What Excites Us!

Using Tarot & Oracle Cards to Spark Sexual Play with Linda River Valente

Want to unlock deeper pleasure and playful exploration in your solo or partnered sex life? In this episode, Linda River Valente reveals how Tarot and Oracle Cards can be powerful tools to guide your sexual play, inspire creativity, and deepen connection — anytime, anywhere.
Episode Description:Linda River Valente returns to What Excites Us to explore the fascinating intersection of Tarot, Oracle Cards, and sexuality. We start by diving into the influence of Venus in Gemini (June 22 - July 17 2022) — a cosmic time ripe for curiosity, communication, and playful connection — but the insights in this episode remain valuable well beyond the transit dates.
Linda, an astrologer, tarot visionary, holistic sexuality educator, witch, and burlesque performer, shares how you can use Tarot and Oracle Cards as intuitive guides for solo self-pleasure and partnered play. Whether you’re new to card reading or a seasoned mystic, this conversation will inspire you to bring more magic, intention, and fun into your sexual experiences.
Learn about Linda’s favorite decks — including the Linestrider Tarot and Wild Unknown Archetypes Deck — and how these tools can open up new pathways of self-discovery and erotic creativity.
✨Connect with Linda River Valente:🌐 lindarivervalente.net📘 Facebook: bit.ly/3nfFtbK💖 Patreon: patreon.com/LindaRiverValente📧 Email: charmed.flow@gmail.com
🔮 Tarot Decks Mentioned:
Linestrider Tarot: siolothompson.com/linestrider-tarot
Wild Unknown Archetypes Deck: thewildunknown.com

The Science of Somatic Sex Education: How Pleasure Heals with Melody Joyce

What if pleasure could actually heal your body and mind? Somatic Sex Educator Melody Joyce breaks down how reconnecting with your body through science-backed techniques can transform your experience of intimacy and well-being. Ready to feel more embodied right now? This episode is for you.
Episode Description:In this powerful episode of What Excites Us, Somatic Sex Educator and Sexological Bodyworker Melody Joyce joins me to explore why pleasure is deeply healing — not just emotionally, but physically and neurologically. We break down what somatic sex education really is, how it's rooted in science (not woo), and how reconnecting with your body can transform your life.
Melody shares her personal healing journey and explains how the Vagus nerve, jaw-pelvis connection, and five embodiment tools can help you feel more grounded, present, and alive. You’ll walk away with simple, practical ways to start feeling more embodied today.
We also discuss:
The Wheel of Consent by Betty Martin
Sex for One by Betty Dodson
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
✨Connect with Melody Joyce:🌐 bodysouljourney.com📧 bodysouljourney@protonmail.com🔗 Association of Sexological Bodyworkers

Get REAL About Sex: My Framework for More Pleasure & Connection

In this solo episode, I share my personal framework to help you create more satisfying, connected, and enjoyable sexual experiences — and yes, it’s called REAL. We’ll explore how redefining what "sex" means to you can open up new possibilities, why evaluating your desires ahead of time can deepen your connection, how aligning with yourself and your partner(s) fosters trust, and the importance of leaving distractions and expectations behind.I also share a little about my new tattoo (because, of course!), offer you full permission to find your own version of great sex, and give shoutouts to some amazing people who’ve influenced this approach.Whether you're solo, partnered, or exploring, this is a beautiful starting point for building more mindful and satisfying intimacy.
In the episode, I talk about how cheesy I am and my new tattoo that emphasizes that. I offer permission to you, and I reference a few folks who have influenced this discussion. 
To see the tattoo, get the permission slip, or talk back to me please visit the show webpage whatexcitesus.com
Emily Nagoski and her book Come As You Are is available at:https://www.emilynagoski.com/home
Here is the list of reasons some folks have had sexhttps://psychcentral.com/blog/237-reasons-to-have-sex#4
I think this is the episode of the American Sex Podcast with Sunny Megatron that I reference, but really most episodes of this podcast are fantastic, and certainly the ones with Midorihttps://sunnymegatron.com/hotter-negotiation-midori-podcast/https://sunnymegatron.com/category/podcast/
For more about Midorihttps://bit.ly/3z2YsO4
And the video of How to train to Monkey Mindhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PkrhH-bkpk

Understanding PCOS: Hormones, Health & Hope with The Hormone Dietitian

What is PCOS really—and why aren’t we talking about it more?In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Grove Azzaro, RDN, LD — also known as The Hormone Dietitian — for a deep dive into PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), one of the most common yet misunderstood conditions affecting vulva owners. We unpack what PCOS actually is, how it impacts fertility, hormones, and overall well-being, and why many people are still struggling to get proper diagnosis and care.Melissa shares insights into the different types of estrogen, how metabolic and hormonal imbalances play a role, and why so many health studies still overlook women and AFAB bodies entirely. Plus, we talk polyps, fibroids, treatment options, and her holistic approach to helping people navigate this complex condition.Whether you have PCOS, suspect you might, or just want to better understand hormones and sexual health, this is a must-listen.
🌿 Find Melissa at thehormonedietitian.com🌿 Follow her on Instagram: @the.hormone.dietitian

Unlocking Pleasure: Extended Orgasm & Deeper Connection with Alicia Davon

What if better sex and deeper connection were just one practice away?In this episode, Alicia Davon of PleasureCourse.com shares the secrets behind extended orgasm — a powerful, accessible practice that can increase pleasure, intimacy, and emotional connection for couples and individuals. We explore how to reignite passion, navigate mismatched libidos, and build long-term sexual satisfaction. Whether you're looking to spice up your sex life, deepen your relationships, or simply expand your pleasure potential, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Learn more at PleasureCourse.com or follow Alicia and Erwan on Instagram @davonmethod.

Finding Herself in Kink: A Tell All Conversation with Aetherius

“I didn’t even realize this part of me was missing… until I found it.”In this raw and revealing episode, Gwyn sits down with Aetherius—a 35-year-old trans woman who shares her unfiltered journey into kink, gender affirmation, and polyamorous family life.
New to the scene but already deeply rooted, Aetherius opens up about the thrill and healing she’s found in a tight-knit kink group in northern Vermont. We talk about everything from discovering identity through play, to navigating life as a trans woman in tech, to parenting through authenticity and joy.
She lives with her wife. And their boyfriend. She games. She codes. She scenes. And in this episode, she tells it all.
Topics include:🔹 How kink became a portal to self-discovery🔹 Living openly as a trans woman in small-town Vermont🔹 Queer polyamorous family dynamics🔹 The courage to take up space—in and out of the dungeon
Whether you're in the kink world or just kink-curious, this is one of those episodes that lingers long after the final word.

Why Pleasure Is Powerful — Not Just Nice to Have

What if seeking pleasure wasn’t frivolous… but actually vital to your health and happiness?
In this solo episode, I take you on a journey through the science and the spirit of pleasure—why we need it, how it impacts our body and brain, and how you can bring more of it into your everyday life. From cuddles to chocolate, from dancing to sex, pleasure activates powerful chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine that lower stress, improve resilience, increase connection, and help us feel more alive. And yes, I’ll get a little nerdy (but in a friendly way!) explaining what those hormones are actually doing in your body—and why it matters.
We’ll also talk about:
The surprising benefits of smiling (even when you’re faking it!)
Why pleasure is designed into our biology—and not an accident
How touch, music, generosity, and art boost your mood
The trance-like state you can enter during rhythmic sex
What makes sex feel so good—physically, emotionally, neurologically
Whether you’re someone with a complicated relationship with pleasure, or just want to understand why your body responds the way it does, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and maybe even turned on to the idea that enjoying yourself is actually good for you.
💌 Got questions, stories, or feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Visit whatexcitesus.com to leave a message anonymously, or email me at Gwyn@earthlydesire.com. And if you loved this episode, please leave a review—it really helps more than you know.

Reframing Touch & Pleasure Through Pain — with Angel Rowe

What happens when your relationship to touch is completely transformed by chronic pain?
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I talk with professional sex coach Angel Rowe about his personal journey with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). He shares the emotional and physical challenges of living with chronic pain—and how it reshaped his understanding of pleasure, connection, and embodiment.
We explore how Angel reframed his experience through breathwork, sensate focus, and even learning to use his non-dominant hand. He opens up about the power of practice, the joy of training dogs, and how touch can be reclaimed in surprising ways.
One powerful takeaway: Even if you don’t believe “everything happens for a reason,” choosing how you respond—like Angel has—can be a profound form of healing.
Resources mentioned:
Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual by Linda Weiner & Constance Avery-Clark
The Breathwork app
Find Angel at albertasexcoach.com or follow him on TikTok as @wolfyrain (adorable dogs included!)

From Stone to Shahn - Raw, Queer, and Unfiltered Tell All

What does it mean to grow into your queerness while navigating small-town life, identity shifts, and deep self-exploration?
In this raw and deeply honest episode, I talk with my dear friend Shahn about his sexual journey—from growing up as a queer kid in Vermont to where he finds himself now in terms of identity, desire, and expression. This conversation is candid, vulnerable, and not for delicate ears.
We also discuss resources like Outright Vermont, an incredible organization supporting LGBTQIA+ youth through programs, camps, and education for kids and parents alike.
Plus, Shahn stumbled across an insightful article while we were thinking about a title for this episode—“What is Stone?” by Xan West—and we thought it was too good not to share.Music notes: Opening Theme - The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628Coaching Ad - Harmony by PolyPlus (c) copyright 2021 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/polyplus/63962Patreon Ad - Let me talk, Carol (instrumental) by Josh Woodward - Found on FMA The Free MusicArchive End music - Shahn aka 1nterupt on Sound Cloud - https://soundcloud.com/1nterrupt

DNA, Destiny & Donor Connections — Marion & Zoe’s Incredible Story

What happens when science, genetics, and the internet bring two strangers together—and they discover they're connected by blood?
In this extraordinary conversation, I speak with Marion and Zoe, two women whose lives became forever intertwined through an egg donation made years ago. Marion was a grad student when she chose to become an egg donor. Zoe is the result of one of those gifts—a vibrant young adult now building a relationship with the person who helped give her life.
Together, they share their deeply personal and powerful journey: what it was like to connect, how their bond has evolved, and what this experience has taught them about identity, family, and the unexpected magic of modern science.
Music notes: Opening Theme - The Vendetta by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/58628
Coaching Ad - Harmony by PolyPlus (c) copyright 2021 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/polyplus/63962
Patreon Ad - Let me talk, Carol (instrumental) by Josh Woodward - Found on FMA The Free Music Archive
End Music - Mo’ Baby by ETRNLproducer from Pixabay