Get your ticket to the Aftershow! IntimacyLabPodcast.com

Welcome to the REPLAY of episode 15. I've chosen this episode as one of my favorites from season 2. The reason for the replay is to launch the new Intimacy Lab After Show!

Listen to the replay and take some notes. What do you have questions about? How did this episode land on you? What were your favorite moments? Then go to IntimacyLabPodcast.com and register for our After Show on January 26, 2025. Judy Corasaniti, an integration specialist, will be my co-host for this live Zoom event, where we all can share our takeaways and ask our questions. I look forward to seeing you there! ~ Michelle Renee

In this episode of the Intimacy Lab, Michelle Renee and Nat delve into the complexities of intimacy, coercion, and personal growth within relationships. They explore the impact of social media on sexual awareness, the nuances of desire and arousal, and the importance of communication and consent. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, they highlight the journey towards understanding one's own sexual autonomy and the challenges faced in navigating intimate relationships. In this conversation, Michelle and Nat delve into the complexities of emotional abuse, healing, and the journey towards self-worth and empowerment. They discuss the importance of consent and communication in relationships, the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, and the significance of personal growth and finding one's calling. Through their experiences, they highlight the need for self-awareness and the courage to prioritize one's own needs and boundaries.

Nat started on Tiktok and has turned her life experience into a platform with the start of the hashtag #maritalcoercion. Her IG profile reads, "Writer, lover, mother, awakening to higher love after abuse and talking about it way too much." I love that about Nat! She is drawing attention to a hot topic that needs more conversation! You can learn more at https://alwaysmending.com.

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Platonic Intimacy Guide and Surrogate Partner. Michelle's websites are ⁠⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠⁠.

If you’d like to pose a question for Michelle to answer on an episode: ⁠https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/episode⁠

Links from today's show:

https://⁠mendingme.substack.com⁠

The Cost of Duty Sex: ⁠https://youtu.be/7pWGTzhtS24?si=HXjzXHsq8uXS_VHw⁠

Rebecca's inner child moment on Ted Lasso: ⁠https://youtu.be/-Zo4NWUxhf0?si=2GrI3UhOmVu5HpBu⁠

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers ⁠https://amzn.to/47XJjvm⁠

A transcript is available at https://meetmichellerenee.com/episode/15

In this episode of the Intimacy Lab, Michelle Renee and Carrie engage in a deep conversation about personal experiences, professional insights, and the complexities of relationships. They explore themes of legacy, the importance of education in non-monogamy, the impact of attachment theory, and the surprising realizations that come with personal growth. The discussion also touches on health journeys and the unexpected outcomes that can arise from significant life changes. In this engaging conversation, Michelle and Carrie explore various themes surrounding attraction, intimacy, and personal experiences.

Carrie Ancel (they/she) is a mental health counselor and sex therapist in the Seattle, Washington area. Find Carrie at https://www.branchingoutwellbeing.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/nonmonogamyacademy/

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Human Connection Coach and Cuddle Therapist. Michelle's websites are ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠ and ⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠.

If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast

Links from today's show:

What Fresh Hell Is This?: Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You by Heather Corinna: https://amzn.to/3BKQ5KM

Polysecure and Polywise both by Jessica Fern: https://amzn.to/4fx1dsy

Wheel of Consent: https://schoolofconsent.org

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Renee and Darren Cyrus explore the intricate world of intimacy, touch work, and sexual healing. They discuss the nuances of navigating boundaries in touch therapy, the importance of consent, and the differences between sexual healing touch and sexological bodywork. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the significance of comfort, vulnerability, and the shared experiences of touching different bodies. The dialogue also touches on the role of pausing and listening in intimate connections, as well as the social aspects of sharing food and experiences. Ultimately, they reflect on life transitions and the realization of one's own limitations. They discuss body image, vulnerability, and the journey of self-acceptance, particularly in the context of nudity and intimacy. The conversation also explores the supportive community of intimacy professionals and the exploration of sexuality within relationships, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and self-discovery. In this conversation, Michelle and Darren delve into the complexities of trust, relationship dynamics, and the spectrum of sexual attraction. They explore the nuances of monogamy and polyamory, discussing how open communication and consent shape their relationships. The discussion also touches on the role of kink and BDSM in personal healing and the importance of curiosity in exploring one's sexuality. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of integrating these experiences into their professional lives, fostering a deeper understanding of intimacy and connection.

Darren Cyrus (he/him) is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Sexological Bodyworker, and owner of Bear Soul Wellness in Old Town Manassas, Virginia. Learn more at https://BearSoulWellness.com. He can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bearsoulwellness and https://www.instagram.com/the_darren_experience

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Human Connection Coach and Cuddle Therapist. Michelle's websites are ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠ and ⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠.

If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast

Links from today's show:

A video of the walk down to Black’s Beach in San Diego: https://youtu.be/vXrKvKG41hM?si=jNPTMJwVJnVGZnUX

Spending Time Naked With Strangers Can Improve Body Image by Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D.: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-myths-of-sex/202102/spending-time-naked-with-strangers-can-improve-body-image

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Renee and Michael Guichet explore themes of vulnerability, connection, and the complexities of personal and professional boundaries. They discuss the use of card games as tools for deeper conversations, the challenges of surrogate partner therapy, and the importance of self-care and support systems. The dialogue also touches on the struggles of adulting, the need for help in logistics, and the reflections on social energy and introversion. In this engaging conversation, Michael Guichet and Michelle Renee explore the dynamics of relationships, the importance of asking for help, and the intersection of personal and professional identities. They discuss the challenges of being an introvert married to an extrovert, the role of mentorship in personal growth, and the complexities of emotional processing in intimate settings. The conversation also delves into social interactions, boundaries in therapeutic relationships, and the significance of understanding one's internal critic.

Michael Guichet, LMFT, is a sex therapist in Santa Cruz and Monterey, California. You can find him at ⁠https://michaelguichetsextherapy.com/⁠

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Human Connection Coach and Cuddle Therapist. Michelle's websites are⁠ ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠⁠ and she can be found on social media at⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠⁠.

If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, ⁠https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast⁠.

*Note, I'm cutting back on the amount of resources I share as it takes a lot of time to pull them and I'm finding myself not putting out new episodes due to the time requirement. My compromise to myself is to put in less time. Thanks for understanding that is a hard area to cut as someone who prides herself as a "resource maven". I trust you can google and find what you need.

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers ⁠https://amzn.to/47XJjvm⁠

In this episode of the Intimacy Lab, Michelle Renee and Nat delve into the complexities of intimacy, coercion, and personal growth within relationships. They explore the impact of social media on sexual awareness, the nuances of desire and arousal, and the importance of communication and consent. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, they highlight the journey towards understanding one's own sexual autonomy and the challenges faced in navigating intimate relationships. In this conversation, Michelle and Nat delve into the complexities of emotional abuse, healing, and the journey towards self-worth and empowerment. They discuss the importance of consent and communication in relationships, the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, and the significance of personal growth and finding one's calling. Through their experiences, they highlight the need for self-awareness and the courage to prioritize one's own needs and boundaries.

Nat started on Tiktok and has turned her life experience into a platform with the start of the hashtag #maritalcoercion. Her IG profile reads, "Writer, lover, mother, awakening to higher love after abuse and talking about it way too much." I love that about Nat! She is drawing attention to a hot topic that needs more conversation! You can learn more at https://alwaysmending.com.

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Platonic Intimacy Guide and Surrogate Partner. Michelle's websites are ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠⁠ and ⁠https://humanconnectioncoach.com⁠ and she can be found on social media at ⁠https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee⁠.

If you’d like to ask a question for Michelle to answer on an episode: https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/episode

Links from today's show:

https://mendingme.substack.com

The Cost of Duty Sex: https://youtu.be/7pWGTzhtS24?si=HXjzXHsq8uXS_VHw

Rebecca's inner child moment on Ted Lasso: https://youtu.be/-Zo4NWUxhf0?si=2GrI3UhOmVu5HpBu

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

A transcript is available at https://meetmichellerenee.com/episode/15

In this conversation, Michelle Renee and Leela Sinha discuss the concepts of intensives and expansives. They explore how intensives are passionate, risk-tolerant, and make unexpected connections, while expansives are steady, reliable, and prefer predictable environments. They also discuss the importance of understanding and appreciating both types of personalities. Overall, the conversation highlights the value of self-awareness and finding balance between intensity and steadiness.

Leela Sinha is a coach and author. Leela created The Intensive Institute and wrote the book You're Not Too Much. You can find Leela and the book at https://IntensiveInstitute.com.

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Platonic Intimacy Guide and Surrogate Partner. Michelle's websites are https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠ and https://humanconnectioncoach.com and she can be found on social media at https://instagram.com/meetmichellerenee.

If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast

Links from today's show:

*Note, I'm cutting back on the amount of resources I share as it takes a lot of time to pull them and I'm finding myself not putting out new episodes due to the time requirement. My compromise to myself is to put in less time. Thanks for understanding that is a hard area to cut as someone who prides herself as a "resource maven". I trust you can google and find what you need.

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

You're Not Too Much by Leela Sinha https://amzn.to/3YsPm9T

In this conversation, Michelle Renee and her Michigan wife discuss their friendship and the changes they have experienced. They talk about their history, including how they met and their journey through polyamory. They also discuss the importance of communication and adjusting expectations in relationships. The conversation then shifts to their personal journeys with weight loss and body image, as well as the societal pressure around body count. They share their experiences with weight loss surgery and the impact it has had on their confidence and physical well-being. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of self-acceptance and finding joy in personal growth.

Takeaways

• The importance of open and honest communication in relationships
• The need to adjust expectations and labels in relationships to maintain a strong connection
• The impact of weight loss surgery on confidence and physical well-being
• The societal pressure and judgment around body count and the importance of self-acceptance Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing experience, but it is important to have proper follow-up care and support.
• Weight loss medication can be a helpful tool in the weight loss journey, providing a feeling of fullness and reducing food noise.
• Weight loss is not always within one's control, and it is important to have empathy and support for those on their weight loss journey.
• The journey to weight loss involves both physical and mental changes, and it is important to prioritize mental health and self-care.
• Understanding and accepting that weight loss is a lifelong journey can help in setting realistic expectations and maintaining long-term success. It is important to be mentally prepared for surgery and to have a good support system.
• Do what is best for you and don't shame yourself for considering weight loss surgery.
• Feeling comfortable and free in your body is a significant positive change.
• Having supportive and trusting friendships is invaluable.
• DIY projects can bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.
• Expressing love and appreciation for others strengthens relationships.
• Living together with close friends can be a fulfilling and complementary experience.

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Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Platonic Intimacy Guide and Surrogate Partner. Michelle's website is ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠ and can be found on social media at @meetmichellerenee.

If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, click here.

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers, click here.

The video version of this episode is available on Spotify and on Youtube.

Links from today's episode:

Friendship edition of We’re Not Really Strangers: https://amzn.to/3ywpy1E

Kids editions of We’re Not Really Strangers: https://amzn.to/4avj4O0

Shrill on Hulu or https://amzn.to/4dNJ0qN

First time rock climbing video: https://youtu.be/YPa4af-DMgQ?si=EA-kChLkPA5x3z10