LOVERS by shan

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY RYU, our little munchkin just turned FIVE! And while Thanksgiving week is here, Jared and I felt like it was the perfect moment to sit together and talk about being parents.  Somewhere between the sleepless nights, tiny victories, meltdown moments, and unexpected laughter, Ryu taught us something surprising: sometimes, love is giving someone your dirty socks. (It’s her quote, and honestly… she’s not wrong.) Together, we explore: ✨ How becoming parents reshapes the way you love and the way you’re loved ✨ The unexpected emotional cost and reward of raising strong-willed children ✨ A reflection on why we are the way we are A conversation for anyone navigating love, partnership, and the wild joy of raising tiny humans. — ⭐ Follow Jared Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/enjoyjaredbrady/?hl=en Music Monday YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKVWwEy39GLNzKXXt9v46TA ⭐ Want more Lovers? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

In this episode of LOVERS, Shan sits down with singer and songwriter Sabrina Claudio for a conversation about heartbreak, loneliness, friendship, and the lessons that shaped her new album. Sabrina talks openly about how loneliness can quietly influence decisions, including staying in relationships that feel draining. She shares what it was like to feel isolated even while partnered, why she struggled to speak up about what she was going through, and how she eventually chose to walk away. We also explore the idea of emotional detox, the feeling of carrying someone long after the relationship ends, and the moment she realized she needed to release what was weighing her down. If you have ever tried to heal while still holding on, or wondered why connection sometimes feels complicated, this conversation offers insight and companionship. Referenced in this episode: Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory — the idea that our development is shaped by multiple layers of environment (from family + friends all the way to culture + society). Follow Sabrina Claudio Sabrina’s short film Fall In Love With Her Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sabrinaclaudio Twitter → https://twitter.com/sabrinaclaudio YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/c/SabrinaClaudio Website → https://www.sabrinaclaudio.co Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Receive the weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore quizzes and worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Published: 19 November 2025

In this intimate London-based episode of LOVERS, Shan sits down with the legendary storyteller and pleasure educator Seema Anand, the woman who transformed shame into sacred power. From being judged and silenced for her fascination with the Kama Sutra to becoming its most celebrated modern interpreter, Seema shares how self-love became her act of rebellion. Together, we talk about: ✨ Growing up rebelling against libertine attitudes and then discovering Tantra ✨ The link between shame, sensuality, and self-expression ✨ Why women still feel guilt for wanting pleasure ✨ The truth behind the Kama Sutra’s ancient wisdom ✨ How to fall in love with yourself — unapologetically in your sixties or at any age This episode was inspired by our collaboration jewelry line KAMA, created to remind women to prioritize pleasure — in bed and beyond. Each piece is designed to honor the art of connection and confidence. In collaboration with Surmeyi, our Käma collection celebrates women’s bodies as inseparable from nature, and pleasure as the invisible force balancing the universe. Get your jewelry today: 💎 The entire KAMA jewelry line is now back in stock for the holidays.  Shop the collection: https://surmeyi.com/kama Also Seema’s brand new book Speak Easy is now available for preorder https://www.amazon.in/Speak-Easy-Field-Longing-Intimacy/dp/9361319337 Interested in getting expert help spicing up your intimate life? Learn more about Arya, the couples subscription service that helps you make breaking the routine your new and exciting routine. Everyone is a lil kinky, and we all need help discovering ours - let Arya do all the hard work so you can focus on the fun part. http://arya.fyi/shan Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com  Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter  Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community  Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes 

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

Thank you to Ro for sponsoring this video. Connect with a provider at https://ro.co/lovers to find out if prescription Ro Sparks are right for you. In collaboration with Seema Anand and Surmeyi, our Käma collection celebrates women’s bodies as inseparable from nature, and pleasure as the invisible force balancing the universe. Get your jewelry today: https://surmeyi.com/collections/kama  ----- Sacred, spicy, and still timeless — we had to bring this one back. Shan sat down with artist Tanerélle to dive deep into the world of sacred sexuality and conscious intimacy. Sacred sexuality is more than physical pleasure; it’s an intentional way of connecting through energy, presence, and deep emotional awareness. From gentle touch and stillness to moments of shared breath and meditation, it invites a kind of connection that transcends the body and opens the heart. This mindful practice can lead to profound release, heightened pleasure, and a fuller experience of intimacy, from multiple or non-ejaculatory orgasms for men to expansive, layered sensations for women. Plus, Brenden Durell joins to guide a special class in the LOVERS community. We go over sacred sexuality and breathwork, a transformative session on presence, connection, and embodied pleasure. Follow Tanerélle https://www.instagram.com/tanerelle/   Follow Brenden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendendurell/ Website: https://brendendurell.com/  Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com  Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter  Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community  Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes 

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

Calm your mind. Change your life. Try Calm by heading to https://calm.yt.link/2lLJh1b. ———————— This week, Shan sits down with Grammy-winning artist Chrisette Michele opens up about being diagnosed with autism as an adult and the way that revelation helped her understand her rhythm, her relationships and what safety really means for her. She shares how music became one of the few places that always made sense, how her mom stood by her through the unknown, and how she finally began to remove the mask and meet herself. Later, we bring in expert Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, founder of Autism in Black, Inc., to guide a deeper conversation around autism, neurodivergence, intimacy, and how we show up for those we love. Whether you’re neurodivergent, in a relationship with someone who is, or simply want to deepen your understanding, this episode invites you to explore how love, safety, and authenticity coexist. Follow Chrisette Michele: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisettemichele/ Website:chrisettemichele.com Follow Maria Davis-Pierre & Autism in Black: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/autisminblack/ Website: https://www.autisminblack.org/ Sign up for the 5th Annual Autism In Black Conference Virtual or In-Person Attendance: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/2025-autism-in-black-registration-page?aff=Christina-Schmidt Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Thank you to Function Health for sponsoring this video! Visit https://functionhealth.yt.link/Eug9eKx or use code LOVERS100 at sign-up to own your health. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. ———————— In her mid-30s, Chy Fontenette from Behind the Likes podcast finds herself facing what feels like a full-life reset: a breakup she didn’t choose, friendships shifting as she starts setting boundaries, and a growing awareness of the pain she’s carried for years. Through tears, honesty, and reflection, Chy admits she doesn’t know what’s next,  and Shan reminds her that she’s doing the most important thing of all: staying with herself through it. This episode is for anyone in that place where everything hurts and nothing feels certain. Shan offers tangible guidance on how to move through the fog, from becoming an archaeologist of your own life (digging up the moments you felt love and success before) to remembering Steve Jobs’ wisdom that you can’t connect the dots looking forward, only backward. The message is simple: you can’t rush this part. But if you keep caring for yourself, one day you’ll look up and realize, your life doesn’t feel so heavy anymore. Follow Chy Fontenette! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chy.f/ Listen to her podcast “Behind the Likes”: https://www.behindthelikespodcast.com/ Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

Are relationships supposed to be THIS Hard? This week on LOVERS, Shan sits down with Glen and Yvette Henry, the couple behind the viral family brand Beleaf in Fatherhood. Glen, known as Beleaf, has a new book coming out titled Father Yourself First, which challenges men to approach fatherhood as a path of healing, self-awareness, and personal accountability. In this conversation, Glen and Yvette open up about how hard marriage can be, especially after kids, success, and faith transitions. From getting married young to raising four children and growing a public platform together, they’ve faced nearly every challenge that tests a couple’s foundation. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is marriage supposed to be this hard?”, this episode is for you. It’s a raw and honest reminder that struggle doesn’t mean failure, it means growth. ✨ Preorder Glen’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Father-Yourself-First-Everything-Deserves/dp/1400252555 📺 Watch their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BeleafInFatherhood 🎧 Listen to their podcast “How Married Are You” https://howmarriedareyoupodcast.com/ Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

Trigger Warning: This conversation includes a deeply personal story shared by André Holland, including a moment when someone he had affections for used a racial slur toward him. Listener discretion is advised. What happens when a core memory rewrites the story of how we see ourselves in love? In this week’s LOVERS episode, Shan sits down with actor André Holland to explore the pivotal memory that shaped his belief that he was never “good enough” as himself—and that he had to become someone “better” to be loved. They unpack how these deeply rooted emotional imprints steer our relationships—sometimes helping us, but often holding us back. André’s story reveals how early wounds can guide not just who we choose, but how we let love in. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this episode is a powerful guide to: uncovering the underlying stories behind your intimacy rewriting beliefs that no longer serve you opening the door to deeper, more authentic connection 🎬 About Love, Brooklyn Want more from André Holland? Be sure to check out his new film, Love, Brooklyn now playing in theaters. It will be available for streaming too!   Stay up-to-date and follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovebrooklynmovie/ For more on André be sure to follow him on Instagram: http://instagram.com/andreholland Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

To get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp, visit http://betterhelp.com/loversbyshan. Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! — This week, I interview Lilly Singh, actor and history-making content creator, with a new movie RIGHT up our alley: Doin’ It (yes it’s a movie about sex, specifically what happens when a South Asian virgin is assigned to teach sex ed). In this episode Lilly opens up about growing up in a world where emotional chaos felt familiar, why she kept gravitating toward toxic partners who gave her the bare minimum, and how she’s now doing the inner work (therapy, inner child healing, setting boundaries) to protect “little Lilly.” In this conversation, we explore how past wounds shaped her romantic choices, and how she’s rewriting that story one day at a time. 🎬 About Doin’ It You can catch “Doin’ It” in select theaters or pre-order the film on Apple, Amazon, and Fandango to watch it at home as of October 7. For more information visit doinitmovie.com  🔗 Follow Lilly Singh  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilly Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Lilly Grab her bestselling book Be a Triangle → https://www.lillysinghbook.com Want more Lover?  Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

Thank you to Ro for sponsoring this video. Connect with a provider at https://ro.co/lovers to find out if prescription Ro Sparks are right for you. ----- What happens when you realize the best sex of your marriage only shows up on vacation? Award-winning journalist, author, and podcaster Jemele Hill joins Shan for a conversation about how she uncovered the connection between stress, rest, and desire in her own marriage. She shares why her husband seems to get luckier when they’re away, how that awareness has deepened their relationship, and what it taught her about the balance between ambition, partnership, and intimacy. This episode is for my overachievers who struggle to “do it all,” for the happily partnered (or hoping-to-be), and for anyone who’s ever wondered how to bring that vacation spark back home. Together, Jemele and Shan break down: - Why “having it all” is a myth (and the price women pay for chasing it) - How silence around stress robs intimacy, and what to do instead - What “fair trade” in the home has to do with mutually desirable sex - Practical ways to bring vacation sex energy into everyday life 🔗 Follow Jemele Hill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemelehill/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jemelehill Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025

Thank you to Function Health for sponsoring this episode! Visit https://functionhealth.com/loversbyshan or use code LOVERS100 at sign-up to own your health. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. ----- What does it mean to choose love on your own terms? How do our values, self-worth, and cultural expectations shape the way we show up in relationships? In this conversation, entrepreneur, fitness model, and actress Rosa Acosta shares her perspective on redefining what relationships can look like when you step away from society’s scripts. She reflects on leaving behind relationships that don’t serve both partners, questioning inherited scripts about men and women, and what it takes to create intimacy outside of convention. This is a dialogue about love as partnership, the courage to release what no longer fits, and the art of rewriting our own story. 🔗 Follow Rosa Acosta Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosaacosta/ Cossa Mia: https://www.instagram.com/cossamia/ Want more Lover? Shan’s AI trained to give you her advice → http://loversbyshan.com Get a free weekly Love Letter → http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter Join the Lovers Community → https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Explore free quizzes + worksheets → http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2025

Watch what happens when you ask for a performance review in your relationship. Do the hard and awkward questions lead to more intimacy or new resentments? In this week’s episode of Lovers, Shan sits down with her husband, Jared Brady, for their quarterly relationship check-in — on camera. Together, they ask the tough but necessary questions: Am I still who you want? Are you becoming who I need? This raw and real conversation reveals how couples can stay aligned, navigate change, and keep intimacy thriving over time. Plus, Shan and Jared share a free Relationship Check-In Guide so you and your partner can try this practice at home. Whether you’re dating, married, or somewhere in between, this episode is a roadmap for honest communication, vulnerability, and keeping love strong. The full conversation of Jared and I lives in my community in the premium tier. Resource - Interactive Guide https://www.loversbyshan.com/resource/relationship-checkin  🔗 Follow Jared Brady Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enjoyjaredbrady/?hl=en  https://www.youtube.com/@MusicMondayEnjoy Want more Lover? Check out Shan’s AI trained to give only her advice to you http://loversbyshan.com  Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter  💞 Join the Lovers Community: https://www.loversbyshan.com/community  Check out free quizzes and worksheets designed to help you deepen your relationships http://loversbyshan.com/quizzes 

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2025

What does it mean to be ready for motherhood? How do love, faith, and our relationship with our maternal figures shape our parenting? In this honest and grounded conversation, educator, author, and activist Blair Imani shares her perspective on family planning, pregnancy loss, and the role of sexual education in real life. She opens up about having conversations with her partner around abortion as part of sexual health, and how her conversion to Islam continues to guide her through questions of timing, family, and faith. We also dive into Blair’s relationship with her mom, and how that connection influences her hopes for becoming a parent herself. It’s a conversation about the choices we face when planning for a baby, the loss and love that come with it, and the bigger role faith, values, and family play in planning our future.  🔗 Follow Blair Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blairimani TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blairimani YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@blairimani Website: https://www.blairimani.com/  Want more Lover? Check out Shan’s AI trained to give only her advice to you http://loversbyshan.com Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter 💞 Join the Lovers Community: https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Check out free quizzes and worksheets designed to help you deepen your relationships http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2025

What holds a relationship together when life falls apart? Most of us picture the happiest moments when we think about our partner, but what happens when tragedy hits? In this intimate conversation, Dr. Laura Berman shares how she and her husband weathered some of life’s hardest storms together.  From dating him while she was caring for her young son with cancer, to the unimaginable loss of their son Sammy during the pandemic, Laura takes us inside the moments that tested their love, and the choices that kept them connected. Days after the death of their first child together, Sam pulled Laura close and said, “Most couples don’t get through tragedies like this, but we will.”  It’s a reminder that the strength of a relationship isn’t just built in joy, it’s forged in the fire of what you survive together. Want more Lover? Checkout Shan’s AI trained to give only her advice to you http://loversbyshan.com Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter 💞 Join the Lovers Community: https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Checkout free quizzes and worksheets designed to help you deepen your relationships http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter ________________________ Advertising & Other Inquiries: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

This week on Lovers, Shan sits down with The Pink Parley, a sex worker pulling back the curtain on what men secretly crave but rarely admit—even to their wives. With 98% of her clients being married men who have no desire to leave their marriages, Parley reveals the surprising request that keeps them coming back: ass worship. Yes, you read that right. These men don’t just want to “eat the groceries”—they want to be consumed by, suffocated by, and utterly surrounded by the booty. For them, it’s not just an act of pleasure; it’s a full-body, sensory experience. Together, Shan and Parley unpack what this hidden desire tells us about: - The gap between fantasy and communication in long-term relationships - The role of body positivity in sexual confidence and desire - How unspoken cravings can complicate fidelity inside marriage This episode is provocative, eye-opening, and an important reminder that what we don’t say in the bedroom can be just as impactful as what we do. 🔗 Follow The Pink Parley Website: https://thepinkparley.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/thepinkparley Want more Lover? Checkout Shan’s AI trained to give only her advice to you http://loversbyshan.com Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter 💞 Join the Lovers Community: https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Checkout free quizzes and worksheets designed to help you deepen your relationships http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter ________________________ Advertising & Other Inquiries: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

What does it really mean to build a relationship outside the rules you were taught? Is it still polyamory if only one person has other lovers? And most importantly, what happens when that dynamic actually works for you? In this honest and eye-opening conversation, multi-disciplinary entertainer, author, and founder of Movement Genius, Alyson Stoner, shares their experience in their polyamorous journey. We dive into the importance of knowing your own capacity for connection, and Alyson’s go-to communication tool: Frequency, Duration, and Intensity. It’s a simple yet powerful way to check in about how often you connect, for how long, and with what level of emotional depth. Even if you’re monogamous, this framework can change the way you relate, helping you set boundaries, stay aligned, and make sure your relationships feel balanced and intentional. Whether you’re curious about polyamory or simply want tools for building healthier, more intentional partnerships, this episode will leave you thinking about love in a whole new way. 🔗 Follow Alyson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alysonstoner TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alysonstoner YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alysonstoner 📚 Preorder Alyson’s new book Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything (Out August 12, 2025) → https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/semi-well-adjusted-9781250353498/  🧠 Learn more about Movement Genius → https://www.movementgenius.com/ Want more Lover? Checkout Shan’s AI trained to give only her advice to you http://loversbyshan.com Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter 💞 Join the Lovers Community: https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Checkout free quizzes and worksheets designed to help you deepen your relationships http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

What if “happily ever after” starts and ends with just you? In this bold and expansive episode, Shan dives into The Eartha Kitt Effect—a cultural and emotional awakening inspired by the legendary performer Eartha Kitt, whose unapologetic views on love, compromise, and individuality continue to resonate decades later. This “effect” refers to the growing movement of people, especially women, who are choosing the single life on purpose, not by default. Joining Shan is Dr. Bella DePaulo, renowned social psychologist and author of Single at Heart, to unpack why some of the most fulfilled people are not in romantic relationships—and never want to be. Together, they explore: 🔥 Why Eartha Kitt’s viral interview moment ("Compromise? For what?") sparked a generation of self-partnership 🌱 How choosing not to center romance can lead to deeper personal growth, freedom, and connection 🧠 The science behind happiness in singlehood and the myth of the “incomplete” single person 💔 How media and social norms still stigmatize solo living—and what it looks like to rewrite your own happy ending Eartha’s now-iconic 1982 interview, where she laughs at the idea of compromising for a man, has become a symbol for self-honoring love. Her words echo across social media as more people step into identities that aren’t centered on romantic validation but on personal wholeness. Whether you're single by choice, rethinking long-term relationships, or simply seeking permission to define love your way—this episode is your affirmation. ✨ The Eartha Kitt Effect is here so listen now and ask yourself: What if “happily ever after” starts and ends with you? 🔗 Follow Bella DePaulo:  Website: belladepaulo.com Books: Single at Heart, How We Live Now, and more – Amazon 💞 Want more from Lover?  → Meet Shan’s AI trained to give only her advice to you: loversbyshan.com → Get a free weekly Love Letter straight to your inbox: Join the newsletter → Join the Lovers Community: loversbyshan.com/community → Try free quizzes + worksheets: Deepen your relationships 📩 For ads or inquiries: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

Does making friends get harder as you get older?  How the hell do I make friends? This episode is a rerun, and it's STILL very accurate.  According to the American Perspective Survey, May 2021, many people are not satisfied with the size of their friendship group. About half of Americans (51 percent) report they are very satisfied or completely satisfied with the number of friends they have. 30 percent say they are only somewhat satisfied, and 17 percent say they are not too or not at all satisfied with the number of friends they have. If you fall in that range of little to no satisfaction in friendships, here’s what you need to know about creating a bond.  So, how long does it take to make a new friend? - 50 hours before you consider them a casual friend  - 90 hours before becoming real friends  - 200hours- before becoming close friends  source: 'Journal of Social and Personal Relationships'  As the New York Times reported in 2012, there are “three conditions that sociologists since the 1950s have considered crucial to making close friends: proximity; repeated, unplanned interactions; and a setting that encourages people to let their guard down and confide in each other.” Cultivating emotionally intimate relationships, in other words, takes more work than just compliments. In this episode, I sit down with my friends Krista and Tabia, and we talk about our friendships, the ups, downs, and the work it takes to make them work.  A special thank you to Kamil Lewis, LMF,T, and Danielle Bayard-Jacskon, Bumble Friendship Expert, for lending their expertise on forming friendships.  Follow the guests on this episode: Follow Shan: https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram/ http://tiktok.com/shanboody    / @loversbyshan   Follow Krista:  https://www.instagram.com/itskrista/ https://www.instagram.com/almost30podcast/ Follow Tabia: https://www.instagram.com/tabiacharles/ Follow Danielle Bayard-Jackson https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson/ https://www.instagram.com/friendforward/ Follow Kamil Lewis, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/kamil.lewis/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/theexpansivegroup/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/safewordpod/ Advertising & Other Inquiries: [email protected]

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

What if the love story you were chasing… was never really yours? In this episode, actress Miranda Rae Mayo joins Shan to explore the journey of finding love by letting go of the fantasy. Known for her role on Chicago Fire, Miranda opens up about her current relationship and how she had to release the pressure to be “perfect” to experience a real connection. Together, they explore how love doesn’t always look the way we expected, and why exploring non-monogamy challenged (and expanded) her thoughts around love, security, and partnership. 🔗 Follow Miranda Miranda https://www.instagram.com/mrmayo Follow her exclusive project https://www.instagram.com/hereshecomestv/ Want more Lover? Checkout Shan’s AI trained to give only her advice to you http://loversbyshan.com Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter 💞 Join the Lovers Community: https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Checkout free quizzes and worksheets designed to help you deepen your relationships http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

What does it mean to date and be in relationships in a trauma-informed way? Are you dating from a place of fear instead of self-worth? In this powerful episode, certified dating and relationship coach Anwar White opens up about his personal journey and why emotional safety is the foundation of any healthy relationship. We explore the crucial question: Can you really date men if you're scared of them, or if deep down, you don't even like them? Whether you're recovering from toxic relationships, navigating dating anxiety, or looking to build confidence and emotional security in love, this episode will give you the tools to understand and honor your safety needs. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, dating coach Anwar White joins Shan to talk about what it means to date with emotional and relational safety at the center. Anwar shares his personal story of leaving an unsafe environment as a child alongside his mother, and how that shaped his deep understanding of safety, trust, and partnership. Now, as a coach helping Black and Brown women find aligned, lasting love, Anwar breaks down the realities of trauma-informed dating, co-regulation, and building standards rooted in self-worth. This conversation also explores the ways our early relationships model love for us, and how watching his mother now thrive in a healthy partnership has become part of Anwar’s full-circle healing and success story. 🔗 Follow Anwar https://www.instagram.com/datingcoachanwar Listen to his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PTRAwfi9ZPDF6h4BOWXvj Checkout his services https://getyourguycoaching.com/ Want more Lover? Checkout Shan’s AI trained to give only her advice to you http://loversbyshan.com Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter 💞 Join the Lovers Community: https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Checkout free quizzes and worksheets designed to help you deepen your relationships http://loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

In this episode, Weezy and Mandii B get real about shedding the pressure to “find the one” and embracing what feels good instead of what looks good on paper, how we need to reverse engineer the way we have casual sex, and how to set yourself up for success while dating and having casual sex. WeezyWTF expands on how sexual liberation goes hand in hand with how you approach and manifest casual sex. Mandii B & Binx open up about surviving sexual assault, and how that experience reshaped their relationships with men in their community. Follow Weezy: @weezywtf Follow Mandii B: @fullcourtpumps Tour Dates: https://nhbtour.com/ Get their book: https://a.co/d/8VY8Tje  Follow Binx: @the_binx Follow Vincent aka Hands of Furey:  Learn more about him: http://www.handsoffurey.com/ Join the community at: loversbyshan.com/community

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

What if numbness is the hidden wound of high-functioning depression? In this episode, Shan sits down with Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and internationally recognized mental health advocate. They dive deep into anhedonia, the loss of pleasure or interest in things that once brought you joy, and how it shows up, especially for those living with high-functioning depression. Dr. Joseph expands on how joy is our birthright and how it connects to our biopsychosocial blueprint. Expect insights on: ✨ How high-functioning depression operates ✨ Why anhedonia is so often overlooked ✨ The three-part psycho-socio-biological model that explains it ✨ How to begin reconnecting with your desire and vitality 👑 Follow Dr. Judith Joseph on Instagram: instagram.com/drjudithjoseph 👥 Join the community: loversbyshan.com/community Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

What if the key to better sex isn’t new, but rooted in ancestral knowledge? In this episode, Shan sits down with storyteller, mythologist, and ancient erotica expert Seema Anand to explore the rich, and yes, deeply sexy, history of sexual liberation, and why it's never really been a modern idea. Together, they unpack what it means to reconnect with your desire through ancestry, ritual, and unapologetic self-expression. We talk sex positions (yes, the Kama Sutra makes an appearance), the role of storytelling in the bedroom, and how wearing your desire, literally, can be one of the boldest, most freeing things you do. This conversation even inspired a whole jewelry line. The Kama Collection is a tribute to sensuality, intention, and the art of not hiding your hunger. 👑 Follow Seema Anand on Instagram: @seemaanandstorytelling 🔥 Shop the Kama Collection: surmeyi.com/kama The waist chain designed for being on top The anklet designed for when your legs are in the air The necklace designed for yab yum The earrings designed for riding The choker designed for lotus position The spine chain designed for doggystyle  👥 Join the community: loversbyshan.com/community

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Why do fuckboys… fuckboy? In this episode, we dig into the root of it. Just ahead of the release of his new single Permanent Vacation (dropping June 18), genre-bending artist Duckwrth joins Shan for a raw and revealing conversation on why some men detach, ghost, and repeat the cycle. Together, they unpack how fear of commitment, cultural conditioning, and childhood wounds can all contribute to the “Certified Loverboy” identity. Duckwrth opens up about his own evolution—from polyamory and emotional avoidance to developing a deeper sense of self-awareness and desire for real connection. If you’ve ever dated a fuckboy, been affected by one, or are reflecting on your own relationship patterns, this one’s for you. 🎧 Watch the video for Permanent Vacation 💫 Follow Duckwrth on Instagram: @duckwrth 👥 Join the community at: loversbyshan.com/community

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Have you ever wondered where your libido went? In this episode we do a deep dive on sexual slumps, low libido and lack of sexual desire that is frustrating (lack of desire that is not frustrating is not a problem!). We get to have this conversation first from the lens of Emmy-winning journalist Tamsen Fadal whose journey with low libido started in perimenopause and peaked on her honeymoon! From hot flashes and brain fog in the newsroom to bedroom low sex drive, Tamsen has become treasured for pulling back the curtain on midlife like never before. In this honest and empowering episode, menopause advocate Tamsen joins Shan for a conversation about menopause, sex drive and embracing life’s shifts. Tamsen shares how a one-word note from her doctor "menopause...?" set off a journey she wasn’t prepared for, and how that diagnosis impacted her body, her identity, and her intimacy. From tough talks with her husband to the quiet shame so many women carry through midlife transitions, Tamsen reminds us that getting older isn’t the end of our sensual selves, it can actually be the beginning. In part two of this episode we are giving you a MasterClass on low libido led by three doctors: OBGYN Dr. Mickey, lifestyle medical physician Dr Lean AND Pelvic Floor expert Dr. Janelle Frederick aka the Vagina Rehab Doctor. This is a highlight of our hour and fifteen convo if you’d like to listen to the rest go to Loversbyshan.com/community  Follow Tamsen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal Get her book How to Menopause Listen to her podcast The Tamsen Show Checkout her website https://www.tamsenfadal.com/ 

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

From fatphobia to racism to ageism and ableism, Kennedy challenges the norms around love, desirability, and who gets to be the “main character.” This one’s for anyone who's ever felt left out of the story — and is ready to take the pen back. Bestselling romance author Kennedy Ryan (Before I Let Go, Reel) sits down with Shan to talk about what happens when women stop shrinking themselves to be chosen. From rewriting the stories we’ve inherited about sex, love, and partnership — to questioning why women with standards get labeled as “too much” Kennedy opens up about what radical self-worth actually looks like, and why romance should always center women’s pleasure. This episode is a love letter to anyone who’s ever been made to feel like they’re asking for too much. Kennedy shares her love story of being married to Sam for over 20 years while raising their autistic son.  This episode is sponsored by Lovers by Shan. Join the community today: https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Follow Kennedy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1 Get her latest book https://kennedyryanwrites.com/ Get a weekly love letter from me: https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

What kind of stories do we pass down through the way we love? Actor and mom Xosha Roquemore sits down with Shan to talk about sex, self-worth, and how becoming a mother shifted everything. It starts with one question she asked that stopped us both: “Have the kind of sex you’d be proud to tell your daughter about.” We talk about the early messages she got about sex, how sexual coercion showed up in her past, and why that experience still needs more language. She shares a fun one-night stand story and how even casual sex can feel good when it comes from choice, not pressure. Xosha also talks about single motherhood, not as a hardship, but as a privilege. Being a mom has made her sharper, clearer, and way more intentional about who gets access to her. This episode is sponsored by Lovers by Shan. Join the community today! https://www.loversbyshan.com/community Follow Xosha on socials https://www.instagram.com/xoshro/ Get a Weekly Lovers Letter from Me https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Reclaiming Intimacy: Jessie Woo’s Journey Beyond Trauma. Comedian and media personality Jessie Woo joins Shan for a powerful conversation about healing, love, and rediscovering sexual joy after surviving sexual assault. Jessie shares her painful story of her assault and her joyful story of her relationship with Jay Allen aka Mr Easter. Now Jessie is on the path to reclaiming pleasure and building healthy relationships, offering hope and practical insights for anyone on their own journey of recovery. This episode explores the complexities of intimacy after trauma, the importance of self-love, and why your story doesn’t end with someone else’s actions. At the end of the episode, trauma expert Jimanekia Eborn joins us to discuss why sexual assault is a community issue plus she give her hot take on the Diddy trial and some people’s harmful comments about Cassie.  How do you reclaim love and pleasure after trauma? How do you support survivors in your life? We discuss these questions PLUS we have a free resource for sexual assault survivors and those navigating grief called The Grief Registry. Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, resources and support are available. Visit RAINN.org or call 800-656-HOPE. Thank You Jessie Woo https://www.instagram.com/thejessiewoo/ Jess a Couple Things Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmu_OLDekKoPr-TgAY8lYIg Get a Weekly Lovers Letter from Me 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

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Reclaiming Intimacy: Jessie Woo’s Journey Beyond Trauma. Comedian and media personality Jessie Woo joins Shan for a powerful conversation about healing, love, and rediscovering sexual joy after surviving sexual assault. Jessie shares her painful story of her assault and her joyful story of her relationship with Jay Allen aka Mr Easter. Now Jessie is on the path to reclaiming pleasure and building healthy relationships, offering hope and practical insights for anyone on their own journey of recovery. This episode explores the complexities of intimacy after trauma, the importance of self-love, and why your story doesn’t end with someone else’s actions. At the end of the episode, trauma expert Jimanekia Eborn joins us to discuss why sexual assault is a community issue plus she give her hot take on the Diddy trial and some people’s harmful comments about Cassie.  How do you reclaim love and pleasure after trauma? How do you support survivors in your life? We discuss these questions PLUS we have a free resource for sexual assault survivors and those navigating grief called The Grief Registry. Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, resources and support are available. Visit RAINN.org or call 800-656-HOPE. Thank You Jessie Woo https://www.instagram.com/thejessiewoo/ Jess a Couple Things Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmu_OLDekKoPr-TgAY8lYIg Get a Weekly Lovers Letter from Me 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

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Nothing good lasts. Right? In this deeply moving episode, Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara joins Shan Boodram to explore the connection between intimacy, loss, and the fear of death (thanatophobia). Inspired by her song "Sublime" from Love and Hyperbole, Alessia opens up about her personal journey with grief and how it shapes the way she loves and creates. Together, they dive into universal questions: How do we hold on to love while letting go of control? How does the fear of loss impact our relationships, intimacy, and even our everyday choices? Esther Perel talks about how desire and loss can sit right next to each other. This made me think about how those ideas show up in everyday relationships: the death of connection, the slow fading of intimacy, or the fear that something we’ve built might not last. When you zoom out, so much of how we attach, how we love, and even how we have sex is shaped by that deeper fear, what happens if I lose this? Or if I lose you? Or if I lose me in this? Thank You Alessia Cara http://alessiacara.com https://www.instagram.com/alessiasmusic https://www.youtube.com/@alessiacara Thanks Dame for sponsoring this episode: Dame makes products designed to enhance intimacy and connection—whether you’re with a partner or flying solo.  http://dame.com/shan Dame Coupon: SHAN15 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

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Nothing good lasts. Right? In this deeply moving episode, Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara joins Shan Boodram to explore the connection between intimacy, loss, and the fear of death (thanatophobia). Inspired by her song "Subside" from Love and Hyperbole, Alessia opens up about her personal journey with grief and how it shapes the way she loves and creates. Together, they dive into universal questions: How do we hold on to love while letting go of control? How does the fear of loss impact our relationships, intimacy, and even our everyday choices? Esther Perel talks about how desire and loss can sit right next to each other. This made me think about how those ideas show up in everyday relationships: the death of connection, the slow fading of intimacy, or the fear that something we’ve built might not last. When you zoom out, so much of how we attach, how we love, and even how we have sex is shaped by that deeper fear, what happens if I lose this? Or if I lose you? Or if I lose me in this? Thank You Alessia Cara http://alessiacara.com https://www.instagram.com/alessiasmusic https://www.youtube.com/@alessiacara Thanks Dame for sponsoring this episode: Dame makes products designed to enhance intimacy and connection—whether you’re with a partner or flying solo.  http://dame.com/shan Dame Coupon: SHAN15 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

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Raven-Symoné and her wife Miranda Pearman-Maday for a refreshingly honest conversation about love and what it really takes to sustain a modern relationship. They share why they chose a sleep divorce, and how sleeping separately has deepened their emotional bond, sharpened their communication, and brought them even closer. This episode is a masterclass in emotional maturity and intentional partnership, an invitation to rethink what a healthy marriage can look like in a monogamix relationship.  Thank You Raven & Miranda instagram.com/ravensymone instagram.com/mirandamaday Catch them on Tea Time with Raven & Miranda, a candid, cozy space where they spill everything from relationship realness to spiritual insights. Streaming now on YouTube.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Raven-Symoné and her wife Miranda Pearman-Maday for a refreshingly honest conversation about love and what it really takes to sustain a modern relationship. They share why they chose a sleep divorce, and how sleeping separately has deepened their emotional bond, sharpened their communication, and brought them even closer. This episode is a masterclass in emotional maturity and intentional partnership, an invitation to rethink what a healthy marriage can look like in a monogamix relationship.  Thank You Raven & Miranda instagram.com/ravensymone instagram.com/mirandamaday Catch them on Tea Time with Raven & Miranda, a candid, cozy space where they spill everything from relationship realness to spiritual insights. Streaming now on YouTube.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

In this week’s episode, I sit down with the legendary Cree Summer to talk about her journey through love, loss, and rediscovery in her 50s. Cree opens up about losing her sex drive during her marriage due to a lack of emotional shelter and the importance of finding a partner who provides safety and calm during life’s storms. We also dive into how her sex drive has improved post-menopause and what she’s looking forward to as she explores love again in her senior years. Whether you’re navigating relationships, rethinking intimacy, or seeking inspiration for your own journey, this conversation is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: Cree’s reflections on her marriage and why emotional shelter is non-negotiable in a relationship How menopause transformed her sex drive and perspective on intimacy The importance of finding a partner who provides safety and positivity Cree’s hopes and expectations for love in her golden years Lessons on emotional security, provision, and rediscovering self-worth The importance of women making the first move and asking men out Thank You Cree Summer instagram.com/iamcreesummer x.com/iamcreesummer https://www.adultswim.com/videos/oh-my-god-yes-a-series-of-extremely-relatable-circumstances 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 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear Cree’s powerful story. For more conversations like this, visit LoversByShan.com and join our community for exclusive content, workshops, and more!

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

In this week’s episode, I sit down with the legendary Cree Summer to talk about her journey through love, loss, and rediscovery in her 50s. Cree opens up about losing her sex drive during her marriage due to a lack of emotional shelter and the importance of finding a partner who provides safety and calm during life’s storms. We also dive into how her sex drive has improved post-menopause and what she’s looking forward to as she explores love again in her senior years. Whether you’re navigating relationships, rethinking intimacy, or seeking inspiration for your own journey, this conversation is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: Cree’s reflections on her marriage and why emotional shelter is non-negotiable in a relationship How menopause transformed her sex drive and perspective on intimacy The importance of finding a partner who provides safety and positivity Cree’s hopes and expectations for love in her golden years Lessons on emotional security, provision, and rediscovering self-worth The importance of women making the first move and asking men out Thank You Cree Summer instagram.com/iamcreesummer x.com/iamcreesummer https://www.adultswim.com/videos/oh-my-god-yes-a-series-of-extremely-relatable-circumstances 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 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear Cree’s powerful story. For more conversations like this, visit LoversByShan.com and join our community for exclusive content, workshops, and more!

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

This is a rare solo episode with just Shan behind the mic—no guests, no distractions. Just her, answering some of your most pressing, unfiltered questions. From personal reflections to deeper dives on topics you’ve been dying to hear her take on, this one’s intimate, insightful, and straight from the heart 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

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Are you ready to dive deep into the complexities of love, faith, and identity? In this thought-provoking episode, Shan Boodram sits down with B. Simone to discuss the transformative journey of embracing chastity, understanding soul ties, and exploring the nuances of identity and connection. While B. Simone does not identify as demisexual, Shan suggests the possibility during their candid conversation, sparking an insightful dialogue about emotional intimacy and sexual attraction. This episode unpacks key topics like: ✨ What You’ll Learn: Demisexuality: A sexual orientation where someone experiences sexual attraction only after forming a strong emotional bond. Soul Ties: A deep, often spiritual connection that binds two people, sometimes through shared experiences or intimacy. Chastity: A lifestyle or mindset of aligning one’s sexual behavior and thoughts with personal, moral, or spiritual values, which may or may not involve abstinence. Together, Shan and B. Simone explore how devotion to faith, self-love, and personal growth can shape intimate relationships and redefine what it means to truly connect with others. Whether you’re curious about demisexuality, seeking clarity on soul ties, or inspired by the intersection of spirituality and sexuality, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you reflecting on your own path to sacred love. 🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on love, relationships, and self-discovery! Thank You B. Simone https://www.instagram.com/thebsimone Let’s Try This Again: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz67j2koC3urUkQirbvueCA https://www.officialbsimone.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 Thanks Arya for sponsoring this episode: Arya is a service for couples that helps them break their sexual routine with the help of an intimacy concierge that serves up curated sexy scenes monthly to sign up or learn more go to http://arya.fyi/shan

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Are you ready to dive deep into the complexities of love, faith, and identity? In this thought-provoking episode, Shan Boodram sits down with B. Simone to discuss the transformative journey of embracing chastity, understanding soul ties, and exploring the nuances of identity and connection. While B. Simone does not identify as demisexual, Shan suggests the possibility during their candid conversation, sparking an insightful dialogue about emotional intimacy and sexual attraction. This episode unpacks key topics like: ✨ What You’ll Learn: Demisexuality: A sexual orientation where someone experiences sexual attraction only after forming a strong emotional bond. Soul Ties: A deep, often spiritual connection that binds two people, sometimes through shared experiences or intimacy. Chastity: A lifestyle or mindset of aligning one’s sexual behavior and thoughts with personal, moral, or spiritual values, which may or may not involve abstinence. Together, Shan and B. Simone explore how devotion to faith, self-love, and personal growth can shape intimate relationships and redefine what it means to truly connect with others. Whether you’re curious about demisexuality, seeking clarity on soul ties, or inspired by the intersection of spirituality and sexuality, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you reflecting on your own path to sacred love. 🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on love, relationships, and self-discovery! Thank You B. Simone https://www.instagram.com/thebsimone Let’s Try This Again: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz67j2koC3urUkQirbvueCA https://www.officialbsimone.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 Thanks Arya for sponsoring this episode: Arya is a service for couples that helps them break their sexual routine with the help of an intimacy concierge that serves up curated sexy scenes monthly to sign up or learn more go to http://arya.fyi/shan

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Does a change in your intimate needs have to mean a change of heart? In this episode of Lovers Shan Boodram sits down with Karamo Brown, TV personality (Karama and Queer Eye), author, and culture expert, for a raw and revealing conversation about intimacy and growth. Karamo opens up about how his intimate needs evolved through his 20s, 30s, and 40s—both emotionally and in the bedroom. He shares how these changes led to the end of a past relationship, where his partner couldn’t accept his evolving needs without taking it personally. Now, in a thriving new relationship, Karamo reveals how he’s learned to bring his partner along as he navigates these changes, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. This episode is packed with wisdom on embracing growth, improving communication, and honoring your needs without guilt. Karamo Brown, Lovers and Friends Podcast, Lovers by Shan, Shan Boodram, intimacy in relationships, emotional intimacy, evolving needs in relationships, intimacy advice, relationship communication, breakups and growth, thriving relationships, intimacy in 20s 30s 40s, LGBTQ relationships, personal growth, gay relationship advice, sex and relationships Thank You Karamo Brown https://www.instagram.com/karamo Learn About His TV Show: https://karamoshow.com/ Get His New Children’s Book: https://zandoprojects.com/books/i-am-okay-to-feel/ Thanks Arya for sponsoring this episode: Arya is a service for couples that helps them break their sexual routine with the help of an intimacy concierge that serves up curated sexy scenes monthly to sign up or learn more go to http://arya.fyi/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

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Does a change in your intimate needs have to mean a change of heart? In this episode of Lovers Shan Boodram sits down with Karamo Brown, TV personality (Karama and Queer Eye), author, and culture expert, for a raw and revealing conversation about intimacy and growth. Karamo opens up about how his intimate needs evolved through his 20s, 30s, and 40s—both emotionally and in the bedroom. He shares how these changes led to the end of a past relationship, where his partner couldn’t accept his evolving needs without taking it personally. Now, in a thriving new relationship, Karamo reveals how he’s learned to bring his partner along as he navigates these changes, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. This episode is packed with wisdom on embracing growth, improving communication, and honoring your needs without guilt. Karamo Brown, Lovers and Friends Podcast, Lovers by Shan, Shan Boodram, intimacy in relationships, emotional intimacy, evolving needs in relationships, intimacy advice, relationship communication, breakups and growth, thriving relationships, intimacy in 20s 30s 40s, LGBTQ relationships, personal growth, gay relationship advice, sex and relationships Thank You Karamo Brown https://www.instagram.com/karamo Learn About His TV Show: https://karamoshow.com/ Get His New Children’s Book: https://zandoprojects.com/books/i-am-okay-to-feel/ Thanks Arya for sponsoring this episode: Arya is a service for couples that helps them break their sexual routine with the help of an intimacy concierge that serves up curated sexy scenes monthly to sign up or learn more go to http://arya.fyi/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

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Are You Loyal to Your Gender or Your Relationship? Shan Boodram sits down with Khadeen and Devale Ellis, the dynamic married duo known for their raw honesty, humor, and insights on love and relationships. Together, they share how they saved their marriage by breaking free from traditional gender roles and prioritizing their partnership above all else. Khadeen and Devale Ellis are actors, content creators, and authors of the best-selling book We Over Me: The Counterintuitive Approach to Getting Everything You Want From Your Relationship. Known for their hit podcast Dead Ass and their viral YouTube channel chronicling their family life, the Ellises have inspired millions with their relatable and unfiltered take on marriage, parenting, and personal growth. In this episode the couple talks about the controversy over Devale’s vasectomy, being called a simp, making a plate for your husband, and putting your career on pause so the family can win.  Thank You Khadeen and Devale https://www.instagram.com/khadeeniam/ https://www.instagram.com/iamdevale/ Read or listen to their book: https://www.amazon.com/We-Over-Counterintuitive-Everything-Relationship/dp/0593577604 Thanks Arya for sponsoring this episode: Arya is a service for couples that helps them break their sexual routine with the help of an intimacy concierge that serves up curated sexy scenes monthly to sign up or learn more go to http://arya.fyi/shan

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Are You Loyal to Your Gender or Your Relationship? Shan Boodram sits down with Khadeen and Devale Ellis, the dynamic married duo known for their raw honesty, humor, and insights on love and relationships. Together, they share how they saved their marriage by breaking free from traditional gender roles and prioritizing their partnership above all else. Khadeen and Devale Ellis are actors, content creators, and authors of the best-selling book We Over Me: The Counterintuitive Approach to Getting Everything You Want From Your Relationship. Known for their hit podcast Dead Ass and their viral YouTube channel chronicling their family life, the Ellises have inspired millions with their relatable and unfiltered take on marriage, parenting, and personal growth. In this episode the couple talks about the controversy over Devale’s vasectomy, being called a simp, making a plate for your husband, and putting your career on pause so the family can win.  Thank You Khadeen and Devale https://www.instagram.com/khadeeniam/ https://www.instagram.com/iamdevale/ Read or listen to their book: https://www.amazon.com/We-Over-Counterintuitive-Everything-Relationship/dp/0593577604 Thanks Arya for sponsoring this episode: Arya is a service for couples that helps them break their sexual routine with the help of an intimacy concierge that serves up curated sexy scenes monthly to sign up or learn more go to http://arya.fyi/shan

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

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 

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

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 

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

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 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

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025