What if I told you that the biggest turn off for partners can be your own self deprecating comments? The times you’ve said “oh no I haven’t shaved”   Have you ever wondered how your insecurities can affect your relationships? Self deprecating comments and insecurities play a vital role in how we interact with others, especially when it comes to intimacy. Remember that one time you excused yourself with your partner because you hadn’t shaved? Chances are you pointed out the elephant in the room that was only existent to you.  In this week’s episode, I am joined by Jessie Paege, a YouTube personality, actress, author, and entrepreneur. Through her comedic and relatable content, she has built an audience of over 2 million followers across her social channels. Jessie uses her platform to crush stereotypes and raise awareness of mental health issues and LGBTQ+ issues. Her debut book is called, Hey, It's Okay to Be You, which fits perfectly with our conversation about how insecurities play a role in our relationships.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode!  OneSkin:  Get 15% off OneSkin with the code LOVERS at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Ritual: There’s no more shame in your gut game. Get 20% off your first month.  Visit: https://www.ritual.com/lovers Factor: Try Factor meals and get 50%off by visiting:  https://www.factormeals.com/lovers50 Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Jessie:  https://www.youtube.com/@jessiepaege https://www.instagram.com/jessiepaege/ https://www.tiktok.com/@jessiepaege

Sex that doesn’t lead to orgasm.. Sound familiar? What if I said that sex that doesn’t lead to the big O can actually be very fulfilling and a lot more common than you think? Sexual experiences can encompass a wide variety of activities, such as kissing, touching, oral sex, manual stimulation, and penetration, among others. The experience and enjoyment of sex can vary greatly from person to person, and not everyone will achieve orgasm during sexual encounters. Some individuals may not experience orgasm at all, while others may experience it infrequently or under certain circumstances. The important aspect to remember is that sex should always be consensual, safe, and respectful of all parties involved. Communication and understanding between partners are essential to ensure that both individuals are comfortable and satisfied with their sexual experiences, regardless of whether orgasm occurs. That is exactly what I am talking about with my guests this week, Drea and Lex whom you may know from Pour Minds.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  Rizos Curls Get 10% off your Rizos Curls order with promo code LOVERS at checkout  https://bit.ly/3XOE8tZ) Liquid IV Get 20% off ANYTHING you order when you use promo code LOVERS http://LIQUID IV DOT COM. Skims Get free shipping on orders over seventy five dollars - all at  http://SKIMS.com Better Help  get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting http://BetterHelp.com/lovers  Follow Pour Minds Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-much-pressure-ft-dess-dior/id1438182646?i=1000580429867 Watch the YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@DreaAndLex/videos Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com

This episode felt like a poon and the peen throwback.. If you know, you know! In this episode I sat down with my friend Ricky Shucks and we answered some of your best sex questions.  Am I ruining sex by overthinking? Is squirting actually pee?  Are we monogamous if I am still engaging in threesomes? Thanks to the sponsors of this episode! Fab Fit Fun If you join FabFitFun as a NEW seasonal member right now you’ll also get 20% off your membership so your 1st box is only $47.99 - for up to a $300 value box each season. Join today: http://www.fabfitfun.com/lovers Zoc Doc Find a top rated doctor for your needs today:  http://www.zocdoc.com/lovers Honey Love  Treat yourself to the best shapewear and supportwear on the market plus save 20% off by visiting:  http://www.honeylove.com/lovers Hello Fresh  Try America’s # 1 meal kit for yourself:  http://www.hellofresh.com/lovers50  Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Ricky https://www.instagram.com/rickyshucks/?hl=en https://www.goodiebrand.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nochasergang/?hl=en

Hello lovers and friends. This week’s episode is a little different and it’s because I had a lot to say on some trending pop culture news.  To start things off, Keke Palmer‘s partner Darius Jackson was trending for all the wrong reasons. In this episode we talk about the tweet seen across the globe. “It's the outfit tho.. you a mom.”  Next, we break down if Jonah Hill was out of line with his boundaries. A year after his split with ex girlfriend, Sarah Brady, Brady alleges that Hill emotionally abused her and she had the receipts to back up her claim. SHe posted screenshots of their exchange to her Instagram story that prompted widespread internet discourse about boundaries and whether Hill misused “therapy speak.” Lastly, to catch you up on the Adam22 and the Lena the Plug “drama”, the OnlyFans creator did her first scene with a male performer other than her husband. Lena’s husband, No Jumper founder Adam “Adam 22” Grandmaison, has said he was fine and encouraging of the scene. Thanks to the sponsor of this episode Better Help! Try therapy yourself and get 10% off your first month by going to: https://www.betterhelp.com/lovers Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Articles: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/leylamohammed/keke-palmer-shamed-boyfriend-darius-jackson-outfit-mom https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/keke-palmer-feels-powerful-as-a-mom-amid-darius-jackson-drama/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2023/07/10/what-to-know-about-jonah-hills-emotional-abuse-allegatio https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/jonah-hill-texts-ex-sarah-brady-expose-therapy-speak-dangers-rcna93748 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/693883-lena-the-plug-adam22-simp-claims-response https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12283131/Adam22s-wife-says-theyve-sex-filmed-porn-scene-man.html

According to the PEW research center about 41% of people between the ages of 18 to 29 are single. For people aged 30 to 49 that number drops dramatically to 23% and then it raises back up a scotch to 28% for those between 50 to 64, before increasing again to 36% for the 65+ crowd. So what does this tell us? My interpretation? On one hand, it tells the story of millennials' decline in divorce rates and on the other the fact that  it showcases our increase in being consciously single for a lot longer than previous generations and in some cases, for the long haul. So can you still enjoy dating even if none of the dates go anywhere? In this episode, I sit down with Qimmah Russo, an influencer, model and athlete and she shares her perspective on this.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  Get 55% off your Babbel subscription- by going to:  https://www.babbel.com/lovers Try America’s #1 Meal Kit and get 50% off plus free shipping by going to: https://www.hellofresh.com/lovers50 Try Ritual for yourself and get 20% off your first month by going to:  https://ritual.com/lovers Follow the guests on this episode: https://www.instagram.com/qimmahrusso https://www.instagram.com/workoutsbyqimmah/ Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com

According to the Singles in America study 55% of people reported that they’ve had a friends with benefits, which is a relationship where two people agree to have a sexual relationship based on convenience and a social relationship without a romantic commitment. And of the people in the study who said they’d had a friend with benefits, about 40% them said that their casual connection eventually turned into a longterm love affair. So is that number along with the guests of this episode and my personal experience enough to convince you that frequent fucking first and figuring the rest out later is the way to go?  In this episode, we are joined by Siffat Haider  and Nish Samantray the founders of Arrae- a natural supplement company, who’s passion is to help people optimize their health and wellness.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  HoneyLove  Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to  https://www.honeylove.com/lovers  #honeylovepod BetterHelp  Find more balance with BetterHelp today and get 10% off your first month.  Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/lovers  Follow the guests on this episode:  Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Siffat: https://www.instagram.com/siffhaider Nish: https://www.instagram.com/plentyofnish_ Check out Arrae: https://www.arrae.com Krista: https://www.instagram.com/itskrista Krizia: https://www.instagram.com/kriziacruz_

In 2021, Harvard Health did a giant gratitude study and found that couple who show gratitude for their partner, and who express that gratitude regularly, are more satisfied with their relationship. University of California Berkeley's research team referred to gratitude as the quiet difference maker in relationship formation.  The journal of social and personal relationships reported that individuals who feel appreciated by their partners have better-functioning relationships that are less likely to be impacted by ineffective arguing and even financial stress.  All that to say, a little gratitude goes a long way.  In this episode, I talk to Dante Jones, (one half of the duo THEY) all about gratitude.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  Zocdoc https://www.zocdoc.com/lovers Hello Fresh: https://www.hellofresh.com/lovers16 Blissy  https://www.blissy.com/lovers Caraway Home https://www.carawayhome.com/lovers Article sited: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Dante  https://www.instagram.com/tefromthey https://www.unofficialthey.com/tour Follow Dr. Sophia Godkin https://www.thehappinessdoctor.com/

Dr. Emily Morse is the host of the hit podcast Sex with Emily.  Emily has been dubbed “the Dr. Ruth of a new generation” and has helped millions of people navigate the world of sex and relationships. In her new book Smart Sex, she condenses all she’s learned as a doctor of human sexuality and offers a groundbreaking framework that will change the way you think about sex and pleasure. In her new book you’ll uncover.  ·  A new sexual intelligence that will allow you to connect deeply with your body, your desires, and the psychological and physical blocks that are keeping you from experiencing the pleasure that is your birthright. ·  Communication hacks to talk to your partner about topics ranging from oral sex to open relationships and everything in between. ·  The truth about orgasms and how to start having more plentiful, powerful, and satisfying orgasms. · Everything you need to know to be a good lover, from collaboration to technique. (Hint: it's not what you think.) ·   And so much more FIVE PILLARS OF YOUR SEXUALITY: Pillar #1: Embodiment Pillar #2: Health  Pillar #3: Collaboration Pillar #4: Self- knowledge  Pillar #5:  Self acceptance  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  Babbel: www.babbel.com/Lovers for 55% off your subscription.  Betterhelp:  www.betterhelp.com/lovers for 10% off your first month   Hungryroot:   www.hungryroot.com/lovers for 30% off your first delivery and free  veggies.  Follow Shan: https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Emily:  https://www.instagram.com/sexwithemily Get Emily's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Sex-Boost-Your-Pleasure/dp/0778387100/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1686695143&refinements=p_27%3AEmily+Morse&s=books&sr=1-1

If you’re a podcast listener, you already know that there’s a whole lot of discussions about what people don’t do in relationships, what they need to be doing, and insight on what romantic partners want from others. And I guess it’s all well and good to have standards, but it’s even better to: Be aware of which standards are based on what we actually need to have a quality romantic partnership vs which standards are based on discriminatory, outdated values that hurt others AND our chances at forming healthy partnerships. Be clear about what standards people can hold you to. In short, what exactly are you bringing to the romantic relationship table and furthermore what are you admitting that you won’t be carrying?  In this episode, I am discussing this in a hilarious and honest conversation with the ladies of Cocktales.  We also have THE Matchmaking Duo here to share the secret to finding a compatible long term  partner. Here is your conversation starter pack: What are you enthusiastically bringing to a romantic relationship today? What are you interested in getting better at bringing? What do you know you can’t and probably won’t carry? How do you want your romantic partner to respond to you when you’re not meeting their standards? How do you plan to respond when they inevitably, don’t meet all of yours? Which are your deal breakers and where considering your answers to the top questions can you stand to do a lil bending? Thanks to the sponsors of this episode! Ritual:  Visit ritual.com/LOVERS to start Ritual or add Synbiotic+ to your subscription today and get 10$ off your first 3 months.  HelloFresh:  Go to Hellofresh.com/lovers16 for 16 free meals plus free shipping!  Follow Shan: https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow the ladies of Cocktales:  https://www.instagram.com/kikisaidso/ https://www.instagram.com/cocktalespodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/coffeebeandean/ Follow the Matchmaking Duo: https://www.instagram.com/thematchmakingduo/ Follow Krizia:  https://www.instagram.com/kriziacruz_/

What Is Your Love Story?  Not the one that you’re in per se, but the one that subconsciously, you’ll move mountains or reality, to live inside? Psychologists have identified 26 kinds of stories that people commit to BEFORE committing to their romantic partner so, which one is yours? Our starring guest Raven Ross who you can recall from Netlfix’s reality series, Love is Blind Season 3. She is also a pilates instructor nearly a 2 million followers on social media. Raven went through one of the messiest Tik Tok cheating scandals last year with her ex-fiancee. Now, she’s ready to love out loud again plus wants to share with you how, why, and maybe even who..  A love story is a frame of reference for how you believe love works or should work. Kind of like how your political beliefs describe how you think a group of people should be governed. Now, as I mentioned off the top, in my fav book, the new psychology of love, there are 26 different common stories that people can subscribe to.  Addiction - we have an intense first connection and from then on we need each other and create a dynamic based around the fear of parting ways Audition - you gotta win the part and keep proving you love me and if you forget the lines or go too far off script Art - my partner looks good and they make me look good because I own something beautiful Business - our union is designed to give us more money, power and respect from others Cookbook - love has a recipe and instruction list, if we forget ingredients or steps our love won’t be as good Fantasy - save me, marry me, and happily ever after me.  Game - love is a sport with a winner and a loser or if we’re on the same team there’s still a captain and a bench player Gardening - love is something that has to grow and it takes time, awareness of the environment, plus continuous tending to in order to flourish. For more on this, see my episode where I explain the difference between a fruit and a fruit tree History - in our relationship you are who you were, there’s only past you and future you. Think of it like the difference between “I’ll believe it when I see it” and “let’s just see!” Horror - relationships are scary and the scarier it is, the more real it is Humor - love is a joke, some people get the joke early, some later, but sooner or later everyone gets humbled Mystery - you don’t need to know everything about each other because maintaining the mystery is more important than discovering yourselves through uncovering one another Police - you gotta place rules and boundaries on your partner because people are only as good as you’ll allow them to be Religion - love is in service of the Lord Sacrifice - love is just as much about what you give as what you’re willing to give up to demonstrate devotion to the other Science - love can be studied and explained through scientific theory just like anything else War - love is a power struggle ruled by  The other ones are: recover, science fiction, sewing, theater, travel, war, student-teacher, and a few more. Conversation starter pack What story of love are you currently subscribing to? Which ones are you aspiring to? What narratives are you trying to stay clear of and why? What love story was modeled for you growing up? Thanks to the sponsors of this episode! www.hungryroot.com/LOVERS for 30% off your first delivery and your free veggies.  http://www.carawayhome.com/lovers for 10% off www.betterhelp.com/lovers for 10% off your first month  www.zocdoc.com to download the free app Follow Shan: https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Raven:  https://www.instagram.com/pilatesbodyraven www.pilatesbodyraven.com https://www.tiktok.com/@pilatesbodyraven