Head South Radio

Let's talk shop—literally. In Navigating Sexual Wellness Retail, the founder of Stimulate, Nicole Leinbach Hoffman and Cat get into the nitty-gritty of showing up on shelves (and staying there). If you've ever wondered what buyers actually look for, how to hire smart, or how to make your brand matter in-store, this one's your insider pass.

Key takeaways: ✨Nicole is a self-described retail geek focused on sexual health and wellness. ✨Retailers often struggle with understanding the unique needs of the sexual wellness category. ✨Emerging brands should focus on smaller boutiques before approaching larger retailers. ✨Participating in trade shows like Stimulate can provide valuable networking opportunities.

About Nicole | Stimulate:

Nicole Leinbach Hoffman is the Founder of STIMULATE, North America's only sexual wellness trade show and conference, as well as Retail Minded, a well-respected industry resource for merchants and vendors founded in 2007. 

With a passion for both retail and sexual well-being,  Hoffman has made bold strides in supporting the growth of sexual wellness products in retail ranging – as Hoffman describes it – from "head to toe, young to mature, purpose to pleasure". Hoffman is a frequent guest and contributor to various media outlets that have included The Today Show, Forbes, Fox News, Entreprenuer.com and countless B2B publications, as well has supported American Express's Small Business Saturday as a Spokesperson in America and is the Author of the book "Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business" from McGraw-Hill. 

In 2022, Hoffman was recognized as one of Women Wear Daily's "25 Most Inspiring Women in Retail" and has been on the list of the world's most influential retail leaders from Rethink Retail since 2015. In 2023, Hoffman was recognized by American Eagle on a billboard in Times Square in NYC for being a Global Change Maker for her work in sexual wellness and retail collectively, and in both 2023 and 2024, Hoffman's trade show and conference, STIMULATE, was nominated as one of Trade Show Network News best shows in the United States. In February 2025, Hoffman also received an award from China's SHE Conference for her work in helping to grow the sexual wellness category in retail. 

Hoffman is happily married and resides in Denver, Colorado, where she is also a mom of 4, 3 dogs and a Professor at Columbia College where she teaches Retail Marketing. Hoffman proudly describes herself as a "retail geek". 

You can find Nicole and Stimulate here:

Website

Instagram

Please support Nicoles's foundation of choice:  

Planned Parenthood

Let's connect:

Head South WebsiteHead South Instagram Sponsored By:

This episode is sponsored by STIMULATE: A B2B Sexual Wellness Trade Show + Conference, which launched in 2023 and is heading into their third year this summer. Their event, which is held in Nashville on August 4+5 @StimulatetheShow

Head South Partners: 

-The New Way to Wash Hair - Hairstory- 1st-time customers use the link for discount 

-Non-Hormonal Birth Control- Natural Cycles-  Use link for discount

-Receive 15% when you purchase Wonderlust Mindful Intimacy Deck with code: HEADSOUTH15

In this candid conversation, the co-founder of Personal Fav, Hannah Hutton and our host Cat Meyer go deep into what it really takes to build a brand in the sexual wellness space—from shadowbans and startup burnout to co-opetition, community, and why we're done calling ourselves "small."

Key takeaways: ✨ Why "shadowbanned" is the new normal—and why we're still showing up ✨ The power of bold packaging, good lube, and even better boundaries ✨ Why indie brands like Head South + Personal Fav aren't competitors—we're collaborators ✨ A few laughs (and some truth bombs) about rope play, oral sex, and redefining intimacy

About Hannah | Personal Fav:Founded by best friends Hannah Hutton and Stephanie Estey, Personal Fav  was born from a shared mission to dismantle shame around sex and empower people to prioritize their pleasure. With formulas crafted from natural aphrodisiacs and clean, pH-friendly ingredients, their products are designed to enhance arousal without compromising your body's natural balance. Personal Fav isn't just about what's in the bottle—it's about fostering confidence, connection, and pleasure that feels as good as it looks. Because your pleasure should always be a personal favorite.

You can find Hannah and Personal Fav here:Website Instagram

Please support Hannah's foundation of choice:  

Mayday Health is a nonprofit organization that educates about medication abortion and its accessibility, particularly in states with restrictions or bans on abortion. 

This episode is powered by Head South Pleasure Products

Slip Serum – Lightweight and silky for effortless sensation  Slide Serum – Thicker, luxurious glide for extended moments Oasis Oil  – Hydration and sensuality in every drop 

Why You'll Love Head South: Vegan. Gluten-free. Paraben-free. No added Flavors, Fragrances, or Colors.Minimalist formulas, planet-friendly packaging Made with love in Los Angeles

Let's connect: Head South Website Head South Instagram

This episode is sponsored by: STIMULATE: A B2B Sexual Wellness Trade Show + Conference, which launched in 2023 and is heading into their third year this summer. Their event, which is held in Nashville on August 4+5 @StimulatetheShow

Head South Partners: 

-The New Way to Wash Hair - Hairstory- 1st-time customers use the link for discount 

-Non-Hormonal Birth Control- Natural Cycles-  Use link for discount

-Receive 15% when you purchase Wonderlust Mindful Intimacy Deck with code: HEADSOUTH15

Ready to get real about vulva health? On this episode of Head South Radio, Cat sits down with the dynamic Dr. Maria Uloko, a trailblazing urologist who's making waves in the world of sexual health. Dr. Uloko isn't just talking about anatomy—she's here to shake up the conversation about vulvar care, which she believes has been long overlooked in medical education. With her background as the director of the first vulvar sexual health urology clinic affiliated with an academic center in the U.S., Dr. Uloko shares how she's working to close the gap on the misinformation and disparities in women's healthcare.

In this episode, they dive into what Dr. Uloko calls the "regenerative powers" of the vulva, why vulva care isn't just about the vagina, and how her new venture, Vulva AI, is using predictive tech to give people quicker, more accurate diagnoses. From self-advocacy at the doctor's office to hormone balance and why marginalized communities need to be included in these conversations, Dr. Uloko is all about making sure we all have a seat at the table.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Vulva health is often overlooked, leading to gaps in care and unnecessary suffering.

• The Vulva and Vagina are not the same; understanding this distinction is essential.

• Medical education must start to prioritize vulvar health to improve women's care.

• How to advocate for yourself and insist on proper vulva healthcare.

• Vulva AI uses predictive technology for faster, accurate vulvar diagnoses.

You can find Dr. Maria here: mariaulokomd | mariaulokomd.com

Please support Dr. Maria's foundation of choice: The ACLU provides legal assistance in cases where it considers civil liberties at risk. Your donation helps to fund strategic litigation, advocacy, and organizing needed to take on abortion bans and other attacks on reproductive rights across the country.

Let's connect: @headsouth.world | @Kittycatmeyer

Head South Affiliate Partners:  The New Way to Wash Hair: Hairstory | 1st-time customers use the link for a discount

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Natural Cycles | Use the link for a discount

We greatly appreciate reviews and ratings on Apple, Spotify, and Youtube.

In this episode of Head South Radio, our host Cat Meyer is joined by Rena Martine, intimacy coach extraordinaire and the brilliant mind behind the book The Sex You Want. With a career that began in law (she was a Sex Crimes Deputy DA, no big deal!), Rena has since made a bold shift into sex and relationship coaching—helping women get real about intimacy, pleasure, and personal growth. If you've ever wondered what it takes to show up authentically in relationships, both in and out of the bedroom, this one's for you.

Cat and Rena dive into all things intimacy: the beauty of vulnerability, the messy work of clearing emotional blockages, and the ways in which subconscious beliefs shape our love lives. Rena also gets real about navigating non-monogamy—debunking myths and offering tips on handling jealousy like a pro. They talk empowerment, emotional flow, and why intimacy isn't just about sex—it's about being fully seen. Get ready for a fun, insightful chat that'll have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about relationships.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Porn as s*x education (pre-internet)
• Intimacy = authenticity and vulnerability
• Cognitive and subconscious exploration
• Actually doing the work with self-help books
• Nervousness vs Excitement
• Nonmonogamy myth-busting
• Navigating jealousy 
• Living without shame
• Release emotional blockages

You can find Rena Martine here: @_rena.martine_ | renamartine.com

Please support Rena's foundation of choice: Trans Empowerment Project's mission is to move our community out of crisis by creating equitable systems of support centered around Disabled 2Spirit, Trans, Intersex, and Gender Expansive community members who are also Black, Indigenous, and or People of Color, to ensure that we all get to thrive.

Let's connect: @headsouth.world | @Kittycatmeyer

Head South Affiliate Partners: The New Way to Wash Hair: Hairstory | 1st-time customers use the link for a discount

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Natural Cycles | Use the link for a discount

We greatly appreciate reviews and ratings on Apple, Spotify, and Youtube.

In this episode of Head South Radio, host Cat Meyer chats with Justine Ang Fonte—award-winning health educator, professor, and ghostwriter who's teaching us all how to set boundaries and reclaim our voices. Justine, the child of Philippine immigrants, has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and Glamour for her refreshing approach to sex education, covering way more than just the basics. On Instagram, she's your go-to ghostwriter for those tricky, unsent texts about boundaries.

Together, Cat and Justine dive into the connection between boundaries and consent, how to navigate the fear of setting limits, and the misconceptions around comprehensive sex education. They also take on a shared pet-peeve of gender reveal parties and how they push outdated gender stereotypes. If you've ever struggled with asserting yourself or communicating clearly in tough situations, this episode is packed with real-life advice you don't want to miss!

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• Developing boundaries and establishing consent from early childhood to adulthood
• Misconceptions vs. reality of comprehensive sex education
• Addressing fear and resistance to comprehensive sex education
• How boundaries and consent connect to bodily autonomy and healthy relationships
• Disrupting power imbalances through education about bodily autonomy
• Creating boundary scripts for various situations, including rejection messages
• Navigating the fear of setting boundaries and communicating assertively yet compassionately
• The impact of gender reveal parties in perpetuating gender stereotypes and focusing on genitals

You can find Justine here: @imjustineaf | justinefonte.com

Please support Justine's foundation of choice: Roots of Health in the Philippines is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the reproductive, maternal and sexual health of women, girls, and their communities in Puerto Princesa, Palawan in the Philippines.

Let's connect: @headsouth.world | @Kittycatmeyer

Head South Affiliate Partners: The New Way to Wash Hair: Hairstory | 1st-time customers use the link for a discount

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Natural Cycles | Use the link for a discount

We greatly appreciate reviews and ratings on Apple, Spotify, and Youtube.

In this episode of Head South Radio, we welcome Uncle Nat (they/them), a trailblazer in creating inclusive spaces within the beauty industry. Growing up in San Jose, CA, in the late '70s, Uncle Nat has been navigating life as a fat, trans, and multiply disabled person.Their journey has spanned across various terrains, from electrolysis for PCOS-related hirsutism to navigating beauty norms in pageants, plus-size modeling, theater, and music. Their salon, Uncle Nat's, was born from their lived experiences and the need for an accessible, affirming environment for those marginalized in traditional beauty settings.

Our conversation begins with a discussion on intimacy and self-connection. From there, we take a deep dive into the concept of community care within the beauty industry, exploring how personal experiences with body hair have shaped self-image and the way we engage with beauty services. Uncle Nat shares their philosophy on the importance of reassurance, compliments, and touch as fundamental expressions of love and care in the service industry. This episode offers a rich conversation on how to reinvent the beauty industry to be more inclusive and accessible for all. 

We hope you enjoy this episode, and as always, we'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review and rating on your podcast platform of choice.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

• What is Community Care?
• How do body hair experiences shape self-image and personal identity?
• How can the service industry emphasize accessibility and community care? 
• Reclaiming body autonomy means nurturing growth and authenticity.  
• Gender-affirming grooming is an essential part of personal identity and self-expression
• How Uncle Nat's Salon focuses on inclusive practices and trauma awareness.  
• How to make your beauty and grooming services accessible and inclusive

You can find Uncle Nat here: @uncle.nats | unclenats.com

Please support Uncle Nat's foundation of choice: Callen-Lorde Community Health Center provides sensitive, quality health care and related services targeted to New York's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities — in all their diversity — regardless of ability to pay.

Head South Affiliate Partners: The New Way to Wash Hair: Hairstory | 1st-time customers use the link for a discount

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Natural Cycles | Use the link for a discount

We greatly appreciate reviews and ratings on Apple, Spotify, and Youtube.

Last week we dropped part one of Mindful Intimacy with Natassia Miller, the founder of Wonderlust and the brilliant mind behind the Mindful Intimacy card deck game

If you missed it You can listen to episode 51 here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Youtube

This week's episode features our founder and host Cat Meyer and her partner, John Freeman playing the Mindful Intimacy game. It's different from our other episodes as it's not an interview but an inside peek into their relationship and a demonstration of how mindful intimacy decks are a great way to initiate conversations that deepen and strengthen your relationship.

Receive 15% when you purchase the Wonderlust Mindful Intimacy Deck with code: HEADSOUTH15

Let's connect: @headsouth.world | @headsouthradio | @Kittycatmeyer

Today's episode features Natassia Miller founder of Wonderlust.

Wonderlust launched in 2022 with its iconic intimacy card deck, which makes it easy for couples to talk about sex. Natassia's first product went viral multiple times, and she is now launching online courses driven by her passion for education. Her work is focused on cisgender, straight couples in long-term relationships, which she specializes in through her certification as a sexologist with Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (as an educator, not a therapist). She is on the path to building a library of accessible courses for you to design the sex life and relationship you want.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Thinking about how you want to spend time after sex
• Common problems in long-term couples
• Natassia's game, Wonderlust
• Approaching your partner about mixing things up in bed
• How traditional gender roles factor into asking for the sex you want
• The importance of touch without sex
• Finding a balance in the frequency of sex and desire discrepancies
• Normalizing positive sexual discussions and complimenting your partner regarding sex

Receive 15% off when you purchase Wonderlust Mindful Intimacy Deck with code: HEADSOUTH15

You can find Natassia here: wonderlust.co | @natassiamiller | @joinwonderlust

Please support Natassia's  foundation of choice:  Planned Parenthood provides reproductive and sexual healthcare, and sexual education in the United States and globally

Let's connect: @headsouth.world | @headsouthradio | @Kittycatmeyer

In this episode, we welcome Emily Gay, an able-bodied, cis woman who has carved out a remarkable career in sexual wellness. Originally from the East Coast but with a love for the mostly warm climate of Southern California, Emily's journey into human sexuality was both unexpected and fulfilling. From aspiring to work with animals as an exotic animal behaviorist and a vet tech to finding her passion with humans as a nanny, birth doula, and now a sexuality educator, Emily's diverse experiences have shaped her unique approach to her work. Emily brings over six years of expertise as a Birth Doula, Life Coach, and Family Manager. Her background in Family Studies & Human Development, coupled with certified training in Sexuality Education, provides her with a comprehensive perspective on family dynamics and sexual health. Emily's mission is to empower individuals and couples through education, self-love, and confidence, guiding them towards happier, more fulfilling intimate relationships. In this engaging episode, we dive into several key topics:

• What sex education was like for millennials
• The concept of celibacy and its impact on sexual wellness
• Male body shame and the journey to overcoming it
• The process of working through shame to discover pleasure
• The role of educators in gendered work
• Debunking common myths about sex

Emily shares her experiences, knowledge, and passion for helping others achieve intimacy and relationship satisfaction.

You can find Emily Gay here: @sexedbyem | sexedbyem.com Please support Emily's foundation of choice: The National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF) is determined to build a world where all reproductive options are valued, accessible, and stigma-free. They believe all people know how to best care for their own bodies and build their own families. They're committed to ensuring the conversation about racial, economic, and reproductive justice includes the people most affected by the barriers to abortion access.

Let's connect: @headsouth.world | @headsouthradio | @kittycatmeyer

Head South Affiliate Partners: The New Way to Wash Hair: Hairstory | 1st-time customers use the link for a discount

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Natural Cycles | Use the link for a discount

We greatly appreciate reviews and ratings on Apple and Spotify

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Laurie Mintz, an esteemed professor, author, speaker, and therapist, renowned for her expertise in human sexuality. Dr. Mintz, an Emeritus Professor at the University of Florida, has dedicated her career to teaching the Psychology of Human Sexuality to hundreds of undergraduate students. She is the acclaimed author of "Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It" and "A Tired Woman's Guide to Passionate Sex," both backed by research demonstrating their effectiveness.

Dr. Mintz's influence extends beyond the classroom. She has delivered presentations and workshops to diverse audiences, including a TEDx talk that has garnered over two million views. With over 30 years of experience in private practice, she has helped countless individuals and couples navigate both general and sexual issues. Recognized as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and named one of Forbes' "50 over 50" women innovators in 2023, Dr. Mintz's contributions to the field are significant and widely respected.

Join us for a candid and informative conversation with Dr. Laurie Mintz as we uncover insights and actionable advice to improve sexual well-being and foster healthier, more satisfying sexual relationships.

In this episode, we dive deep into several crucial topics:

• The Orgasm Gap and How to Close It
• Hook-up Culture and the Orgasm Gap
• Orgasm Gap vs. Desire Discrepancy/Deficiency 
• Getting Cliterate 
• Introducing Toys to Partners
• Media vs. Real Life Sexual Experiences
• Masturbation for People with Vulvas

You can find Dr. Laurie Mintz here: @drlauriemintz | drlauriemintz.com

Please support Dr. Laurie's  foundation of choice:  

Planned Parenthood was founded over 100 years ago on the revolutionary idea that women have the right to access the information and care they need to live strong, healthy lives. Today, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) fights to protect that right — often in the face of extreme politicians trying to take it away.

Let's connect: @headsouth.world | @headsouthradio | @Kittycatmeyer