In Part 2 of Sex After Breast Cancer with Model, Hope facilitator and Cancer disruptor, Christine Handy, Amy continues her conversation and is joined this time by award-winning director Ziad Hamzeh. Ziad brings his film Hello Beautiful—a moving portrayal of Christine’s breast cancer journey—into the spotlight, opening up a heartfelt discussion about vulnerability, self-advocacy, and the healing power of storytelling. Hello Beautiful just received the Golden Palm Award for Best Picture at the 25th Annual Beverly Hills Film Festival.

Together, we explore how authenticity in art can validate pain, connect us through shared experience, and help dismantle the isolation often felt after a cancer diagnosis. Ziad dives into why it's vital to portray the emotional rawness of health struggles, while Christine reflects on the deeper truths and resilience revealed through her own journey.

This episode is a testament to the strength that emerges when we own our stories—and how creative expression can be a lifeline. Don’t miss this emotional, inspiring continuation of our conversation.

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

You can find the show @Sexafterpodcast

Sex After is produced by @Ironskirtproductions

You can find more about Christine Handy @Christinehandy1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Amy speaks with Christine Handy, a successful model whose life took a dramatic turn following a breast cancer diagnosis. Christine opens up about her personal journey—from confronting the emotional toll of cancer to navigating the complexities of the medical system, all while balancing the demands of family and career.

She shares her experience of recovery, the challenges of breast reconstruction, and how she found a new sense of purpose by helping others facing similar struggles.

Christine also discusses her upcoming movie, Hello Beautiful, which chronicles her journey through cancer as a mother, wife, and thriving model.

She also dives into the power of visibility and community, explaining how her authentic online presence has become a tool to inspire and empower others on their own journeys.

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

You can find the show @Sexafterpodcast

Sex After is produced by @ironskirtproductions

You can find more on Christine Handy @Christinehandy1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Amy is joined by her producing partner and licensed therapist, Sasha Hawkes in Sex After: “The After”, where they will delve deeper into the conversation on Codependency and the Culture of Men’s Mental Health.

The After is a new series where Amy Marcs and Sasha Hawkes look more closely at the topics discussed in their previous episodes. This intimate follow-up series provides an opportunity for further exploration of mental health topics. 

Through The After, Amy and Sasha aim to continue the conversation, giving listeners a chance to connect on a deeper level while fostering a sense of community and healing.

In this insightful episode, Amy and Sasha look into the complexities of mental health, exploring themes of codependency, childhood experiences, and the emotional challenges faced by men in today’s society. Sasha shares her perspective as a mental health professional as she and Amy look at some of the important topics that have come up in the previous episode, such as abuse, trauma and finding ways to heal in the midst of chaos.

In the future these episodes will eventually become part of a paid membership, but for now, please enjoy Amy and Sasha as they get even more personal in The After…

Send us a DM @sexafterpodcast or @ironskirtproductions

Or you can email us: [email protected]

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy continues her conversation with Chris Hajian, film composer and men’s mental health advocate. In this episode Chris opens up about the societal challenges men face when it comes to expressing vulnerability and emotions, and the urgent need to reshape this narrative. 

He shares his journey with his struggles around codependency and how he was able to find stability by learning how to honor his own feelings. 

Chris now leads men's groups where they explore topics like childhood trauma, masculinity, and the power of vulnerability. 

This honest and impactful conversation shows the need for men to be in touch with their emotions so they can show up fully in the world.

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

You can find the show @Sexafterpodcast

Sex After is produced by @ironskirtproductions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Amy talks with Chris Hajian, film composer and men’s mental health advocate. In this episode, Chris explores his deeply personal journey of healing and self-discovery. Chris bravely opens up about the trauma, codependency, and abusive relationships he’s faced, and how these challenges have shaped his life.

Chris explores the shame he has carried from past abuse, and how therapy helped him find his voice, especially in high-risk moments when speaking up felt scary and uncertain. 

Chris also sheds light on the societal pressures that discourage vulnerability in men and stresses the vital need for more conversations about men’s emotional health and self-advocacy.

This is a much-needed conversation and a heartfelt discussion about strength, healing, and the power of breaking the silence around trauma.

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

You can find the show @Sexafterpodcast

Sex After is produced by @ironskirtproductions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy continues her conversation with Isadora O’Boto in Part 2 of Sex After Sex Work. In this episode, Isadora talks more about her life as the number one escort in the country as well as the intricacies of forming meaningful relationships with clients during that time. 

She shares the difficulties of dating and navigating personal relationships both during her time as an escort, as well as after she retired. 

Isadora highlights how societal perceptions impacted her life, including times when she experienced heartbreak and loss and the loneliness she felt as a result of those challenges. She also discusses the adverse narratives that get formed about the life of an escort and how deeply it affected her, ultimately leading her to create and discover her own sense of self worth and love despite the stigma attached to her work. 

She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, both as a writer and performer, as a way to process and reflect on her experiences. 

This conversation is a raw exploration of love, self-acceptance, and the realities of life as a former escort. Isadora shares where she is now, retired from her profession as an escort, and how she has continued to persevere and thrive.

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

You can find the show @Sexafterpodcast

Sex After is produced by @ironskirtproductions

You can find more information about Isadora O'Boto, including links to her books, at www.isadoraoboto.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sex After, Amy speaks with Isadora O’Boto, an actress, author and former sex worker. Isadora shares her journey as a Julliard graduate and aspiring actress in New York City, to becoming the number one escort in the country. She discusses the challenges she faced in the acting industry, from beauty standards to financial struggles, and the pivotal moment when she responded to an escort ad. 

Isadora reflects on her emotions as she takes us through what life was like during her early experiences as an escort, including her newfound financial freedom, and the physical and emotional obstacles she faced in the sex work industry. She talks about how these discoveries ultimately helped her find her way to self empowerment and love.

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

You can find the show @Sexafterpodcast

Sex After is produced by @ironskirtproductions

You can more information about Isadora O'Boto at www.isadoraoboto.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast Synopsis:

In this heartfelt and powerful conversation, Amy Marcs and Bess Hagans delve into Bess's personal journey through breast cancer, from her diagnosis at 31 and the emotional and physical challenges she faced along the way. Bess opens up about the deep connection between mental and physical health. She talks about sex and intimacy. We delve into the challenge of sexual dysfunction after a cancer diagnosis and how important it is to have open communication with your partner. She talks about the inspiration behind founding Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, a nonprofit organization that supports young women, 21-40, battling breast cancer. We discuss the urgent need for education and empowerment around breast health for younger generations. The episode also touches on the complexities of breast reconstruction, the lasting impact of treatment, and the ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery after recovery. With compassion and insight, Bess highlights the temporary nature of life’s challenges, and the vital support systems that help individuals and their co-survivors navigate their journeys. This conversation is an enlightening, candid exploration of resilience, empowerment, and the necessity of continued dialogue around these crucial topics.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Sex After, we continue our conversation on purity culture with Mattie Jo Cowsert and are joined by sex educator, Erica Smith. We talk more about the complexities of healing from religious repression and reclaiming sexual autonomy. Mattie Jo and Erica also discuss the importance of community support and finding healing spaces for those recovering from conversion therapy or faith-based trauma.They touch on the ongoing process of deconstructing faith, navigating queer identities, and finding spiritual fulfillment outside of traditional religious frameworks. With humor, empathy, and deep wisdom, Amy, Mattie Jo, and Erica provide hope and guidance for anyone looking to embrace their sexuality at any stage of life, free from shame and societal expectations.

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

You can find the show at @Sexafterpodcast

Sex After is produced by @ironskirtproductions

You can find Erica Smith @Ericasmith.educates or www.purityculturedropout.com

You can find Mattie Jo Cowsert @Mattiejocowsert or www.mattiejocowsert.com

You can find Mattie Jo's book God, Sex and Rich People here.

You can also view the trailer for the pilot to God, Sex and Rich People here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sex After, author and post-purity culture dating expert, Mattie Jo Cowsert shares her journey from growing up in a strict evangelical household in rural Missouri to navigating life in New York City. Mattie opens up about the challenges of purity culture, its impact on her mental health and relationships, and the transformative experiences that shaped her life.

The conversation explores the emotional aftermath of early sexual experiences, the importance of self-love, and the need for accurate sexual education. Mattie also discusses how spirituality and faith have evolved for her beyond traditional religious frameworks, offering insights into how others can heal from the effects of purity culture and build healthier, more authentic relationships.

Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation about overcoming societal expectations and embracing personal growth.

You can find Amy on Instagram @Amymarcs or www.amymarcs.com

You can find the show at @Sexafterpodcast

Sex After is produced by @ironskirtproductions

You can find Mattie Jo Cowsert @Mattiejocowsert or www.mattiejocowsert.com

You can find Mattie Jo's book God, Sex and Rich People here.

You can also view the trailer for the pilot to God, Sex and Rich People here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.