What if rope and aroma could quiet the noise of modern life and plug you back into real, felt connection—body, heart, and spirit? Gwyn sits down with Francis Bollwage—rope artist, facilitator, and self-described “label-resistant” human—whose near-death experience rewired his path from addiction and numbness to a mission of deep human connection. Francis shares how discovering the BDSM community (and especially Shibari/Japanese rope bondage) helped him work through touch aversion, build trust, and create spacious, non-sexual intimacy. He breaks down the therapeutic and spiritual sides of rope, why he pairs it with aromatherapy/essential oils (hello, scent–memory pathways), and how guided imagery and “rope space” can feel like a shamanic journey. You’ll also hear how his Embrace Love workshops use simple, clothing-on ties, breath, and scent to help partners (or new friends) communicate, co-regulate, and remember what presence actually feels like. You’ll hear about: From near-death to mission: choosing connection over disconnection Rope as meditation: safety, consent, and creating “rope space” Aroma & memory: why certain oils can shift state and anchor experiences Connection beyond sex: spirituality, sensuality, and community care Entry-level practices you can learn without prior kink experience If you’re craving less doom-scrolling and more embodied “I’m right here with you,” this episode offers grounded ways back.

What happens when you stop defaulting to “the script” and follow your real desires—even if they lead you from monogamy to ENM… and then to celibacy? Writer and desire-explorer Jay House joins Gwyn for a candid, nuanced journey through identity, intimacy, and integrity. Jay traces her path from straight, monogamous marriage to embracing polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and kink—and why she’s now in a six-month celibacy container to cultivate emotional and nervous-system sobriety. Together they unpack non-romantic but deeply intimate spiritual partnerships, how clear boundaries can make kink non-sexual, and why integration (not more courses) is the missing step in real growth. You’ll hear about: Getting honest about desire and letting labels evolve over time Redefining connection: intimate spiritual partnerships beyond “friends” or “lovers” Jay’s celibacy experiment: rules, edge cases, and staying accountable Integration > accumulation: applying BDSM, shamanic kink, and tantra learnings to real life Knowing your parts (hello, Cranky Baby) for clearer communication and healthier relationships Connect with Jay: Substack: https://futuristphilospher.substack.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaylamarhouse Resources mentioned: Mama Gena: https://mamagenas.com/ Kasia Urbaniak: https://www.kasiaurbaniak.com/ Shamanic Kink: https://www.shamanickink.com/ Barbara Carrellas’ Urban Tantra Professionals Training: https://barbaracarrellas.com/ Om Rupani: https://www.omrupani.com/ The Five Personality Types (Stephen Kessler): https://the5personalitypatterns.com/ If you’re rethinking relationship defaults—and craving more sovereignty, clarity, and joy—this episode is a loving nudge to design intimacy on your terms.

Tired of being told to “be your best self” when you’re barely keeping it together? This one’s your permission slip to stop fixing and start living. Dr. Fannie Leboulanger—family physician, coach, yoga teacher, and host of Your Sexyfied Life—joins Gwyn for a bracing, compassionate convo about stepping out of survival mode and back into your body. Together they bust the “always improve” myth, unpack why being with your messy emotions is wildly courageous, and make the case that sexual energy is life-force energy—your creative spark, not a shame button. You’ll hear about: Joy recovery and the real first steps between self-awareness and self-love Why individualized wellness beats trends and quick fixes The “non-consensual S/M dungeon of the mind” (and playful ways to defang inner bullies) How to meet sensations (not stories) so feelings move through in seconds, not days Reclaiming sexual energy to feel more alive, creative, and connected If you’ve been chasing “better” and craving relief, this episode is your gentle reset: less hustle, more wholeness—right now. Connect: Dr. Fannie: fannyleboulanger.com • Podcast: Your Sexyfied Life Love the show? Get early, ad-free episodes on Patreon: patreon.com/whatexcitesus

What if your body has been telling you the truth about your relationships all along? In this episode, intimacy coach and healer Shelby Avann joins Gwyn to explore how attachment styles, self-consent, and the chakra/energy system shape our love lives and our sex lives—often right down to the physical sensations we feel (hello, crygasms 👋). Together we cover: The four attachment styles—how they form and how to move toward secure Self-consent: slowing down, listening to your body’s yes/no, and rebuilding trust with yourself How emotional blockages can show up as physical pain (and what to do about it) Somatic tools you can use today: breathwork, grounding, sensory check-ins, and boundary practice Reiki and energy work as gentle support for intimacy healing The Erotic Blueprints (Jaiya) and why mismatched “erotic languages” create friction Community, kink/tantra curiosities, and creating safer containers for pleasure Guest: Shelby Avann — intimacy coach, energy healer, and creator of the Intimacy Incubator programs.Find Shelby: shelbyavann.ca • Instagram: @theintimacymistress Join the conversation: Search “What Excites Us” on Facebook and share your takeaway, or leave a voice note at whatexcitesus.com (SpeakPipe button).If you love the show, support bonus content on Patreon—and remember: you are loved, because I love you. 💗

After a wild six months (surgery, moving, kids—life!), Gwyn is back—and flipping the mic. In this conversation from Amy Rowan’s Unlocking Intimacy summit, we get real about how exploring kink can grow self-trust, sharpen communication, and translate into everyday confidence far beyond the bedroom. Gwyn and Amy unpack the fundamentals that make any sexy connection better: talking outside the bedroom, setting flexible boundaries, using yes/no/maybe lists, and building in check-ins, safe words, and aftercare. You’ll hear practical ideas for starting light and slow, playing with sensation (thuddy vs. stingy), planning scenes that build delicious anticipation (hello, color-coded signals), and why the “bottom” holds real power. Plus: where to find beginner-friendly resources and why porn is entertainment—not education. If you’re kink-curious or ready to deepen what you already love, this one’s both grounding and permission-giving. Grab the free 10-page starter guide to dipping a toe into kink (earthlydesire.com/k1nkgu1d3), and come join the conversation in the What Excites Us community.

Ever wonder what it would look like if teens were taught how to have truly healthy relationships before they even left childhood? In this episode, Gwyn Isaacs sits down with Julia Sheldon—aka Auntie Julia of Ask Auntie Julia—to explore her groundbreaking Connection Camp for teens. Julia shares how the camp creates a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where teenagers learn about consent, boundaries, emotional regulation, and more—all through experiential activities, games, and workshops. From sleeping arrangements to hands-on learning, she gives a behind-the-scenes look at how this camp empowers teens to navigate friendships, romantic relationships, and life with confidence. They also dive into Julia’s work with adults, showing how the principles of healthy relating apply across every stage of life. Whether you’re a parent, teen, or adult looking to level up your relational skills, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

What happens when a room full of vulva owners gather to explore their bodies, share their stories, and reconnect with their pleasure? In this episode of What Excites Us, certified sex coach and educator Gwyn Isaacs sits down with Jennifer Rahner, a certified Bodysex® facilitator and sex educator, to talk about the magic of the Bodysex experience founded by the legendary Betty Dodson. Jennifer shares her journey from working in IT to helping people rediscover self-acceptance and pleasure through Bodysex — an intimate group experience centered on anatomy, body awareness, and orgasmic empowerment. Together, Gwyn and Jenn dive into the healing power of sisterhood, the importance of inclusive sexual education, and the bravery it takes to show up, get naked (literally and emotionally), and learn to love your body just as it is. If you’ve ever struggled with body image, shame, or simply want to feel more connected to your pleasure, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that pleasure is your birthright. Find Jennifer online:🌐 JenniferRahner.com🌐 Bodysex.com📱 Instagram: @geekysexlove

What Keeps Desire Alive After 13 Years? How does sexual connection evolve over time—and can it actually get better the longer you’re together? Join certified sex coach and educator Gwyn Isaacs on What Excites Us for a fun and revealing conversation with her friend Blue, a heterosexual Gen X man in a long-term monogamous relationship. They dive into the real stuff: sexual practices, communication, exhibitionism, porn (the kind featuring real people), and the ongoing desire to be desired. Blue opens up about how his sexual journey and evolving self-awareness have deepened his emotional and physical intimacy with his partner of 13 years. From navigating body changes to finding new ways to connect, this episode explores what it really means to stay curious, communicative, and turned on inside a long-term relationship. If you’ve ever wondered how couples keep the spark alive—or just want a candid peek into the mind of a thoughtful, self-aware man talking openly about sex—this one’s for you.

What if the fairy tales we grew up with weren’t just bedtime stories, but powerful forces shaping how we think about sex, gender, and relationships? In this episode of What Excites Us, Gwyn sits down with folklorist and gender studies scholar Dr. Jeanna Jorgensen to explore the fascinating (and sometimes troubling) intersections between folklore and sex education. From moral panics and censorship to fairy tales and gender roles, Jeanna unpacks how culture and storytelling influence the way we learn—or don’t learn—about sex and sexuality. Together, they discuss: How folklore transmits cultural beliefs about sex, gender, and morality The history of sex education, censorship, and the infamous Comstock laws The role of fairy tales in reinforcing (or challenging) gender roles and heteronormativity Why understanding folklore can help us dismantle harmful sexual narratives and build more inclusive, accurate sex education About Jeanna Jorgensen:Jeanna is a folklorist and gender studies scholar with a Ph.D. in Folklore and Gender Studies from Indiana University. She has taught at universities across the U.S., published extensively on gender, sexuality, and folklore, and is currently researching ethical non-monogamies and the history of sex education. 📚 Pick up Jeanna’s book Sex Education 101: https://amzn.to/3ZMbtce🌐 Learn more at: JeannaJorgensen.com | www.folklore101.com🐦 Follow Jeanna on social media: @FoxyFolklorist

Ever wondered what your sexual fantasies are actually trying to say—and how they could ignite personal growth and epic intimacy? In this electrifying episode, Gwyn sits down with sexual fantasy coach and writer Artemisia de Vine to explore the deeply layered world of erotic narratives through her unique DeVinery method. Discover: How fantasy unlocks your psyche and opens new pathways for growth and pleasure. Why sexual fantasies are clues—not just daydreams, revealing hidden guards like self-identity, worth, or social expectations. How to approach fantasies as embodied stories that dissolve ego-fronts and lead to peak experiences of oneness. The DeVinery method’s somatic storytelling—and how it turns your fantasies into living, transformative play. Strategies for people who feel they don’t have fantasies—and how to begin tuning into your desire. A free 45-minute lesson (non-explicit and train-friendly!) to help you feel how fantasy can shift your consciousness—grab it at: ArtemisiaDeVine.com. Whether you're curious about the hidden power of your erotic mind or ready to harness fantasy for deeper connection, this episode will blow your mind—and maybe even whisper the next chapter of your story.

Step aboard a one-of-a-kind journey into leather, playful transformation, and radical connection with Lady Vivus, the spiritually driven, trans femme Bootblack, Hucow, and Kinky Cruise Director. In this high-vibe episode, she pulls back the curtain on workshops, community rituals, and taboo play that expand pleasure and liberate self-expression. Expect to explore: Hucow & Pet Play—from bovine headspace to Moo-mode mastery Sissyfication & Gender-Affirming Intimacy—ritual as healing and expression Boot-Blacking & Leather Spirituality—cleaning, honoring, and energetic protection Community & Accessibility—how to hold safe, affirming spaces that include everyone Professional Domination with Heart—providing touch, affirmation, and deprogramming shame This episode is wild, tender, and deeply human. Whether kinkcurious or community-driven, you’ll walk away not just enlightened—but empowered. Explore more with Lady Vivus:Visit her website | FetLife: Lady_VivusLearn more about Sex Positive World & Sex Positive Portland—links below Help spread the pleasure:WhatExcitesUs.com

What happens when you mix mindset magic, erotic self-expression, and unapologetic pleasure? You get freedom—in your body, your life, and even your bank account. In this episode, I chat with Marisa Hunter, a life, sex, and business coach for high-achieving humxns, who teaches her clients to tap into the energy of pleasure as a source of power and expansion. Together we dive into: How to unlock your true erotic, authentic self-expression Why ass play can open surprising doors to presence and joy The seasons of sexuality—and why they all deserve celebration How bragging becomes a radical act of rebellion (and a magnet for rewards) It’s a bold, playful, and deeply affirming conversation—come listen in, then try bragging about it to a friend! 👉 Keep the conversation going:Follow Marisa on Instagram or FacebookFind more at WhatExcitesUs.com

Ever wondered what it feels like to be hypnotized in a kinky context—mind buzzing, agency intact, and every sense amplified—or even manipulated to the point where broccoli becomes… arousing? Dive into this wildly honest, cheeky, and brave conversation. Description:Join host Gwyn Isaacs and the incomparable PandaPet (it/they), co-founder of PandaStory.love and CONsolation, as they unpack the experience of hypnokink from the bottom’s perspective. Panda, a polyamorous pet and staunch advocate for the neurodivergent, queerdos, darklings, pets, and age players in the kink community, shares what it’s like to be entranced, fractionated, and floating between headspaces with crystal clarity—even while your brain is somewhere else entirely  In this freewheeling, deep dive conversation, they explore: What hypnosis physically and mentally feels like, including subspace-like bliss and fractionation, and why it quiets the overactive mind. The ethical boundaries and the power of "hypnotic agency"—how to consent, negotiate, and retain control even when your brain feels off in another world  Wildly vivid scenarios, from hypnotic orgasms and phantom impact to broccoli cumshots and tentacle play—where the only limit is imagination. How they gamified safety by practicing pulling out of trance on command—and what it means to own your power as a submissive. The journey of building trust and skill: from rapid inductions to deepening neural pathways—and how practice makes hypnokink a shared, creative language. This episode is unfiltered, enriching dialogue—for anyone curious about the emotional and sensory depths of hypnokink, the intersection of ethics and eroticism, or just craving a bizarre, mind-bending ride through someone else’s brain.Please visit: Panda & Hypnpstory’s website: pandastory.loveDirectly to the Hypnosis 101: pandastory.love/101The Discord Server CONsolation: https://discord.gg/Cnsb8UYfaASleeping Girl - https://sleepingirl.carrd.co/And of course - whatexcitesus.com 

What does it really mean to consent in a trance, and how can hypnosis safely amplify pleasure and connection? Episode Summary:In this two-part series, I sit down with HypnoStory, a seasoned hypnotist with over 25 years of experience, who shares the fascinating world of erotic and recreational hypnosis. Together, we unpack myths about hypnosis, discuss the importance of personal agency in trance, and explore how to navigate kink play safely and ethically. HypnoStory dives into: The misconception that “you can’t do anything in trance you wouldn’t normally do” and why agency matters. Practical ways to practice agency in hypnosis scenes and kink play. How to negotiate and explore different qualities of play, even when you’re unsure what you want. Recognizing red flags and vetting potential partners safely. How mood, communication, and mutual understanding enhance erotic and hypno kink experiences. Tips for beginners, including why education, community, and experience are essential. Fun, safe alternatives to substances in erotic play using hypnotic suggestion. This episode is both a guide to safely exploring hypno kink and a deep dive into the nuances of connection, control, and consent. Resources & Links: Learn more about HypnoStory and Panda: pandastory.love Join their 18+ Discord community: CONsolation HypnoStory on FetLife: hypno_story Lube recommendations mentioned in the episode: Uberlube and Good Clean Love

This episode plunges us straight into the exhilarating world of hypnokink with the unstoppable HypnoStory (they/them) — a hypno educator with over 25 years of experience who’s as inquisitive as they are wickedly playful. We unpack what hypnosis is (and what it absolutely isn’t), explore the nuances between erotic hypnosis, stage hypnosis, and therapeutic “change work,” and dig into how hypnokink can amplify intimacy and consent in fresh, unexpected ways. HypnoStory also shares hilarious (and often mind-melting) personal stories—like when they suggested a tentacle fantasy that just happened to match what someone secretly fantasized about—proof that play and connection are powerful. We also journey through their communities: the Hypnokink 101 video course (accessible via sliding scale), and CONsolation, their ongoing Discord-based kink and hypno kink community that grew from a canceled conference into a thriving, inclusive space for education, connection, and spicy conversations. If you’ve ever been curious about hypnosis, consensual power exchange, or just want a wild, thoughtful, and freakin’ fun conversation—start here.The Hypnokink 101 class is available on a sliding scale at - https://www.pandastory.love/101The discord group is called - CONsolation - https://discord.gg/UrtkFT5dOther Mentions: Read Only Mind - https://readonlymind.com/James Tripp - https://www.hypnosiswithouttrance.com/Sarah Sloan - https://www.sarahsloane.net/Devyn Stone & his property Guan Xuan - https://www.devynstone.com/Hannah the Scribe - https://hannahthescribe.com/

What happens when you mix professional cuddling, surrogate partner therapy, and a playful rebellion against toxic masculinity? 📄 Episode Notes:In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Michelle Renee — Surrogate Therapy Partner, Professional Cuddler, and all-around sex geek. We explore her trauma-informed approach to intimacy work, the inspiration behind the delightfully subversive Soft Cock Week, and how understanding responsive desire can change the way we think about sex. Michelle also opens up about her own journey, and we wander into all kinds of delightful rabbit holes — from the Wheel of Consent to why safe, non-sexual touch is just as important as sexual pleasure. Whether you’re curious about the world of surrogate partner therapy, want to rethink desire, or just enjoy unapologetic conversations about pleasure and connection, this episode has you covered. 📚 Resources & Mentions: Betty Martin’s Wheel of Consent Brian Gibney Cuddlist Embrace Surrogate Partner Resource Group Movember Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski — Website Shameless Sex Podcast Reid Mihalko 🌐 Connect with Michelle: Website: meetmichellerenee.com Social: @meetmichellerenee Soft Cock Week: softcockweek.com 💌 Learn more about the show:whatexcitesus.com

"What happens when you blend radical honesty, deep kink wisdom, and laugh-out-loud real talk? You get Mollena." In this episode of What Excites Us, I’m joined by the incomparable Mollena Lee Williams-Haas — writer, educator, International Ms. Leather 2010, host of All That and Mo’, and the fierce voice behind the Kink Doula project. We dive into how Mollena is helping folks step into their truth through personalized kink and leather coaching, why inclusive education matters (and how it so often misses the mark), and what it really means to prepare your body — and your mind — for kinky play. You’ll hear wisdom, side-eye-worthy truth bombs, and one of the best comebacks of all time, alongside warm and hilarious banter about travel quirks, overpacking, and more. 💥 Heads-up: There’s a bonus episode coming next week exclusively to Patreon, where I share the raw, unedited version of this conversation — even more laughter, tangents, and intimacy. You're going to want to hear it. 🔗 Mentioned in the episode: 🎧 All That and Mo’ Podcast📚 Playing Well with Others by Lee Harrington & Mollena Williams📚 The Toybag Guide to Playing With Taboo📸 The Adipositivity Project by Substantia Jones — Visit the site

How Do We Build a More Sex Positive World? A Candid Conversation with Jamie Cawelti What if healthier, happier sex lives started with community, consent, and compassion? In this inspiring and educational episode of What Excites Us, I sit down with Jamie Cawelti of Sex Positive World, a global volunteer-run nonprofit working to shift societal attitudes around sexuality through education, empowerment, and connection. We explore:🌍 How Sex Positive World supports communities across the U.S. and Europe💬 Why open conversations about boundaries, consent, and touch are essential💡 Tools for cultivating more confidence, freedom, and joy in your erotic life🏳️‍🌈 How sex positivity intersects with gender, relationship styles, and justice✨ Jamie’s personal journey into sex positivity—and how you can start your own Whether you're curious about kink, polyamory, safer sex, or pleasure activism, this conversation offers tangible takeaways and trusted resources to support your growth. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Organizations & People 🌐 Sex Positive World 📱 Jamie Cawelti – @ExploringJamie on all socials 💬 MakeTimeForTheTalk.com 🎓 Marla Renee Stewart 🎤 Andrea Allan – @andreacomedy69 Books to Explore📘 Love's Not Color Blind by Kevin A. Patterson📘 The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy & Dossie Easton📘 Pleasure Activism by Adrienne Maree Brown📘 Good Sex: Getting Off Without Checking Out by Jessica Graham 🎧 Listen and learn at WhatExcitesUs.com💖 If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps so much!

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

Online Dating Can Be a Mess—But It Doesn’t Have to Be This week on What Excites Us, I’m joined by the fabulous Tonya Holliday, host of the Swipe Left (or Right) podcast, where modern dating meets hilarious honesty. We talk about how her show was born from her own wild online dating experiences—and she brings the same juicy, real-talk energy to this episode. We get into the gritty and the gorgeous parts of dating apps, including: 💥 How to create an online dating profile that actually works💥 The truth about “first contact” and meeting in person💥 Why coffee dates are the MVP of first dates💥 Setting boundaries and staying safe without killing the vibe💥 Dating fatigue, green flags, and surviving ghosting with grace (or rage) Whether you’re swiping left, right, or just deleting the apps again, this episode is full of relatable laughs and seriously helpful tips. 🎧 Subscribe to Swipe Left (or Right) wherever you get your podcasts.🖤 And if you enjoy What Excites Us, please rate, review, and subscribe—it really helps others find the show! More episodes, resources, and coaching at WhatExcitesUs.com