The Intimacy Inquiry

Embodying Pleasure: Patty Alfonso on Erotic Innocence, Nervous System Healing, and Expanding Intimacy

Patty Alfonso, an “erotic priestess” and creator of the Embody Her mentorship, explains her trauma-aware, body-based approach to helping women integrate pleasure, power, and truth by reconnecting with the body rather than living solely “from the neck up.” She and the host discuss somatic healing for trauma responses, technology-driven disconnection, and how patriarchy and mixed cultural messages shame women’s sexuality while exploiting it.

Patty shares her personal path from a sex-silent upbringing to feminine embodiment through S Factor movement, and reframes erotic ene...

Cidney Green on Sexual Liberation, Non‑Monogamy, and Power

On Intimacy Inquiry, the host speaks with Cidney Green, creator of viral Atlanta alt orgy events, the Pussy Over Pain Movement, and author of the upcoming book All Three In Me.

Green describes her private self as playful and affection-seeking, contrasts her teenage prudishness and dependence on male validation with an early fascination with sex, and discusses porn as entertainment rather than education. She argues society’s comfort with violence but discomfort with sex stems largely from religion and that sexual shame suppresses personal power, especially for...

Radical Honesty, Modern Intimacy, and Sex Work: Elizabeth Romanova on Stigma, Boundaries, and Independence

London-based escort and adult content creator Elizabeth Romanova, a single mother to a 15-year-old, discusses her decade-plus in sex work, her choice of “radical honesty” at home, and how she navigates stigma and judgment by avoiding online comments.

She describes exploring different parts of the industry (escorting, porn, webcamming, OnlyFans) and valuing creator control, travel, and flexible work. Romano explains client motivations—from married men seeking intimacy to lonely single men wanting companionship—and how she sets boundaries, including refusing condomless sex and...

From Sexual Shame to Sovereignty: Pleasure, Communication, and Unlearning Conditioning with Jocelyn Silva

Empowerment coach and sex educator Jocelyn Silva shares how growing up Catholic in the San Fernando Valley shaped intense shame-based messages about sex, and how a positive first sexual experience and feminist activism led her to leave the church and become a sex educator with Coochie La, teaching comprehensive sex ed in low-income communities.

She and the host discuss how shame and political forces restrict bodily sovereignty, why online information and porn can mislead young people, and how reframing “sex” as “pleasure” reduces...

Healing Trauma, Reclaiming Self-Trust, and Building Real Connection with Tori Jenae

Trauma-informed relationship and confidence coach Tori Jenae shares how complex childhood trauma shaped her nervous system and dating patterns, including perfectionism, control, low-grade anxiety, and avoidant “push-pull” intimacy.

She explains how early attachments create “love maps,” why trauma is stored in the body, and critiques talk therapy that stops at the mind, emphasizing somatic work and safety in relationship as key to healing.

Tori recounts leaving home at 17, breaking a family lineage of addiction, and finding safety with her ex-husband, with whom she was...

Elana Auerbach on The Sure Thing: A Weekly Pleasure Practice for Lasting Intimacy

Elana Auerbach, a sensuality guide and educator, discusses her book and “The Sure Thing” love experiment: a simple weekly pleasure practice designed to help couples replace sex struggles and performance pressure with reliable intimacy, desire, and joy.

She shares her personal history of dissociation, sexual awakening, and her purpose as a “priestess of love and connection,” explaining how a 12-year desire mismatch with her spouse shifted after they committed in December 2020 to a weekly Saturday practice focused on connection rather than goals or orgas...

Embodiment, Consent, and Leaving a Sexless Marriage: Skylar Lyralen Kaye on Queer Intimacy and Self-Love

Non-binary, gender-fluid writer and solo performer Skylar Lyralen Kaye discusses their work on intimacy, queerness, and mental health, and describes a day-to-day life grounded in solitude, meditation, yoga, hiking, and paddleboarding after moving from the US to Portugal, which they find safer, more peaceful, and less achievement-driven.

They redefine success as quality of life, joy, love, and inner peace, and explain how embodiment practices and theater training helped release trauma-held “armor,” highlighting limits of talk therapy and the importance of soma...

Bridging the Desire Gap: Somatic Intimacy, Communication, and Pleasure

Dr. Laura Jurgens, a certified sex and relationship coach and creator of the Desire Gap Bridge Method, discusses how her background in science and personal trauma informed her somatic, body-based approach to helping couples navigate libido mismatches, which she says affect about 80% of long-term couples.

The conversation explores how people attach painful meaning to desire differences, why stereotypes about which partner wants more sex are often wrong, and how narrow, patriarchal definitions of sex and inadequate sex education push people toward porn-based scripts and performance, shame...

Caasi O’Day on Being “Too Much,” Somatic Healing, and Treating the Clients Others Avoid

Licensed clinical social worker Caasi O’Day, founder of Las Vegas practice Polarized Parts, shares her path from being a “lost cause” teen in a small Iowa town—angry, self-harming, using drugs, and distrustful of therapy—to becoming a clinician known for radical honesty, dark humor, and working with clients often judged or labeled “treatment resistant.”

She explains why she centers nonjudgment, authenticity, and self-disclosure, and outlines DBT’s four modules (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness) alongside internal family systems and som...

Transforming Conflict into Intimacy: Valerie Greene on Attachment, Communication, and Lasting Love

Valerie Greene, a transformational life coach and relationship specialist, discusses how she helps women and couples turn conflict into deeper intimacy using emotional healing modalities and practical communication tools.

She reflects on her formative years, including a fraught relationship with her emotionally unavailable father and a spiritual but also emotionally unavailable mother, and how early experiences shaped her insecurity and later passion for relationship work. The conversation explores why modern culture often disconnects people from feelings (industrialization, nuclear family pressures, technology), and how...

Existential Kink, BDSM, and Reclaiming Intimacy: with Tina Estrella

Certified existential kink coach and former professional dominatrix Tina Estrella shares her path from years of substance abuse, self-harm, and misdiagnoses to discovering she’s on the AuDHD spectrum and shifting toward nervous-system-informed, somatic, parts-based work.

She recounts a pivotal “bathroom floor” moment—hearing a clear inner voice ask, “Tina, what are you doing?”—that sparked self-responsibility and a rapid decision to stop destructive behaviours, despite the social upheaval of reinventing her life. The conversation explores her BDSM work (starting as a professional sub, later domme), emphasizing co...

Creating, Maintaining, and Rebuilding Long-Term Intimacy with Bella Krutik

Bella Krutik, a relationship nervous system and feminine embodiment coach, shares how she helps successful women and men rebuild trust, intimacy, and long-term connection. She reflects on her formative years as a rule-following, approval-seeking “good girl,” shaped by a first-generation Australian/Latvian immigrant family culture of playing small and staying safe.

Bella describes marrying at 20, divorcing four years later, then repeating similar patterns in a second marriage (people-pleasing, self-abandonment, blame, weak boundaries). Years after separating and divorcing her second husband (the father of h...

Lauren Venables on Safety, Somatics, and Dropping the Guard to Create Deeper Intimacy

Lauren Venables, a Sydney-based feminine embodiment and intimacy coach who supports high-achieving women in feeling safe enough to drop their guard and receive intimacy, pleasure, and devotion through somatic practices, nervous system work, trauma-informed coaching, grief, and relational healing. Lauren shares how she was shy, perfectionistic, and afraid to be seen as a teen despite being a dancer, and how bullying and a lack of safety in relationships shaped her early intimacy and self-expression.

She describes a major turning point after a...

Navigating Modern Therapy and Relationships with Briana Bass

In this episode, Briana Bass, a licensed professional counselor associate and board-certified clinical psychologist, shares insights from her unique background, combining high-level corporate experience and work in addiction centers.

She discusses the transformative power of modern, evidence-based therapy in addressing the challenges of today's high-pressure world. Briana reflects on her formative years and explains how modern therapy differs from traditional approaches by focusing on real-world issues such as chronic stress, gender roles, political climate, and technology.

She also touches on the loneliness epidemic, the impact...

Rebuilding Self-Trust with Brylye Collins: Navigating Love, Life, and Leadership

In this episode, Brylye Collins, a relationship coach, talent leader, and founder of Building with Bry, shares her journey from a corporate HR and talent acquisition background to empowering singles in finding intentional relationships. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Brylye discusses the importance of self-trust and clarity in dating, her transition from traditional corporate roles to relationship coaching, and the unique challenges high-achieving professionals face in their personal lives.

Brylye also talks about the value of embracing one's individuality outside of societal labels, the...

Embracing Pleasure and Power: A Deep Dive with Dr. Jordin Wiggins

In this insightful episode, Dr. Jordin Wiggins, a naturopathic doctor, author, and pleasure and intimacy coach, shares her revolutionary approach to women's sexual health and wellness. As the CEO of the Pleasure Collective and host of the Amazing Pleasure Principles podcast, Dr. Wiggins combines her 13 years of holistic medical experience with personal insights as a sexual abuse survivor to help high-achieving women reclaim their pleasure. She discusses her journey, the impact of hormone health on sexual desire, and the systemic issues in women's healthcare. Dr. Wiggins...

Reclaiming Intimacy: Xanet Pailet's Journey from Sexless Marriage to Passionate Coach

In this episode, Xanet Pailet, a nationally recognized sex and intimacy coach, shares her transformative journey from a 26-year sexless marriage and a successful career as a healthcare executive to becoming a somatic sexologist and author. Pailet discusses her immersive healing retreats, her approach to trauma-informed body-based sexuality, and the importance of emotional and physical intimacy. She offers practical insights into how couples can reconnect and rekindle their passion, emphasizing the roles of empathy, safe communication, and somatic experiences. As she gears up for the release...

Exploring the Complexities of Sexuality with Gigi Engle

In this episode, we dive deep into sexuality, intimacy, and diverse relationships with Gigi Engle, a renowned sex and relationship psychotherapist. Starting with Gigi's formative years and journey in sex education, the discussion spans various topics including the pitfalls of traditional sex education, the impact of pornography on young minds, and the importance of pleasure-based sex education.

Gigi shares insights on the dynamics in kinky and polyamorous relationships, the significance of open communication, and how societal norms shape our views on intimacy. They also discuss Gigi's forthcoming...

Exploring Power, Art, and Intimacy: A Deep Dive with Mistress Malisandre

Mistress Malisandre, an artist, author, and power dynamic educator, discusses how her work with the House of Embers explores the transformation of power through art and immersive experiences.

She shares her journey into power dynamics, beginning with observing power in her formative years and eventually becoming a professional dominatrix. Malisandre elaborates on the misconceptions surrounding BDSM and how she integrates elements of power dynamics into the lives of vanilla couples, emphasizing the importance of communication and consent.

She also reflects on the...

Exploring Erotic Integrity with Dr. Claudia Six

Dr. Claudia Six, a clinical psychologist, couple’s counselor, and author with over 35 years of experience, discusses her journey from a shy teenager to a renowned sex therapist. She shares her background, influences, and key concepts from her book 'Erotic Integrity: How to Be True to Yourself Sexually.'

Dr. Six elaborates on the challenges couples face regarding sexual satisfaction, authenticity, and connection. She also addresses the impacts of body image issues, pornography, and the evolving nature of relationships throughout different life stages. Additionally, she offers insight into th...

The Sacred Undressing Journey with Nedjma Belaid

In this episode of the Intimacy Inquiry, host Andrew welcomes Nedjma Belaid, founder of With Kind Awareness. Nedjma, a former pharmacist turned empowerment coach, shares her inspiring journey from people-pleasing to deep self-love and authenticity. She discusses her diverse experiences, including her transition from mathematics to pharmacy to spiritual coaching, and the various coaching modalities she has mastered.

The conversation delves into topics such as overcoming people-pleasing, the process of 'sacred undressing,' the balance of masculine and feminine energies, and the importance of self-responsibility. Nedjma also touches...

Kimberly Braun: From Monastic Solitude to Spiritual Luminary

In this episode, former Carmelite nun Kimberly Braun shares her profound journey from the cloistered life of a monastery to becoming a spiritual luminary, retreat leader, and author. She explores the evolution of her spirituality, the mystical experiences that shaped her, and the reasons behind her decision to leave the monastic life. Kimberly discusses how her lifelong practices of meditation, presence, and contemplation have transformed her, leading her to guide others in integrating spiritual wisdom into everyday life.

The conversation delves into topics like the nature of...

Reclaiming Pleasure and Intimacy: A Conversation with Kayla Moore

In this episode, Kayla Moore, a certified sex therapist and pleasure coach, discusses her journey and mission to help women and couples reclaim sex, intimacy, and embodiment as sacred and life-giving parts of their lives.

Kayla shares insights from her upbringing influenced by strong female role models, her transformation from traditional psychology to becoming a sex therapist, and her shift towards integrating spirituality and sacred feminine healing into her practice. She highlights the importance of understanding and dismantling patriarchal narratives around sexuality, the necessity of addressing...

Navigating Life and Love with Psychic Medium June Edward

In this episode, award-winning author, psychic medium, and relationship coach June Edward delves into her life story and spiritual journey, discussing how her early psychic experiences and a near-death event shaped her understanding of life, relationships, and the soul’s journey.

She explains her seven-week relationship mastery program, which helps individuals transform their relationships through understanding energy and self-worth. June shares insights on how meditation led to the full awakening of her psychic abilities, the nature of different types of relationships, and the importance of raising on...

Anastasia Pierce: Empowerment and Strategy in the Adult Industry

In this episode of 'Intimacy Inquiry,' the host welcomes Anastasia Pierce, a figure who seamlessly blends artistry, entrepreneurship, and personal empowerment within the adult industry.

Anastasia, with a unique dual perspective from her background in both accounting and performance, discusses her journey from a shy girl in Switzerland to a top business coach for creators on platforms like Loyal Fans. The conversation delves into topics like treating adult content creation as a business, empowering performers to think like CEOs, and the changing dynamics of the...

Exploring Intimacy and Connection: A Conversation with Holly Nelson

In this episode, we speak with Holly Nelson, the founder of the Connection Couch and a licensed professional counselor specializing in intimacy, sexuality, and emotional connection.

Holly shares her journey from a rebellious LDS upbringing to becoming a sex-positive, queer and kink-affirming therapist. She discusses her various certifications, including EMDR and advanced EFT training, and her passion for helping clients through shame, trauma, and anxiety related to sexuality. Holly also dives into her reasons for founding the Connection Couch and the importance of communication and negotiation...

Empowering Your Intuitive Self: A Conversation with Spiritual Guide Gloria Battini

In this episode, Gloria Battini, a renowned spiritual guide, psychic, medium, astrologer, and transformational teacher, discusses her mission to help individuals reconnect with their intuitive intelligence and heal from past traumas.

Sharing insights on tarot, oracle cards, and astrology, Gloria emphasizes that psychic abilities are innate and can be developed by anyone. She also shares her personal journey through severe OCD and emotional abuse, shedding light on the importance of self-discovery and authenticity.

The conversation touches on societal conditioning, the power of...

Exploring Intimacy and Identity with Tonya Todd

Tonya Todd, a Las Vegas-based author, actress, and activist, delves into her life and work in this engaging script. Known for her evocative stories about passionate women, her new book '52 Love' offers bite-sized lessons on intimacy.

Tonya champions marginalized voices and shares her journey from being painfully shy to becoming empowered through acting. She discusses her writing process, the significance of representation in media, and her penchant for vampire literature.

Tonya also reveals her insights on cosplay and the importance of creative resistance. This script...

The Journey of Resilience: Ms. Elite USA 2024 Koya Bakare on Healing and Self-Worth

In this episode, Koya Bakare, Ms Elite United States 2024, shares her incredible journey from trauma to triumph. As a speaker and mindfulness coach, Koya discusses her formative years, her relationship with her mother, and the pivotal role of pageantry in her life. She opens up about overcoming bulimia, suicide attempts, and sexual assault, revealing how these experiences have shaped her mission to empower others. Koya also talks about her spirituality, the importance of self-love, and finding joy in life's simple pleasures. This deeply moving...

Navigating Modern Love: Insights from Dating Coach Noah Heymann

In this episode, Andrew interviews Noah Heymann, a dating and relationship coach who helps individuals find love through his website datecoach.com and Instagram handle datecoach.com.

Noah's expertise covers areas such as in-person approaches, online dating profiles, communication techniques, body confidence, and intimacy. He shares his journey from a closeted teenager to a full-time coach, emphasizing the influence of past experiences on current dating behaviors.

Noah also discusses the importance of candid communication in relationships, different dynamics in online dating for various genders...

Unlocking Lasting Love with Relationship Coach Bernando Mendez

In this episode, we sit down with Bernando Mendez, a renowned relationship and dating coach who guides women globally to lasting love by understanding the masculine mindset, building self-worth, and creating genuine romantic connections.

Bernando shares insights from his own transformative journey and coaching experiences, detailing how he helps women release limiting beliefs and attain dating clarity. We delve into his background, his personal struggles, and his professional shift from entrepreneurship to relationship coaching.

Bernando also discusses the importance of self-love, navigating modern relationship dynamics...

Exploring Energy, Spirituality, and Personal Empowerment with Aude Firmin

In this episode, Andrew engages in an insightful conversation with Aude Firmin, a London-based spiritual mentor, intuitive business coach, and reiki practitioner. Aude shares her journey from dealing with personal trauma and societal conditioning to emerging as a guide for others on their spiritual and self-discovery paths.

She delves into her youth, experiences in the tech industry, and how she integrates spiritual wisdom with practical guidance. The discussion covers topics such as healing from past traumas, understanding energy and spirituality, challenges and boundaries in her work...

Unlocking Intimacy: Amy Rowan's Journey and Insights on Sexology

In this insightful episode, board-certified sexologist Amy Rowan shares her personal and professional journey in the realm of sex and intimacy. Amy, a cancer survivor and mother of three, opens up about her early fascination with vinegar, how her upbringing influenced her career, and the pivotal moments in her discovery of sexology.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, communication in relationships, and the role of pleasure in sexual experiences. Amy also delves into her battle with cancer and how it affected her sense of...

Exploring Pleasure and Sexuality with Suzannah Weiss

In this revealing conversation, Suzannah Weiss, a certified sex educator, sex and love coach, and writer, discusses her journey from dealing with teenage insecurities and body image issues to becoming an advocate for feminist sexuality and ethical non-monogamy.

She shares insights from her books 'Subjectified' and 'Eve's Blessing,' and her experiences with psychedelics, orgasmic birth, and OnlyFans. Suzannah emphasizes the importance of communication in relationships, redefining pleasure, and the potential of psychedelics in sexual healing.

The discussion also touches on societal norms around sexuality, the...

Creating Inclusive Wellness Spaces: A Conversation with Dr. Syd Young

Dr. Syd Young, founder of Out Wellness in Austin, Texas, discusses the importance of creating inclusive, queer, and trans-focused wellness spaces. They share their personal journey from being a competitive tennis player to becoming a physical therapist and advocate for trans rights.

Dr. Young elaborates on the challenges faced by marginalized groups in traditional healthcare environments and the transformative mission behind Out Wellness. The interview covers topics including the impact of body image in sports, societal biases against larger bodies, and the significance of providing...

Navigating Intimacy and Sex Therapy with Keri Green

In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist, Keri Green, discusses her journey into sex therapy, drawing from over 20 years of experience. She shares personal stories, details her motivation for entering the field, and emphasizes the importance of communication and self-care.

Keri explores topics like mismatched sexual desire among couples, the impact of early sexual experiences, and the societal taboo surrounding discussions about sex. She provides insights into ethical non-monogamy, the potential issues of sex and porn addiction, and the significance of intimacy in relationships. Throughout, Keri...

Exploring Heart-Centered Healing and Divine Connection with Monica Bermudez

In this episode, Monica Bermudez, a heart-centered spiritual coach and energy healer, shares her transformational journey and the intricacies of her work through Sacred Heart Awakenings.

Focusing on helping empathic women and high-achievers reclaim their inner power, Monica discusses quantum energy healing, intuitive insight, and ancient wisdom as tools for overcoming grief and emotional blocks.

Delving into her teenage years and personal awakening, she outlines the importance of self-love, the integration of divine feminine energy, and the profound healing roles of nature and intimacy...

Navigating Intimacy and Emotional Healing with Wendi Dumbroff

In this episode, licensed professional counselor Wendi Dumbroff discusses her journey and commitment to helping individuals and couples with their intimacy and communication issues. She emphasizes the importance of creating a non-judgmental, safe environment for emotional healing.

Wendi shares insights on the pervasive impact of shame on sexual well-being and highlights the significance of normalizing open conversations about desires and fantasies in relationships. Additionally, she discusses how redefining sex, understanding grief, and overcoming societal norms can foster healthier intimate connections. Wendi also touches on the growing interest...

From Trauma to Triumph: Anu Verma's Journey of Resilience and Healing

In this episode, Anu Verma, founder of Victim to Victor, shares her inspiring journey from childhood abuse to becoming a fierce advocate for survivors. Through her bestselling memoir and podcast, Anu combines personal experiences with professional expertise in mental health, bodywork, and trauma recovery. She discusses the challenges of acceptance, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of intimacy in healing relationships. Anu's story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-worth, and the transformative power of holistic healing.

00:00 Introduction to Anu Verma and Victim...

Exploring Sexual Health and Pleasure with Dr. Susan Milstein

In this episode, Dr. Susan Milstein, a renowned health education specialist, certified sexologist, and co-host of the podcast 'Unzipping Taboos,' shares insights from her extensive career.

Dr. Sue discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in sexual health education, both in her formative years and in professional life. She highlights the critical role of conversations around intimacy, pleasure, and healthy relationships, emphasizing the need for comprehensive sex education.

Dr. Sue also delves into the evolving landscape of sexuality, the impact of AI and digital trends...