What Excites Us!

Men Have Body Shame Too

Are We Hurting Men Without Even Realizing It?
In this solo episode of What Excites Us, I (Gwyn Isaacs—certified sex coach, eternal ranter, and your permission-giver-in-chief) crack the mic open to talk directly to men—and everyone who cares about them. Because, friends, we need to talk about body shame, penis anxiety, self-worth, and the hidden ways patriarchy messes with men too.
Inspired by real listener questions, this episode dives into topics like:
Why “Big Dick Energy” might be doing more harm than good
How to actually use affirmations that work (without cringing)
What to do when your penis isn’t doing what you want it to
Why shaming men for their bodies has to stop—like now
We also touch on vagus nerve support, aging and erections, and how learning to love on your own body can shift everything. Whether you’re a man or someone who loves one, this one’s for you.
🔗 Coaching, lube recs, and more at WhatExcitesUs.com

Fertility Awareness, Hormones & Body Literacy for All with Sam Leeson

Did you know that understanding your body’s natural cycles can empower you—whether or not you ever plan to get pregnant?
In this episode, I’m joined by fertility educator and inclusive family planning expert Sam Leeson to explore why fertility awareness is essential for everyone, not just those trying to conceive. We talk about body literacy, how to teach kids to feel at home in their bodies, and the hormonal journeys that affect us all—including unique insights for trans and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.
Sam, founder of babyREADY and babyREADYlgbtq, brings over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families take charge of their reproductive journeys—with compassion, clarity, and a deep respect for diversity.
✨ Curious about how fertility awareness could change your relationship with your body?
Tune in to find out.
🔗 Learn more at babyREADY.info🎧 More episodes at whatexcitesus.com

Feathers, Legends & Liberation: Inside the Burlesque Hall of Fame with Dustin M. Wax

What do fan dances, fierce femmes, and the Riot Grrrl movement have in common? In this episode, we step behind the velvet curtain of burlesque history with Dustin M. Wax, director of the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.
We explore how this one-of-a-kind museum came to be, why preserving burlesque’s rich and rebellious history matters, and the role gender has played in both classic and neo-burlesque. Dustin shares stories of legendary performers like Tempest Storm and Lili St. Cyr, insights into the art form’s transformation, and advice for anyone drawn to the stage—pasties, politics, and all.
✨ If you're a fan of performance, sex-positive history, or reclaiming your body through art, this one's for you.
📍When you're in Vegas, don’t miss a visit to the Burlesque Hall of Fame in the Downtown Arts District.More info: burlesquehall.com
Lydia Thompson and her contribution to 19th century American Theater: https://editions.covecollective.org/chronologies/lydia-thompsons-contribution-19th-century-burlesque-theater-america
Tempest Storm comes up a few times: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempest_Storm https://www.burlesquehall.com/tempest-storm/
Sally Rand: https://www.kqed.org/arts/13902628/the-burlesque-pioneer-who-fought-censorship-and-multiple-arrests
Every Rocky Horror’s Fan Favorite, Lili St. Cyr: https://www.burlesquehall.com/museumathome-burlesque-legends-lili-st-cyr/
A little bit about the Riot Grrl Movement: https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/brief-history-riot-grrrl-space-reclaiming-90s-punk-movement-2542166
The Something Weird Video Channel https://www.youtube.com/@SomethingWeirdDotCom/featured
An Interview with a couple of Burlesque Legends, including Jennifer Fox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTxj2Vi94sM
A little bit about Hedy Jo Star: https://zagria.blogspot.com/2012/01/hedy-jo-star-1920-1999-showgirl.html
The post mentioned about Marinka: https://www.burlesquehall.com/transgender-day-of-visibility-honoring-marinka/
Aida Overton Walker’s Wiki page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aida_Overton_Walker
Tony Midnite’s Wiki Page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Midnite
About Jennie Lee: http://redhotsburlesque.com/2013/legend-jennie-lee/
About Sherry Britton: https://burlexe.com/burlesque/burlesque-icons/sherry-britton-burlesque-history/
 

Laced in Confidence: Sensuality, Self-Love & Lingerie

Can lingerie be a tool for self-love and empowerment—not just seduction?
In this episode, I sit down with Luna Pearl, a sex coach-in-training at Sex Coach U, meditation coach, and the founder of Pink Pearl Lingerie and Lingerie Talk Magazine. Luna believes in getting sexy for yourself first—and she’s here to share how lingerie can unlock confidence, sensual embodiment, and joy.
We explore:💫 Why lingerie is Luna’s superpower—and how it can be yours too🩷 How comfort is the key to feeling sexy🛍️ Tips for buying lingerie (in-store and online)👯‍♀️ And a powerful take on the myth that women don't support each other
Whether you’re lingerie-curious, building body confidence, or exploring sensual tools for empowerment, this episode offers inspiration, real talk, and actionable insight.
✨ Learn more about Luna at Pink Pearl Lingerie🎧 For more episodes, visit whatexcitesus.com📝 Please rate and review the show—it helps so much!
🔗 Curious about becoming a certified sex coach? Check out Sex Coach U🎀 Into vintage beads? Explore heybeads.com
Keywords: lingerie empowerment, body confidence, sensuality, sex coaching, embodiment, comfort lingerie, how to buy lingerie, women’s empowerment, sensual tools, Pink Pearl Lingerie, Sex Coach U

Healing Trauma, Sacred Sexuality & Somatic Power with Valerie Schrader

In this vulnerable and empowering episode, I speak with trauma-informed coach and sex educator Valerie Schrader about transforming childhood trauma, specifically her experience being raised by a narcissistic mother, into a mission of empowerment and sacred sexuality.
We explore how somatic healing, nervous system regulation, and self-guided trauma recovery can help you reclaim your body, pleasure, and voice. Valerie shares insights from her healing program designed for those navigating generational trauma, as well as her wisdom around creating safer spaces for sexual empowerment and emotional resilience.
✨ Whether you're curious about somatic therapy, seeking ways to connect to your sensual self, or looking to better understand the impact of trauma on intimacy—this episode is for you.
🔗 Learn more at valerieschrader.com🎧 Listen to Valerie’s podcast Sensual Power
Keywords: somatic healing, generational trauma, sexual empowerment, sacred sexuality, trauma-informed coaching, nervous system regulation, healing childhood wounds, reclaiming pleasure, body-based therapy, sensual self-connection

Yin Yoga, Pleasure & Chronic Pain: A Felt Sense of YES with Katherine Zitterbart

What does it mean to truly feel a “yes” in your body? In this nourishing conversation, I’m joined by Katherine Zitterbart—somatic practitioner, sound healer, and creator of A Felt Sense of YES: Yin Yoga for Sexual Health.
We explore the foundations of Yin Yoga, Taoist principles, the role of the dantian (energy centers in the body), and how these practices support sexual well-being, nervous system regulation, and connection to pleasure—especially for folks living with chronic pain and neurodivergence.
Katherine’s work centers LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals in a deeply inclusive, sex-positive framework—bringing embodiment and sound together for healing and reclamation.
✨ Whether you're new to somatics or looking to deepen your relationship with your body, this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and radical permission to feel good.
Learn more about Katherine Zitterbart:🌐 kayteezee.com📸 Instagram: @katherinezitterbart📱 TikTok: @thekayteezee🐦 Twitter: @kayteezee📺 YouTube: Katherine Zitterbart

Tell-All: Gender, DID, Chronic Illness & Identity with Baggins

In this raw and illuminating conversation, we sit down with Baggins—a genderqueer, polyamorous, asexual Bottom living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and chronic illness. Baggins shares openly about life with a system and alters, the journey to self-identification, and how they navigate intimacy, CPTSD, and complex relationships.
We explore what it means to be ace, the reality of being polysaturated, the nuances of self-diagnosis discourse, and the layered experience of living at the intersections of queerness, disability, and trauma.
Whether you're curious about DID, polyamory, or asexuality—or just want to hear a deeply human story—this episode offers education, empathy, and truth-telling.
Terms we explore:
Ace: Asexual; someone who rarely experiences sexual desire.
T: Short for testosterone.
Meta: A metamour; your partner’s partner.
Polysaturated: Not currently open to additional romantic partners.

OCD, Anxiety & Intimacy – Breaking the Stigma with Sarah Hazleton, LICSW

In this eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Sarah Hazleton, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in OCD and anxiety-related disorders, to explore how OCD and anxiety uniquely impact intimacy, relationships, and sexuality.
Sarah breaks down how OCD manifests through intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and subtypes such as Relationship OCD and Pure O. We discuss the emotional toll of stigma and shame, particularly when sexual and intimate thoughts are involved, and the critical importance of specialized treatment like Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Whether you're personally affected or seeking to better understand a loved one, this conversation offers compassionate insight, practical guidance, and much-needed validation.
✨ In this episode:– The many faces of OCD: Relationship OCD, Pure O & more– How intrusive thoughts affect intimacy and identity– Therapy approaches that work: ERP & ACT– How to find qualified OCD and anxiety specialists– Reducing stigma around sexual, gender, and intimacy-related intrusive thoughts
📖 Read the article mentioned: Impact of OCD on Sex Life (Verywell Mind)
🔗 Learn more about Sarah at hazeltoncounseling.com
#OCD #Anxiety #MentalHealthAwareness #RelationshipOCD #PureO #ExposureResponsePrevention #SexualIntrusiveThoughts #MentalHealthPodcast #OCDTherapy #SarahHazleton #SexPositiveHealing

Nonmonogamy & Neurodiversity with Alyssa Gonzalez

In this delightful and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Alyssa Gonzalez, author of the brand new book Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity (Thornapple Press). We dive into the unique intersections of neurodivergent experience and consensual nonmonogamy, blending research, lived experience, and lots of laughter.
Alyssa shares how the book came to life, offers a few key insights from her work, and discusses some of the theory behind navigating multiple relationships while honoring neurodivergent needs. Whether you’re neurodivergent, nonmonogamous, or simply curious, this is a must-listen for anyone exploring authentic connection.
✨ In this episode:– The inspiration behind Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity– Tips and tools for navigating nonmonogamy as a neurodivergent person– How theory meets practice in real-life relationships– The importance of flexibility, communication, and self-awareness– Plenty of fun, laughter, and real talk!
📚 Grab a signed copy (while they last!) at alyssacgonzalez.com/store🔗 Learn more at alyssacgonzalez.com, The Perfumed Void, and Thornapple Press
#Nonmonogamy #Neurodiversity #Polyamory #RelationshipAnarchy #AlyssaGonzalez #ConsensualNonmonogamy #NeurodivergentRelationships #SexPositivePodcast #EthicalNonmonogamy #ThornapplePress

Power, Pleasure, and Human Behavior – A Conversation with D20 Domme

In this bold and insightful episode, I talk with D20 Domme—femdom, behavioral expert, and head of a polyandrous household. With a Ph.D. in Human Behavior, she brings both academic depth and lived experience to our conversation about power dynamics, kink, and intentional relationship design.
We explore the layers of her lifestyle, the psychology behind dominance and submission, and the nuanced difference between a submissive and a slave. We also dive into her groundbreaking dissertation, discuss the eternal nature vs. nurture debate around kink, and uncover the importance of finding your “why.”
✨ In this episode:– Life as a femdom and polyandrous head of household– The real distinction between submissives and slaves– Kink psychology: born this way or shaped by experience?– How human behavior theory intersects with erotic empowerment– Coaching insights for self-discovery and authenticity
🔗 Learn more about her work at mundanemiss.com🎧 And be sure to follow for more candid conversations about sex, power, and identity.
#Femdom #KinkCoach #HumanBehavior #D20Domme #BDSM #Polyandry #SexPositivePodcast #DommeLife #EroticPower #SubmissionAndSlavery