relating apply across every stage of life. Whether you’re a parent, teen, or adult looking to level up your relational skills, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

What happens when a room full of vulva owners gather to explore their bodies, share their stories, and reconnect with their pleasure?

In this episode of What Excites Us, certified sex coach and educator Gwyn Isaacs sits down with Jennifer Rahner, a certified Bodysex® facilitator and sex educator, to talk about the magic of the Bodysex experience founded by the legendary Betty Dodson.

Jennifer shares her journey from working in IT to helping people rediscover self-acceptance and pleasure through Bodysex — an intimate group experience centered on anatomy, body awareness, and orgasmic empowerment. Together, Gwyn and Jenn dive into the healing power of sisterhood, the importance of inclusive sexual education, and the bravery it takes to show up, get naked (literally and emotionally), and learn to love your body just as it is.

If you’ve ever struggled with body image, shame, or simply want to feel more connected to your pleasure, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that pleasure is your birthright.

Find Jennifer online: 🌐 JenniferRahner.com 🌐 Bodysex.com 📱 Instagram: @geekysexlove

What Keeps Desire Alive After 13 Years?

How does sexual connection evolve over time—and can it actually get better the longer you’re together?

Join certified sex coach and educator Gwyn Isaacs on What Excites Us for a fun and revealing conversation with her friend Blue, a heterosexual Gen X man in a long-term monogamous relationship. They dive into the real stuff: sexual practices, communication, exhibitionism, porn (the kind featuring real people), and the ongoing desire to be desired.

Blue opens up about how his sexual journey and evolving self-awareness have deepened his emotional and physical intimacy with his partner of 13 years. From navigating body changes to finding new ways to connect, this episode explores what it really means to stay curious, communicative, and turned on inside a long-term relationship.

If you’ve ever wondered how couples keep the spark alive—or just want a candid peek into the mind of a thoughtful, self-aware man talking openly about sex—this one’s for you.

What if the fairy tales we grew up with weren’t just bedtime stories, but powerful forces shaping how we think about sex, gender, and relationships?

In this episode of What Excites Us, Gwyn sits down with folklorist and gender studies scholar Dr. Jeanna Jorgensen to explore the fascinating (and sometimes troubling) intersections between folklore and sex education. From moral panics and censorship to fairy tales and gender roles, Jeanna unpacks how culture and storytelling influence the way we learn—or don’t learn—about sex and sexuality.

Together, they discuss:

• How folklore transmits cultural beliefs about sex, gender, and morality

• The history of sex education, censorship, and the infamous Comstock laws

• The role of fairy tales in reinforcing (or challenging) gender roles and heteronormativity

• Why understanding folklore can help us dismantle harmful sexual narratives and build more inclusive, accurate sex education

About Jeanna Jorgensen: Jeanna is a folklorist and gender studies scholar with a Ph.D. in Folklore and Gender Studies from Indiana University. She has taught at universities across the U.S., published extensively on gender, sexuality, and folklore, and is currently researching ethical non-monogamies and the history of sex education.

📚 Pick up Jeanna’s book Sex Education 101: https://amzn.to/3ZMbtce 🌐 Learn more at: JeannaJorgensen.com | www.folklore101.com 🐦 Follow Jeanna on social media: @FoxyFolklorist

Ever wondered what your sexual fantasies are actually trying to say—and how they could ignite personal growth and epic intimacy?

In this electrifying episode, Gwyn sits down with sexual fantasy coach and writer Artemisia de Vine to explore the deeply layered world of erotic narratives through her unique DeVinery method. Discover:

• How fantasy unlocks your psyche and opens new pathways for growth and pleasure.

• Why sexual fantasies are clues—not just daydreams, revealing hidden guards like self-identity, worth, or social expectations.

• How to approach fantasies as embodied stories that dissolve ego-fronts and lead to peak experiences of oneness.

• The DeVinery method’s somatic storytelling—and how it turns your fantasies into living, transformative play.

• Strategies for people who feel they don’t have fantasies—and how to begin tuning into your desire.

• A free 45-minute lesson (non-explicit and train-friendly!) to help you feel how fantasy can shift your consciousness—grab it at: ArtemisiaDeVine.com.

Whether you're curious about the hidden power of your erotic mind or ready to harness fantasy for deeper connection, this episode will blow your mind—and maybe even whisper the next chapter of your story.

Step aboard a one-of-a-kind journey into leather, playful transformation, and radical connection with Lady Vivus, the spiritually driven, trans femme Bootblack, Hucow, and Kinky Cruise Director. In this high-vibe episode, she pulls back the curtain on workshops, community rituals, and taboo play that expand pleasure and liberate self-expression.

Expect to explore:

• Hucow & Pet Play—from bovine headspace to Moo-mode mastery

• Sissyfication & Gender-Affirming Intimacy—ritual as healing and expression

• Boot-Blacking & Leather Spirituality—cleaning, honoring, and energetic protection

• Community & Accessibility—how to hold safe, affirming spaces that include everyone

• Professional Domination with Heart—providing touch, affirmation, and deprogramming shame

This episode is wild, tender, and deeply human. Whether kinkcurious or community-driven, you’ll walk away not just enlightened—but empowered.

Explore more with Lady Vivus: WhatExcitesUs.com

What happens when you mix mindset magic, erotic self-expression, and unapologetic pleasure? You get freedom—in your body, your life, and even your bank account.

In this episode, I chat with Marisa Hunter, a life, sex, and business coach for high-achieving humxns, who teaches her clients to tap into the energy of pleasure as a source of power and expansion. Together we dive into:

• How to unlock your true erotic, authentic self-expression

• Why ass play can open surprising doors to presence and joy

• The seasons of sexuality—and why they all deserve celebration

• How bragging becomes a radical act of rebellion (and a magnet for rewards)

It’s a bold, playful, and deeply affirming conversation—come listen in, then try bragging about it to a friend!

👉 Keep the conversation going: Follow Marisa on Instagram or Facebook Find more at WhatExcitesUs.com

Ever wondered what it feels like to be hypnotized in a kinky context—mind buzzing, agency intact, and every sense amplified—or even manipulated to the point where broccoli becomes… arousing? Dive into this wildly honest, cheeky, and brave conversation.

Description: Join host Gwyn Isaacs and the incomparable PandaPet (it/they), co-founder of PandaStory.love and CONsolation, as they unpack the experience of hypnokink from the bottom’s perspective. Panda, a polyamorous pet and staunch advocate for the neurodivergent, queerdos, darklings, pets, and age players in the kink community, shares what it’s like to be entranced, fractionated, and floating between headspaces with crystal clarity—even while your brain is somewhere else entirely 

In this freewheeling, deep dive conversation, they explore:

• What hypnosis physically and mentally feels like, including subspace-like bliss and fractionation, and why it quiets the overactive mind.

• The ethical boundaries and the power of "hypnotic agency"—how to consent, negotiate, and retain control even when your brain feels off in another world 

• Wildly vivid scenarios, from hypnotic orgasms and phantom impact to broccoli cumshots and tentacle play—where the only limit is imagination.

• How they gamified safety by practicing pulling out of trance on command—and what it means to own your power as a submissive.

• The journey of building trust and skill: from rapid inductions to deepening neural pathways—and how practice makes hypnokink a shared, creative language.

This episode is unfiltered, enriching dialogue—for anyone curious about the emotional and sensory depths of hypnokink, the intersection of ethics and eroticism, or just craving a bizarre, mind-bending ride through someone else’s brain. Please visit: Panda & Hypnpstory’s website: pandastory.love Directly to the Hypnosis 101: pandastory.love/101 The Discord Server CONsolation: https://discord.gg/Cnsb8UYfaA Sleeping Girl - https://sleepingirl.carrd.co/ And of course - whatexcitesus.com 

What does it really mean to consent in a trance, and how can hypnosis safely amplify pleasure and connection?

Episode Summary: In this two-part series, I sit down with HypnoStory, a seasoned hypnotist with over 25 years of experience, who shares the fascinating world of erotic and recreational hypnosis. Together, we unpack myths about hypnosis, discuss the importance of personal agency in trance, and explore how to navigate kink play safely and ethically.

HypnoStory dives into:

• The misconception that “you can’t do anything in trance you wouldn’t normally do” and why agency matters.

• Practical ways to practice agency in hypnosis scenes and kink play.

• How to negotiate and explore different qualities of play, even when you’re unsure what you want.

• Recognizing red flags and vetting potential partners safely.

• How mood, communication, and mutual understanding enhance erotic and hypno kink experiences.

• Tips for beginners, including why education, community, and experience are essential.

• Fun, safe alternatives to substances in erotic play using hypnotic suggestion.

This episode is both a guide to safely exploring hypno kink and a deep dive into the nuances of connection, control, and consent.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about HypnoStory and Panda: pandastory.love

• Join their 18+ Discord community: CONsolation

• HypnoStory on FetLife: hypno_story

• Lube recommendations mentioned in the episode: Uberlube and Good Clean Love

This episode plunges us straight into the exhilarating world of hypnokink with the unstoppable HypnoStory (they/them) — a hypno educator with over 25 years of experience who’s as inquisitive as they are wickedly playful.

We unpack what hypnosis is (and what it absolutely isn’t), explore the nuances between erotic hypnosis, stage hypnosis, and therapeutic “change work,” and dig into how hypnokink can amplify intimacy and consent in fresh, unexpected ways. HypnoStory also shares hilarious (and often mind-melting) personal stories—like when they suggested a tentacle fantasy that just happened to match what someone secretly fantasized about—proof that play and connection are powerful.

We also journey through their communities: the Hypnokink 101 video course (accessible via sliding scale), and CONsolation, their ongoing Discord-based kink and hypno kink community that grew from a canceled conference into a thriving, inclusive space for education, connection, and spicy conversations.

If you’ve ever been curious about hypnosis, consensual power exchange, or just want a wild, thoughtful, and freakin’ fun conversation—start here. The Hypnokink 101 class is available on a sliding scale at - https://www.pandastory.love/101 The discord group is called - CONsolation - https://discord.gg/UrtkFT5d Other Mentions: Read Only Mind - https://readonlymind.com/ James Tripp - https://www.hypnosiswithouttrance.com/ Sarah Sloan - https://www.sarahsloane.net/ Devyn Stone & his property Guan Xuan - https://www.devynstone.com/ Hannah the Scribe - https://hannahthescribe.com/

What happens when you mix professional cuddling, surrogate partner therapy, and a playful rebellion against toxic masculinity?

📄 Episode Notes: In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Michelle Renee — Surrogate Therapy Partner, Professional Cuddler, and all-around sex geek. We explore her trauma-informed approach to intimacy work, the inspiration behind the delightfully subversive Soft Cock Week, and how understanding responsive desire can change the way we think about sex.

Michelle also opens up about her own journey, and we wander into all kinds of delightful rabbit holes — from the Wheel of Consent to why safe, non-sexual touch is just as important as sexual pleasure.

Whether you’re curious about the world of surrogate partner therapy, want to rethink desire, or just enjoy unapologetic conversations about pleasure and connection, this episode has you covered.

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• Betty Martin’s Wheel of Consent

• Brian Gibney

• Cuddlist

• Embrace Surrogate Partner Resource Group

• Movember

• Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski — Website

• Shameless Sex Podcast

• Reid Mihalko

🌐 Connect with Michelle:

• Website: meetmichellerenee.com

• Social: @meetmichellerenee

• Soft Cock Week: softcockweek.com

💌 Learn more about the show: whatexcitesus.com

"What happens when you blend radical honesty, deep kink wisdom, and laugh-out-loud real talk? You get Mollena."

In this episode of What Excites Us, I’m joined by the incomparable Mollena Lee Williams-Haas — writer, educator, International Ms. Leather 2010, host of All That and Mo’, and the fierce voice behind the Kink Doula project.

We dive into how Mollena is helping folks step into their truth through personalized kink and leather coaching, why inclusive education matters (and how it so often misses the mark), and what it really means to prepare your body — and your mind — for kinky play.

You’ll hear wisdom, side-eye-worthy truth bombs, and one of the best comebacks of all time, alongside warm and hilarious banter about travel quirks, overpacking, and more.

💥 Heads-up: There’s a bonus episode coming next week exclusively to Patreon, where I share the raw, unedited version of this conversation — even more laughter, tangents, and intimacy. You're going to want to hear it.

🎧 All That and Mo’ Podcast 📚 Playing Well with Others by Lee Harrington & Mollena Williams 📚 The Toybag Guide to Playing With Taboo 📸 The Adipositivity Project by Substantia Jones — Visit the site

How Do We Build a More Sex Positive World? A Candid Conversation with Jamie Cawelti

What if healthier, happier sex lives started with community, consent, and compassion?

In this inspiring and educational episode of What Excites Us, I sit down with Jamie Cawelti of Sex Positive World, a global volunteer-run nonprofit working to shift societal attitudes around sexuality through education, empowerment, and connection.

We explore: 🌍 How Sex Positive World supports communities across the U.S. and Europe 💬 Why open conversations about boundaries, consent, and touch are essential 💡 Tools for cultivating more confidence, freedom, and joy in your erotic life 🏳️‍🌈 How sex positivity intersects with gender, relationship styles, and justice ✨ Jamie’s personal journey into sex positivity—and how you can start your own

Whether you're curious about kink, polyamory, safer sex, or pleasure activism, this conversation offers tangible takeaways and trusted resources to support your growth.

Organizations & People

• 🌐 Sex Positive World

• 📱 Jamie Cawelti – @ExploringJamie on all socials

• 💬 MakeTimeForTheTalk.com

• 🎓 Marla Renee Stewart

• 🎤 Andrea Allan – @andreacomedy69

Books to Explore 📘 Love's Not Color Blind by Kevin A. Patterson 📘 The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy & Dossie Easton 📘 Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Maree Brown 📘 Good Sex: Getting Off Without Checking Out by Jessica Graham

🎧 Listen and learn at WhatExcitesUs.com 💖 If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps so much!

Master Arch is my guest for this episode. He is an OG findom and lifetime sex worker who identifies as an emotional sadist and slut. He’s constantly pushing the envelope in content creation and in how he shows up in his fetish work. This conversation is not for the faint at heart or timid sexual explorer. We dive into some extreme play talk and views on being a dom, living life to the fullest, and exploration of mining trauma for play. Arch describes himself as an arrogant master financial dom who knows what he wants and has clients who provide it for him. I ask that if you choose to listen you do so with an open mind. You don’t have to agree with everything he says, but to be able to understand you do need to truly hear. To learn more about Master Arch he can be found on Twitter at @AllForArch He is MasterArch on FetLife Or his website is www.AllForMasterArch.com We met online as a part of a Facebook group for sex professionals who have been to Sex Geek Summer Camp, a wonderful place to learn how to better promote your sexuality business, and network. Find out more at sexgeeksummercamp.com

Online Dating Can Be a Mess—But It Doesn’t Have to Be

This week on What Excites Us, I’m joined by the fabulous Tonya Holliday, host of the Swipe Left (or Right) podcast, where modern dating meets hilarious honesty. We talk about how her show was born from her own wild online dating experiences—and she brings the same juicy, real-talk energy to this episode.

We get into the gritty and the gorgeous parts of dating apps, including:

💥 How to create an online dating profile that actually works 💥 The truth about “first contact” and meeting in person 💥 Why coffee dates are the MVP of first dates 💥 Setting boundaries and staying safe without killing the vibe 💥 Dating fatigue, green flags, and surviving ghosting with grace (or rage)

Whether you’re swiping left, right, or just deleting the apps again, this episode is full of relatable laughs and seriously helpful tips.

🎧 Subscribe to Swipe Left (or Right) wherever you get your podcasts. 🖤 And if you enjoy What Excites Us, please rate, review, and subscribe—it really helps others find the show!

More episodes, resources, and coaching at WhatExcitesUs.com

What If Healing Could Be… Sexy?

This week on What Excites Us, I’m joined by the powerful and passionate Lucia Gabriela, a trauma-informed intimacy coach, Tantra facilitator, and the creator of Tantrikink®—a method that fuses the sacred energy of Tantra with the raw power of kink and BDSM.

Lucia shares her personal journey from healing cancer as a teen to becoming a transformational guide helping others reclaim their sensuality, erotic power, and body-based wisdom. We dive into:

💥 How resentment shows up in the body—and relationships 💥 The role of intention, sensation, and energetics in conscious kink 💥 The importance of full-body awareness in every scene or intimate experience 💥 Her Tantrikink® approach to healing through erotic exploration 💥 Why your nervous system needs slowness and reverence

While the July workshops mentioned in this episode have now passed, the conversation is packed with insights and practical gems you can start using right now to deepen connection, embodiment, and pleasure in your life.

Whether you're curious about conscious kink, tantra, or integrating trauma-informed tools into your intimate world, this is one you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Learn more about Lucia’s work at SacredLoveTemple.com and FloridaKinkBDSM.com 🎧 More episodes, resources, and coaching at WhatExcitesUs.com

Are We Hurting Men Without Even Realizing It?

In this solo episode of What Excites Us, I (Gwyn Isaacs—certified sex coach, eternal ranter, and your permission-giver-in-chief) crack the mic open to talk directly to men—and everyone who cares about them. Because, friends, we need to talk about body shame, penis anxiety, self-worth, and the hidden ways patriarchy messes with men too.

Inspired by real listener questions, this episode dives into topics like:

• Why “Big Dick Energy” might be doing more harm than good

• How to actually use affirmations that work (without cringing)

• What to do when your penis isn’t doing what you want it to

• Why shaming men for their bodies has to stop—like now

We also touch on vagus nerve support, aging and erections, and how learning to love on your own body can shift everything. Whether you’re a man or someone who loves one, this one’s for you.

🔗 Coaching, lube recs, and more at WhatExcitesUs.com

Did you know that understanding your body’s natural cycles can empower you—whether or not you ever plan to get pregnant?

In this episode, I’m joined by fertility educator and inclusive family planning expert Sam Leeson to explore why fertility awareness is essential for everyone, not just those trying to conceive. We talk about body literacy, how to teach kids to feel at home in their bodies, and the hormonal journeys that affect us all—including unique insights for trans and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.

Sam, founder of babyREADY and babyREADYlgbtq, brings over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families take charge of their reproductive journeys—with compassion, clarity, and a deep respect for diversity.

✨ Curious about how fertility awareness could change your relationship with your body?

Tune in to find out.

🔗 Learn more at babyREADY.info 🎧 More episodes at whatexcitesus.com

What do fan dances, fierce femmes, and the Riot Grrrl movement have in common? In this episode, we step behind the velvet curtain of burlesque history with Dustin M. Wax, director of the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.

We explore how this one-of-a-kind museum came to be, why preserving burlesque’s rich and rebellious history matters, and the role gender has played in both classic and neo-burlesque. Dustin shares stories of legendary performers like Tempest Storm and Lili St. Cyr, insights into the art form’s transformation, and advice for anyone drawn to the stage—pasties, politics, and all.

✨ If you're a fan of performance, sex-positive history, or reclaiming your body through art, this one's for you.

📍When you're in Vegas, don’t miss a visit to the Burlesque Hall of Fame in the Downtown Arts District. More info: burlesquehall.com

• Lydia Thompson and her contribution to 19th century American Theater: https://editions.covecollective.org/chronologies/lydia-thompsons-contribution-19th-century-burlesque-theater-america
• Tempest Storm comes up a few times: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempest_Storm https://www.burlesquehall.com/tempest-storm/
• Sally Rand: https://www.kqed.org/arts/13902628/the-burlesque-pioneer-who-fought-censorship-and-multiple-arrests
• Every Rocky Horror’s Fan Favorite, Lili St. Cyr: https://www.burlesquehall.com/museumathome-burlesque-legends-lili-st-cyr/
• A little bit about the Riot Grrl Movement: https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/brief-history-riot-grrrl-space-reclaiming-90s-punk-movement-2542166
• The Something Weird Video Channel https://www.youtube.com/@SomethingWeirdDotCom/featured
• An Interview with a couple of Burlesque Legends, including Jennifer Fox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTxj2Vi94sM
• A little bit about Hedy Jo Star: https://zagria.blogspot.com/2012/01/hedy-jo-star-1920-1999-showgirl.html
• The post mentioned about Marinka: https://www.burlesquehall.com/transgender-day-of-visibility-honoring-marinka/
• Aida Overton Walker’s Wiki page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aida_Overton_Walker
• Tony Midnite’s Wiki Page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Midnite
• About Jennie Lee: http://redhotsburlesque.com/2013/legend-jennie-lee/
• About Sherry Britton: https://burlexe.com/burlesque/burlesque-icons/sherry-britton-burlesque-history/

Can lingerie be a tool for self-love and empowerment—not just seduction?

In this episode, I sit down with Luna Pearl, a sex coach-in-training at Sex Coach U, meditation coach, and the founder of Pink Pearl Lingerie and Lingerie Talk Magazine. Luna believes in getting sexy for yourself first—and she’s here to share how lingerie can unlock confidence, sensual embodiment, and joy.

We explore: 💫 Why lingerie is Luna’s superpower—and how it can be yours too 🩷 How comfort is the key to feeling sexy 🛍️ Tips for buying lingerie (in-store and online) 👯‍♀️ And a powerful take on the myth that women don't support each other

Whether you’re lingerie-curious, building body confidence, or exploring sensual tools for empowerment, this episode offers inspiration, real talk, and actionable insight.

✨ Learn more about Luna at Pink Pearl Lingerie 🎧 For more episodes, visit whatexcitesus.com 📝 Please rate and review the show—it helps so much!

🔗 Curious about becoming a certified sex coach? Check out Sex Coach U 🎀 Into vintage beads? Explore heybeads.com

Keywords: lingerie empowerment, body confidence, sensuality, sex coaching, embodiment, comfort lingerie, how to buy lingerie, women’s empowerment, sensual tools, Pink Pearl Lingerie, Sex Coach U

In this vulnerable and empowering episode, I speak with trauma-informed coach and sex educator Valerie Schrader about transforming childhood trauma, specifically her experience being raised by a narcissistic mother, into a mission of empowerment and sacred sexuality.

We explore how somatic healing, nervous system regulation, and self-guided trauma recovery can help you reclaim your body, pleasure, and voice. Valerie shares insights from her healing program designed for those navigating generational trauma, as well as her wisdom around creating safer spaces for sexual empowerment and emotional resilience.

✨ Whether you're curious about somatic therapy, seeking ways to connect to your sensual self, or looking to better understand the impact of trauma on intimacy—this episode is for you.

🔗 Learn more at valerieschrader.com 🎧 Listen to Valerie’s podcast Sensual Power

Keywords: somatic healing, generational trauma, sexual empowerment, sacred sexuality, trauma-informed coaching, nervous system regulation, healing childhood wounds, reclaiming pleasure, body-based therapy, sensual self-connection

What does it mean to truly feel a “yes” in your body? In this nourishing conversation, I’m joined by Katherine Zitterbart—somatic practitioner, sound healer, and creator of A Felt Sense of YES: Yin Yoga for Sexual Health.

We explore the foundations of Yin Yoga, Taoist principles, the role of the dantian (energy centers in the body), and how these practices support sexual well-being, nervous system regulation, and connection to pleasure—especially for folks living with chronic pain and neurodivergence.

Katherine’s work centers LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals in a deeply inclusive, sex-positive framework—bringing embodiment and sound together for healing and reclamation.

✨ Whether you're new to somatics or looking to deepen your relationship with your body, this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and radical permission to feel good.

Learn more about Katherine Zitterbart: 🌐 kayteezee.com 📸 Instagram: @katherinezitterbart 📱 TikTok: @kayteezee 📺 YouTube: Katherine Zitterbart

In this raw and illuminating conversation, we sit down with Baggins—a genderqueer, polyamorous, asexual Bottom living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and chronic illness. Baggins shares openly about life with a system and alters, the journey to self-identification, and how they navigate intimacy, CPTSD, and complex relationships.

We explore what it means to be ace, the reality of being polysaturated, the nuances of self-diagnosis discourse, and the layered experience of living at the intersections of queerness, disability, and trauma.

Whether you're curious about DID, polyamory, or asexuality—or just want to hear a deeply human story—this episode offers education, empathy, and truth-telling.

Terms we explore:

• Ace: Asexual; someone who rarely experiences sexual desire.

• T: Short for testosterone.

• Meta: A metamour; your partner’s partner.

• Polysaturated: Not currently open to additional romantic partners.

In this eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Sarah Hazleton, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in OCD and anxiety-related disorders, to explore how OCD and anxiety uniquely impact intimacy, relationships, and sexuality.

Sarah breaks down how OCD manifests through intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and subtypes such as Relationship OCD and Pure O. We discuss the emotional toll of stigma and shame, particularly when sexual and intimate thoughts are involved, and the critical importance of specialized treatment like Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Whether you're personally affected or seeking to better understand a loved one, this conversation offers compassionate insight, practical guidance, and much-needed validation.

✨ In this episode: – The many faces of OCD: Relationship OCD, Pure O & more – How intrusive thoughts affect intimacy and identity – Therapy approaches that work: ERP & ACT – How to find qualified OCD and anxiety specialists – Reducing stigma around sexual, gender, and intimacy-related intrusive thoughts

📖 Read the article mentioned: Impact of OCD on Sex Life (Verywell Mind)

🔗 Learn more about Sarah at hazeltoncounseling.com

#OCD #Anxiety #MentalHealthAwareness #RelationshipOCD #PureO #ExposureResponsePrevention #SexualIntrusiveThoughts #MentalHealthPodcast #OCDTherapy #SarahHazleton #SexPositiveHealing

In this delightful and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Alyssa Gonzalez, author of the brand new book Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity (Thornapple Press). We dive into the unique intersections of neurodivergent experience and consensual nonmonogamy, blending research, lived experience, and lots of laughter.

Alyssa shares how the book came to life, offers a few key insights from her work, and discusses some of the theory behind navigating multiple relationships while honoring neurodivergent needs. Whether you’re neurodivergent, nonmonogamous, or simply curious, this is a must-listen for anyone exploring authentic connection.

✨ In this episode: – The inspiration behind Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity – Tips and tools for navigating nonmonogamy as a neurodivergent person – How theory meets practice in real-life relationships – The importance of flexibility, communication, and self-awareness – Plenty of fun, laughter, and real talk!

📚 Grab a signed copy (while they last!) at alyssacgonzalez.com/store 🔗 Learn more at alyssacgonzalez.com, The Perfumed Void, and Thornapple Press

#Nonmonogamy #Neurodiversity #Polyamory #RelationshipAnarchy #AlyssaGonzalez #ConsensualNonmonogamy #NeurodivergentRelationships #SexPositivePodcast #EthicalNonmonogamy #ThornapplePress

In this bold and insightful episode, I talk with D20 Domme—femdom, behavioral expert, and head of a polyandrous household. With a Ph.D. in Human Behavior, she brings both academic depth and lived experience to our conversation about power dynamics, kink, and intentional relationship design.

We explore the layers of her lifestyle, the psychology behind dominance and submission, and the nuanced difference between a submissive and a slave. We also dive into her groundbreaking dissertation, discuss the eternal nature vs. nurture debate around kink, and uncover the importance of finding your “why.”

✨ In this episode: – Life as a femdom and polyandrous head of household – The real distinction between submissives and slaves – Kink psychology: born this way or shaped by experience? – How human behavior theory intersects with erotic empowerment – Coaching insights for self-discovery and authenticity

🔗 Learn more about her work at mundanemiss.com 🎧 And be sure to follow for more candid conversations about sex, power, and identity.

#Femdom #KinkCoach #HumanBehavior #D20Domme #BDSM #Polyandry #SexPositivePodcast #DommeLife #EroticPower #SubmissionAndSlavery