Is there a strategic way to go about finding your perfect match? Our guest today thinks so. On this episode I chat with former radical queer musician turned marriage and family therapist, Brittany Berg, to hear about her strategic approach to finding partnership along with how and why that approach has changed over the years.

During the commercial break I highlighted a few safety apps, designed to give the user an out during uncomfortable and potentially dating situations. Check them out!

https://www.usafeus.org/

https://www.noonlight.com/

You can connect with me across platforms @ishavedmyassforthis

In an I Shaved My Ass For This First, I introduce a new episode format where I speak directly to the audience about a topic that is close to my heart and has been a consistent theme in my dating life. In this first fireside chat I go into depth about my struggle with depression and how it's impacted my pursuit for intimacy and connection.

There is a light at the end of the depression tunnel and it shines brightly from within.

I hope you enjoy xo

You can connect with me across platforms @ishavedmyassforthis

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This week I am absolutely honored to welcome guest Tara Timberman, a musician and scholar, as she gives her first on the record account of her experiences as a sugar baby. This line of sex work is either highly stigmatized or glamorized but Tara provides a grounded account of the ways sugaring has improved her life and future prospects. She also discusses the ways in which the work can sometimes feel burdensome.

You can find Tara on Instagram at @Metal_Mother

This episode I would like to remind you all to get tested for STI's regularly. Please see links for below to no cost options in your area

USA: https://www.nurx.com/brand/full-control-kit?srsltid=AfmBOoqvlHR9KiT3Ngt736N36Dze3wz35_1J3dkPehkbDFmk6WneIOz9ZKo

UK:https://www.thesexualhealthhub.co.uk/stis/at-home-sti-test-kit/

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The early experiences we have around sex and relationships can really shape how we approach intimacy as we get older. On this episode, I speak with Saturn who talks about the early messages they received around love and relationships as a queer person. They describe the work they're doing to repair some of the early damage in the hopes of achieving a more successful dating life.

You can find Saturn on Instagram @Saturnrisin9

I highlight the book, The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon which you can read here: https://monoskop.org/images/6/6b/Fanon_Frantz_The_Wretched_of_the_Earth_1963.pdf

or for purchase here: https://www.akpress.org/wretchedoftheearth.html

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Welcome back!

For our second episode, I am joined by actor/musician Jammy Kasongo to break down what qualifies as a "crazy" partner. We also look at why we, as daters, seem to continuously attract those who cause strife in our lives.

*Hint* We have to look within

You can find our guest, Jammy Kasongo on instagram @jammykasongo

As mentioned, here are the links to organizations which center mental health for black men.

https://therapyforblackmen.org/

https://blackmenheal.org/

https://blackmenshealth.org.uk/

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Get into the newest hot podcast on the block. I Shaved My Ass For This?! is a show about all things dating and desire from the perspective of those on the margins. We tackle provocative subjects through thoughtful, honest discussion with a dash of irreverence. Tune in every Thursday on Spotify!

Welcome to my first ever episode!

I'm starting off with a bang with special guest, amelian kashiro hamilton and together we will discuss the ins and outs of polyamory and why it's better to be the hunter instead of the prey in the current dating landscape.

Please follow I Shaved My Ass For This?! on socials!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@IShavedMyAssForThis

Tiktok: @IShavedMyAssForThis

Instagram: @IShavedMyAssForThis

To get on the ground reporting of the genocide in Gaza, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCNeDWCI0vo&ab_channel=AlJazeeraEnglish

Our lovely guest can be found at:

ameliankashirohamilton.com

@hoodmariekondo and @SistersWithInvoices on Instagram

And check out their podcast, Imposters Syndrome Survivors Club at https://podcasts.apple.com/pg/podcast/imposter-syndrome-survivors-club/id1489424553

Episode music:

Title: 432 by Ferco