
LOVERS by shan
Lovers by Shan is an education-first space where listeners come to better understand their own intimate lives through the life lessons and expertise of others. Shan Boodram’s mission is to empower everyone to be their own intimacy expert in the bedroom and beyond by treating guests of the podcast as educators in their own right.
Past guest include Kelly Rowland who taught us about being a sensualist. Becky G who shared the importance of healthy love in an unhealthy body. Kerry Washington who warned about the dangers of keeping secrets. Kamie Crawford who taught us about the joys of breaking up. Jesse Reyez who reminded us that it's alright to admit you're the one who let a good one get away.
When we paused in 2023 we had 5.1 million listeners and 8 million YouTube views. Excited to see how many lives we can impact in 2025 with our fresh look and approach.
Latest episodes

Mar 26, 2025 • 45min
S2 Ep112: They Liked You More When You Had No Boundaries ft Jessie Reyez
Jessie Reyez joins the podcast to celebrate her new album, Paid in Memories and to dive into the complexities of boundaries and self-respect. Together, we unpack what it means to be labeled a "villain" (by both yourself and others) for setting boundaries and standing firm in your self-worth. Jessie shares her personal journey of choosing to stay single rather than settling for less in love, reflecting on the regret of taking too much accountability in her past relationship, and embracing her love language—having her alone time respected.
We also talk about her upcoming album, Paid in Memories, which promises to be a raw and powerful exploration of love, loss, and acceptance. Don’t miss this candid and inspiring conversation that’s all about choosing yourself, even when it’s hard because self-respect is never up for negotiation.
Thank You Bumble
This episode of Lovers and Friends is presented by Bumble, where dating your way is always the right way. There’s a world where you can find love that works for you. So date now, on Bumble.
Thank You Jessie Reyez
https://www.instagram.com/jessiereyez/
Listen to Jessie’s latest music
Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter
Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community, click here to join the waitlist:
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Mar 19, 2025 • 42min
S2 Ep111: For Women Terrified of Being 30+, Single, and Career-Driven featuring @Deepica
In this episode of Lovers and Friends, Shan Boodram sits down with Deepica Mutyala, founder of Live Tinted and a trailblazing entrepreneur, for an honest and empowering conversation about being single, thriving in your 30s, and preparing for the love and family you deserve. Deepica shares her journey of building a successful career while staying true to her dreams of finding the right partner and creating a family. Together, Shan and Deepica discuss the challenges of dating when you’re successful, the importance of not settling, and how to embrace being single as a time to grow, reflect, and prepare for the life you truly want. Whether you’re navigating the dating world, focusing on self-growth, or manifesting your dream relationship, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take on love and life with intention.
Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.
Thank you Deepica
https://www.instagram.com/deepica
Get Live Tinted
https://www.livetinted.com/
Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter
Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Mar 12, 2025 • 52min
S2 Ep110: Lena Waithe: Don’t Have Sex With Someone If You Both Can’t Do THIS
Lena Waithe on Cuddling Over Climaxing
In this episode of Lovers and Friends, Shan Boodram sits down with Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actress Lena Waithe (Queen & Slim, Master of None, The Chi) for an eye-opening conversation about intimacy, love, and meaningful connections. Lena shares why you should never have sex with someone unless you can imagine a positive aftermath for both of you. She dives into how cuddling can create a deeper emotional bond than sex, especially when the future of a relationship feels uncertain. Lena also opens up about the power of plutonic relationships, revealing why some of her most impactful connections today are non-romantic. With all of the rumors about her love life, Lena sets the record straight and shares what truly matters to her in building authentic connections. This episode will challenge your views on love, intimacy, and boundaries in ways you won’t want to miss!
Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.
Thank you Lena
https://www.instagram.com/lenawaithe/
Legacy Talk Podcast
https://lemonada.lnk.to/LegacyTalkWithLenaWaithehs?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZR0rgZOhMXnR_1HkQjiKfKa5_UUPHcXYlKFCmzjhKgXdje2qDlp8lbhmg_aem_wULmegwSQB8ct8zEmMkQfg
Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter
Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Mar 5, 2025 • 45min
S2 Ep109: Inner Child Meets Modern Parent: Tika Sumpter on Doing Sex Ed Different
What kind of relationship with sex do we want young people to have? In this episode myself and Tika Sumpter, known for her multifaceted career as an actor and creator, explore this question as parents and as people reparenting themselves. In this episode Tika shares her compelling personal story that shaped her approach to intimacy and education. Growing up in a Christian household, discussions about sex were often avoided or framed solely around negative consequences. This instilled fear and confusion about her own sexuality during her teenage years. In her twenties, Tika found herself navigating relationships without a clear understanding of her body or pleasure, often pretending to have a sexual IQ she hadn't yet developed. Therapy became a turning point, helping her reconnect with herself and embrace her sexual identity.
Now, as a mother, Tika is determined to break this cycle for her daughter. On this episode, she opens up about her journey and shares how she is redefining sex and intimacy education in her household. Her goal is to raise her daughter to be a sexually and relationally competent individual, equipped with the tools and knowledge Tika wishes she had earlier in life.
Tika is best known for her work on screen but did you know she also makes children’s content? She is the creator of The Adventures of Curious Cove, a podcast anchored by the beloved series Ella the Curious. This project reflects her passion for storytelling and education, making complex topics accessible and engaging for young audiences.
Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.
Thank you Tika
Preorder Tika's upcoming book!
https://tinyurl.com/I-Got-It-From-My-Mama-Book
https://www.instagram.com/tikasumpter
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-of-curiosity-cove/id1760587303
Age by Age Sexual Development Guide
As per Tika’s request…
loversbyshan.com/quizzes
Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter
Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Feb 26, 2025 • 52min
S2 Ep108: Singer Mario: Mother Wounds, Healing His Feminine, and Apologizing to Women
In this deeply personal episode presented by Bumble, singer Mario opens up about the profound impact of unresolved trauma stemming from his relationship with his mother. He shares how this pain shaped his early behavior towards women, leading to manipulation and broken connections. Mario takes us on his journey of self-reflection, healing, and ultimately embracing his inner feminine energy—a process that not only reshaped his relationships but also elevated his personal growth and artistry.
As Mario gets real about accountability, self-love, and the power of healing, he also introduces us to his latest album, "Glad You Came"—a soulful and vulnerable collection of music inspired by his life experiences and growth. Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation that dives into the intersections of trauma, love, and creativity.
Don't miss this inspiring episode and be sure to check out Mario's new album, "Glad You Came," now streaming on all platforms!
Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.
Thank you Mario
Instagram.com/marioworldwide
Glad You Came, streaming everywhere you listen to music
Thank you Arya
A couples subscription service that helps you spice it up with the help of an intimacy concierge, an app and products delivered to your door
https://www.arya.fyi/shan
My class on MasterClass
If you’d like tangible tips for improving your relationship with sex AND your sex appeal. I HIGHLY recommend checking out my class on MasterClass the Art of Sex Appeal
masterclass.com/shan
Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter
Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Feb 21, 2025 • 39min
S1 Ep107: Forget What You Thought You Knew About Good Sex and Start HERE
Beyond Pleasure: Three Keys to Truly Fulfilling Sex
Sex is at the intersection of life and humanity. For the majority of us, it’s how we got here and for parents, it’s how we will continue on after we are gone. We often hear the term “better” sex, which begs two questions: what does that mean? And, why is the sex we are currently having not good enough?
In this episode we will define the goal of sex - regardless of the stage of the relationship and we will also discuss what prevents us from having sex that lives up to our desired potential. I’m going to take you on a journey as we explore the three sexual freedoms. Starting with discussing the power of freedom to, which I think describes the stage that myself and my husband/ the creative director of this podcast, Jared Brady are in. Then freedom from, which I discuss with my friends Yancy and Premika Leo. Finally we will talk about the Freedom not to, which I explore with my Lovers Community.
Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.
My class on MasterClass
If you’d like tangible tips for improving your relationship with sex AND your sex appeal. I HIGHLY recommend checking out my class on MasterClass the Art of Sex Appeal
masterclass.com/shan
Better Sex Quiz
If you want to know which freedom you should focus on in order to improve your sex life today, try this quiz
https://www.loversbyshan.com/resource/bettersex
Commitment Structure Quiz
If Shan and Jared’s conversation around open relationships intrigued you, take this quiz to identify your commitment structure
https://www.loversbyshan.com/resource/commitment
Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter
Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Jul 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
S1 Ep106: Kerry Washington: We Are as Sick as Our Secrets
Join Kerry Washington, the acclaimed actor and activist known for her powerful roles and memoir, alongside relationship expert Tracy McMillan. They discuss the transformative impact of uncovering family secrets and emphasize the importance of vulnerability in building deeper connections. Kerry shares insights on therapy in her family dynamics and her parenting philosophy, while also touching on intimacy, sexuality, and the benefits of pole dancing. The conversation delves into the healing power of personal narratives and the complexities of navigating relationships.

Feb 26, 2024 • 56min
S1 Ep105: Kelly Rowland on Sex, Kink, Divorce and Repressed Desires
Kelly Rowland, you read right. This is a CAN NOT MISS, special release Lovers and Friends episode with Shan Boodram AND it is best experienced after you watch Mea Culpa now streaming worldwide on Netflix. In this intimate, first-of-its-kind conversation Kelly Rowland shares how she went from a sexually repressed upbringing to living up to her pleasure potential as a sensualist, plus how her sexual awakening gave her the confidence to play Mea in Mea Clupa alongside Trevante Rhodes, whom she shares very STEAMY sex scenes with on screen. Kelly also discusses her feelings on divorce, kink, toys in the bedroom, and overcoming the fear of being imperfect.
Watch the trailer to Mea Culpa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0g9YfjJSA
Follow Kelly
https://www.instagram.com/kellyrowland/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0g9YfjJSA
Thanks to Our Sponsors
DAME
Head to http://dame.com at dame.com and if you’d like to pick something up, my code SHANLOVERS gets you 15% off at checkout
ARYA
Head to http://arya.fyi to learn how they’re helping couples break their sexual routine and if you’re interested in trying it code SHAN15 gets you 15% off now
Follow Shan
http://instagram.com/shanboodram

Dec 27, 2023 • 1h 28min
S1 Ep104: Ride Our Emotional Roller Coaster: The Concluding Episode of Lovers & Friends
Welcome to (some of) the best of Lovers and Friends the podcast. Hear from JESSIE REYES, MELISSA AND KEV OnSTAGE, ABBY DE LA ROSA, SHANOLA HAMPTON, TIM Chantrangsu aka DE LA GHETTO, DREW LOVE from THEY, RACHEL LINDSAY and GLO ATANMO during this special recap episode.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR
ONSEKIN
Go to http://oneskin.co and 15% off with code LOVERS15
GLO ATANMO
https://youtu.be/lbIaM09t0ZU?si=GtWZkCBspPlmUA8f
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1W4xrpdCh0V3OwXZCYt1bO?si=mJNj1rxcQ7a333AUmgsqMA
JESSIE REYES
https://youtu.be/7IbgI3-s7Ps?si=j0CL3b8gYqsNbqFe
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2w3jYgkVIgg2eQoYWuALhp?si=8q3ptyfKQbWn9FrrY3bZTA
MELISSA AND KEV
https://youtu.be/hrMVcujhg1A?si=idb7xnDq8TX1aBh_
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4NjXUyZ5suDL3ytxUALFV8?si=gg3B7zvfQnm5nS9XUpkyZA
ABBY DE LA ROSA
https://youtu.be/aq8290G52_I?si=oaI5d_ALvuj82z9V
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AM2X8zNwmgV3koVtgemPC?si=pzqGDEw3QMCe8Awx9eFK7Q
SHANOLA HAMPTON
https://youtu.be/J7PZakvvdCo?si=LDSbtyjNTKuNmZ1u
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pHr7jrSj7iQTZlsbIUoYV?si=-pk8WovdSbqLLyrXDrRpRg
TIM DE LA GHETTO
https://youtu.be/G6WYaHFOjEU?si=uDvI7cap3yCs0srq
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0VuY52Ct9XS9Wua4dtupO6?si=ZFMbJEQOQ56IuBADlxm8og
DREW LOVE
https://youtu.be/bdooXjRGprY?si=AG3KL1r-wAfeb8Gm
https://open.spotify.com/episode/39lGd7mxW9jvpGpOPYMKaj?si=ou8FILHeSGG7P21hCZwMog
RACHEL LINDSAY
https://youtu.be/bnEORZJD2pQ?si=LiHiZKFU1-_Cv8l6
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kN3P1KoHI3LcnLNRgzY76?si=faUIGN4ATUaLvewVQ3AjCQ
HELP WHY CAN’T I ORGASM
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X8oEJMQ8JNSu6Psa53r7O?si=wJMEWu6vTmGpia1waTZ0Sw

12 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 8min
S1 Ep103: Get the Fairytale You Need - Despite What You Think You Want feat. Damona Hoffman
Dating coach Damona Hoffman challenges traditional dating norms and encourages listeners to prioritize personal happiness over fairy tale ideals. The podcast explores defining a true fairytale relationship, debunking outdated partner ideals, and redefining happiness in modern relationships. It highlights the importance of mindful partner selection, authenticity, and shared values in building fulfilling connections.