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!

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.

https://www.instagram.com/lenawaithe/

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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.

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.

Preorder Tika's upcoming book!

https://tinyurl.com/I-Got-It-From-My-Mama-Book

https://www.instagram.com/tikasumpter

As per Tika’s request…

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In this deeply personal episode presented by Bumble, singer Mario opens up about the profound impact of unresolved trauma stemming from his relationship with his mother. He shares how this pain shaped his early behavior towards women, leading to manipulation and broken connections. Mario takes us on his journey of self-reflection, healing, and ultimately embracing his inner feminine energy—a process that not only reshaped his relationships but also elevated his personal growth and artistry.

As Mario gets real about accountability, self-love, and the power of healing, he also introduces us to his latest album, "Glad You Came"—a soulful and vulnerable collection of music inspired by his life experiences and growth. Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation that dives into the intersections of trauma, love, and creativity.

Don't miss this inspiring episode and be sure to check out Mario's new album, "Glad You Came," now streaming on all platforms!

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.

Instagram.com/marioworldwide 

Glad You Came, streaming everywhere you listen to music

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If you’d like tangible tips for improving your relationship with sex AND your sex appeal. I HIGHLY recommend checking out my class on MasterClass the Art of Sex Appeal

masterclass.com/shan

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Beyond Pleasure: Three Keys to Truly Fulfilling Sex

Sex is at the intersection of life and humanity. For the majority of us, it’s how we got here and for parents, it’s how we will continue on after we are gone. We often hear the term “better” sex, which begs two questions: what does that mean? And, why is the sex we are currently having not good enough?

In this episode we will define the goal of sex - regardless of the stage of the relationship and we will also discuss what prevents us from having sex that lives up to our desired potential. I’m going to take you on a journey as we explore the three sexual freedoms. Starting with discussing the power of freedom to, which I think describes the stage that myself and my husband/ the creative director of this podcast, Jared Brady are in. Then freedom from, which I discuss with my friends Yancy and Premika Leo. Finally we will talk about the Freedom not to, which I explore with my Lovers Community.

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.

If you’d like tangible tips for improving your relationship with sex AND your sex appeal. I HIGHLY recommend checking out my class on MasterClass the Art of Sex Appeal

masterclass.com/shan

If you want to know which freedom you should focus on in order to improve your sex life today, try this quiz

https://www.loversbyshan.com/resource/bettersex

If Shan and Jared’s conversation around open relationships intrigued you, take this quiz to identify your commitment structure

https://www.loversbyshan.com/resource/commitment

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If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist

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Kerry Washington, you read right. Award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington. In support of the second season of her hit show UnPrisoned on Hulu Onyx Collective, Kerry stopped by Lovers and Friends to discuss what she learned from Paige, how learning that her biological father was a sperm donor changed her family for the better, therapy with her parents and husband, how real parents should get with their kids, her parenting philosophy and more. If you loved Kerry Washington in any of her classics, like Scandal or Django Unchained OR if you read her book Thicker Than Water, you will LOVE UnPrisoned and furthermore, this raw interview on the power and potential that comes when you heal the family by not being afraid to hurt or disappoint one another. Of course I couldn’t have Kerry Washington stop by and NOT talk about sex, reproductive rights and pole dancing - so expect that too :). ALSO relationship expert and UnPrisoned creator Tracy McMillan stops by to discuss the power of intuition.

Watch the trailer to UnPrisoned

https://youtu.be/HIn14DY9eFA?si=2VxtEkm6V6_UT3kx

Watch UnPrisoned

https://www.hulu.com/series/unprisoned-5b48cecb-15b5-4e06-b475-f2ac5a64bd24

Follow Kerry Washington 

https://www.instagram.com/kerrywashington/?hl=en

Watch her YouTube Show Street You Grew Up On

https://youtu.be/Omh270yZLbU?si=Fof717hAfW9Fz8iA

Read her Memoir Thicker than Water

https://www.amazon.com/Thicker-than-Water-Kerry-Washington/dp/0316497398

Follow Tracy McMillan

https://www.instagram.com/tracymcmillan/

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Kelly Rowland, you read right. This is a CAN NOT MISS, special release Lovers and Friends episode with Shan Boodram AND it is best experienced after you watch Mea Culpa now streaming worldwide on Netflix. In this intimate, first-of-its-kind conversation Kelly Rowland shares how she went from a sexually repressed upbringing to living up to her pleasure potential as a sensualist, plus how her sexual awakening gave her the confidence to play Mea in Mea Clupa alongside Trevante Rhodes, whom she shares very STEAMY sex scenes with on screen. Kelly also discusses her feelings on divorce, kink, toys in the bedroom, and overcoming the fear of being imperfect.

Watch the trailer to Mea Culpa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0g9YfjJSA

Follow Kelly 

https://www.instagram.com/kellyrowland/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0g9YfjJSA

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Welcome to (some of) the best of Lovers and Friends the podcast. Hear from JESSIE REYES, MELISSA AND KEV OnSTAGE, ABBY DE LA ROSA, SHANOLA HAMPTON, TIM Chantrangsu aka DE LA GHETTO, DREW LOVE from THEY, RACHEL LINDSAY and GLO ATANMO during this special recap episode.

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GLO ATANMO

https://youtu.be/lbIaM09t0ZU?si=GtWZkCBspPlmUA8f

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1W4xrpdCh0V3OwXZCYt1bO?si=mJNj1rxcQ7a333AUmgsqMA

JESSIE REYES

https://youtu.be/7IbgI3-s7Ps?si=j0CL3b8gYqsNbqFe

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2w3jYgkVIgg2eQoYWuALhp?si=8q3ptyfKQbWn9FrrY3bZTA

MELISSA AND KEV

https://youtu.be/hrMVcujhg1A?si=idb7xnDq8TX1aBh_

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4NjXUyZ5suDL3ytxUALFV8?si=gg3B7zvfQnm5nS9XUpkyZA

ABBY DE LA ROSA

https://youtu.be/aq8290G52_I?si=oaI5d_ALvuj82z9V

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AM2X8zNwmgV3koVtgemPC?si=pzqGDEw3QMCe8Awx9eFK7Q

SHANOLA HAMPTON

https://youtu.be/J7PZakvvdCo?si=LDSbtyjNTKuNmZ1u

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pHr7jrSj7iQTZlsbIUoYV?si=-pk8WovdSbqLLyrXDrRpRg

TIM DE LA GHETTO

https://youtu.be/G6WYaHFOjEU?si=uDvI7cap3yCs0srq

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0VuY52Ct9XS9Wua4dtupO6?si=ZFMbJEQOQ56IuBADlxm8og

DREW LOVE

https://youtu.be/bdooXjRGprY?si=AG3KL1r-wAfeb8Gm

https://open.spotify.com/episode/39lGd7mxW9jvpGpOPYMKaj?si=ou8FILHeSGG7P21hCZwMog

RACHEL LINDSAY

https://youtu.be/bnEORZJD2pQ?si=LiHiZKFU1-_Cv8l6

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kN3P1KoHI3LcnLNRgzY76?si=faUIGN4ATUaLvewVQ3AjCQ

HELP WHY CAN’T I ORGASM

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X8oEJMQ8JNSu6Psa53r7O?si=wJMEWu6vTmGpia1waTZ0Sw

FUCK the fairytale! How does that land on you? Does it make you go FUCK YES we need to be realistic about love OR does it make you go FUCK NO I desire the fairytale and that’s what I’ll get. Well when dating coach Damona Hoffman suggests you F the Fairytale, she kinda wants you to feel both. Tired of the same old dating game and ready to find real, lasting love? Join us in this episode of FUCK the Fairytale as we explore what a true fairytale relationship looks like with expert dating coach Damona Hoffman. We’ll challenge outdated ideas of the ideal partner and redefine what happiness looks like in modern relationships. Don’t miss your chance to discover true love - watch now!

FOLLOW DAMONA HOFFMAN

https://www.instagram.com/damonahoffman/

https://damonahoffman.com/

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Are you ready to break free from outdated social norms and discover the real power of being true to yourself? Mal Wright from Netflix's The Ultimatum is here to share her story of why she chose to end her engagement, why gender has no place in sex, and the one thing her next partner must have. Don't miss this inspiring story and get ready to experience the liberating effects of embracing your true self! 

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https://malwright.komi.io/

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Are you curious why Vanessa and Xander, a happily married couple, chose not to have children? Find out by joining therapist Vanessa and her husband Xander as they share their personal story about why they chose to remain childfree. Tune in to learn more about their unconventional decision and how it has impacted their lives!

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