We tackle so many unique questions on this week's Q&A and there's truly something for everyone. One listener is looking for tips on diving into kink for the first time, while someone else wonders if their new boyfriend following Instagram models is a red flag. We also dive into navigating overly-friendly exes as well as whether or not cheating in the past should worry a new partner. Follow Gabby & I on Instagram! instagram.com/rayacarmona instagram.com/gabbysibaja Follow Raya: Twitter: @rayacarm...
Apr 07, 2023•45 min•Ep. 68
This is my first round table episode in over a year! On this week's episode, I had two of my favorite couples over to discuss social media and its effects on relationships. We chat through the pressure to seem perfect, posting about break ups, how to drown out the opinions of others and so much more. Listen to the end for a tangent (although an extremely enlightening one) about navigating another layer of complication: when one person in a partnership has ADHD. Follow everyone below! instagram.c...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 67
It's okay to be early on in your sexual journey than others. We don't shame around here! If you feel like you need a refresher on sex education, looking for some tips & tricks to be better in bed or are simply just starting out - this is the episode for you! Get tested for STIs here: https://gettested.cdc.gov/ Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona To watch the podcast on YouTube: Raya's Channel Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever y...
Mar 17, 2023•35 min•Ep. 66
On this month's solo episode, I discuss how important emotion regulation has become to me, for myself and for the sake of my relationship. I also talk about how sometimes forbearance is the right choice over open communication and how to keep a spark alive even in a long-term relationship. Give it a listen and let me know what you think! Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona To watch the podcast on YouTube: Raya's Channel Don’t forget to subscribe to the...
Mar 03, 2023•38 min•Ep. 65
I had couples & relationships therapist, consent, sex & sexuality writer and educator Yana Tallon-Hicks on the show this week! We discussed how to navigate desire differences in a relationship, understanding the root of your kinks, how your sex life affects the rest of our life and why it's okay to own your vanilla-ness even in this new ultra sex-positive world! Get Yana's new book "Hot & Unbothered" here! https://yanatallonhicks.com/preorder/ Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayac...
Feb 24, 2023•54 min•Ep. 64
This month's Q&A is one of those episodes where there's something for everyone. If any of the advice you hear today might resonate with someone you know, send it along for the greater good of humanity! We answer questions such as: What should I do about a friend who's too flirty with my partner? If a guy is too nice, should I worry he'll eventually become a "Wife Guy?" How do I handle an ex who is punishing me simply for ending things? Give this episode a listen to hear the answers to these and ...
Feb 17, 2023•43 min•Ep. 63
I had Adrienne, also known as The Yoni Nutritionist, on the show today for a crash course in vaginal and sexual health. Adrienne is a certified nutritional practitioner who specializes in holistic nutrition & wellness for common, chronic vaginal infections like yeast infections, candida overgrowth, bacterial vaginosis, UTI’s, and STI's. We talk about the medicinal struggle for people with vaginas, the importance of diet and stress and how they may be affecting you more than you realize and so mu...
Jan 20, 2023•50 min•Ep. 62
This week I had the incredible Tricia Wise, also known as Safe Slut, on the show. We talked about life with genital herpes, how reiki can help heal sexual traumas and navigating the safe sex conversation. Tricia and I discuss red flags when it comes to talking about STIs and the importance of setting clear boundaries with people. See more from Tricia here! https://www.safeslut.shop/about Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona To watch the podcast on YouTu...
Jan 13, 2023•51 min•Ep. 61
I had award-winning global CamStar, Lindsey Banks, on the show today. Banksie, who is a veteran in the adult industry, has also been on multiple panels, hosted seminars and works as a voice for cam girls, sex workers and Latinx creators in the community. We discuss her career trajectory, incorporating virtual reality into sex work, the emotional side of camming and so much more. Get more from Banksie here! https://www.banksietv.com/about-me Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarm...
Dec 30, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 60
For our last Q&A of the year, Gabby and I tackle a ton of listener-submitted questions! We discuss how to work around a penis that's too big, navigating a partner's pronouns around family during the holidays, and why the classic saying "Those who look will find" is so true when it comes to snooping. Follow Gabby! https://linktr.ee/gabbysibaja Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona To watch the podcast on YouTube: Raya's Channel Don’t forget to subscribe t...
Dec 23, 2022•40 min•Ep. 59
I had the incredible Dr. Tara on the show today to discuss overcoming sexual anxiety. Dr. Tara is a tenured professor of relational and sexual communication at California State University Fullerton, an award-winning researcher, sex and relationship coach, and the host of the Luvbites podcast. We also discuss the idea that dating is a learned skill and the importance of prioritizing pleasure over performance. Learn more from Dr. Tara here! https://www.luvbites.co/ Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacar...
Dec 16, 2022•47 min•Ep. 58
This is an episode that starts off as one thing, goes into an entirely different thing and then somehow comes full circle and works relatively cohesively. C'est la vie. I discuss the science behind why unhealthy relationships can be so addicting, our need for validation and how it can be traced back to childhood, the importance of rejecting normalcy, and why it's cool to be a piece of shit. Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona To watch the podcast on Yo...
Dec 09, 2022•38 min•Ep. 57
Kristofer and I became online friends over the pandemic and after reading his essay "Dad Used To Have Boobs (And They Were Kind Of Big)," I knew I wanted to have him on the show. Kristofer is a comic, screenwriter, and Twitter personality, and today he joined me to discuss his experience dating while trans, our thoughts on the nuance of bisexuality and navigating fetishization on dating apps. Follow Kristofer here! https://twitter.com/kristoferthomas?s=21&t=vxcmCnT7mVkz1WhD7VIo9g Follow Raya: In...
Dec 02, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 56
Gabby is back for this month's listener-submitted Q&A and let me tell you - this is a crazy one. We got more personal than ever while discussing the best blowjob techniques and how to make car sex amazing (I told the story about the time I had spite sex in a berry field). We also answered some more serious questions involving sexual compatibility, being new to queer dating and when to keep fighting in a relationship versus calling it quits. Follow Gabby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ga...
Nov 25, 2022•49 min•Ep. 55
For our last Q&A of the year, Gabby and I tackle a ton of listener-submitted questions! We discuss how to work around a penis that's too big, navigating a partner's pronouns around family during the holidays, and why the classic saying "Those who look will find" is so true when it comes to snooping. Follow Gabby! https://linktr.ee/gabbysibaja Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona To watch the podcast on YouTube: Raya's Channel Don’t forget to subscribe t...
Nov 18, 2022•40 min•Ep. 59
I had professional dominatrix Lucy Sweetkill on the show today to walk us through life as a dominatrix with over 10 years of experience. From how she got started to the power dynamics around dungeons, this episode feels like a crash course on the world of professional BDSM. Lucy also explains the art of mindful domination, boundary setting and healing trauma through kink. Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona To watch the podcast on YouTube: Raya's Chann...
Nov 11, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 54
This was one of the most fun episodes I've ever recorded on the show. I invited my ex (and now very good friend) Chris to join me for a very candid conversation about our previous relationship. We broke up many years ago, and although it was quite a serious relationship, looking back with the hindsight and maturity that time has given us was so interesting. We also discuss the nuance to being friends with someone you were once in a partnership with, and why it doesn't always work out as well as ...
Nov 04, 2022•46 min•Ep. 53
My good friend Cici joins me today to chat about all things sex work. Cici has spent time as a dancer, an escort and an OnlyFans creator, so we discuss the pros and cons of doing one type of sex work versus another. We also talk through the difficulties that can arise behind the scenes in the world of stripping as well as how our work on OnlyFans has actually helped us create better boundaries in real life. Follow Cici on Instagram at instagram.com/spicycowgal Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmon...
Oct 28, 2022•58 min•Ep. 52
Gabby joins the show for our first monthly Q&A of the season and we've got some wild listener-submitted questions. How unethical is it to masturbate to an ex's nudes? Does watching gay porn make me gay? How do I ask for better sex without upsetting my partner? We answer all of that and more on today's episode! Follow Gabby on Instagram at instagram.com/gabbysibaja Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona To watch the podcast on YouTube: Raya's Channel Don’t...
Oct 21, 2022•47 min•Ep. 51
Of all the STIs, why does herpes carry such a heavy stigma? When did it become the sexual boogeyman? Suzanna Brusikiewicz is determined to change that. In 2021, she came out publicly about having HSV2 and has been working ever since to spread awareness as well as unconditional love and self-acceptance. Alongside her work as a sensual guide, Suz works to help people reclaim their sensuality and let go of society's judgements. See more from Suzanna here: https://www.suzbub.com/ Follow Raya: Instag...
Oct 14, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 50
No one knows marketing and media more than this week’s guest and my good friend Kristi. We met during our time working at Playboy, so we kick off the episode by discussing the #1 question we used to get: Where is line between objectification and sexual empowerment? We also talk about the harmful effects of porn & romcoms, the times we let media dictate our sex lives and the importance of intimacy coordinators on set. Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarmona TikTok: @rayacarmona...
Oct 07, 2022•53 min•Ep. 49
It's my first episode of the new season! Solo episodes are hard for me. I suffer from serious imposter syndrome. As you can see from the title of the episode, this is basically a stream of consciousness in regards to the pressure I (and most people) put on ourselves - whether that's in relationships, the bedroom, or just life in general. I talk about accepting every version of myself and the pressure to perform on social media. We get deep. Follow Raya: Instagram: @rayacarmona Twitter: @rayacarm...
Sep 30, 2022•43 min•Ep. 48
This week, I'm joined by Portia - the founder & creator of Froetic Sexology. We discuss the ways in which we were taught about sex as well as how it can be improved for generations going forward. Portia explains how to bring mindfulness and meditation practices into sexual experiences, and how it can lead to even better orgasms. Toward the end, we dive deep into the importance of looking at sex as a co-creative experience versus a performance, which we find many women and femmes struggle with. L...
Apr 22, 2021•52 min•Ep. 46
This week, I'm so excited to be joined by Charles & Shelley Wininger. Over the past 20 years, Charley, 71 years old, and Shelley, 69 years old, have found MDMA to act as a kind of romantic glue for them. They've used it intentionally to enhance and deepen their bond, with its positive effects on their marriage accumulating over time. They explain that they’ve done MDMA carefully and responsibly together over 70 times. We chat through how the drug has rejuvenated them both emotionally and sexuall...
Apr 08, 2021•45 min•Ep. 45
I had porn collage artist Lisa Be and photographer Rina Mov on to discuss what it means to be a "nasty woman." We debate the best time to start being open about bodily functions with a new partner as well as the standards women are held to when it comes to those things. We also discuss why men are uncomfortable around women who openly like sex and swap stories of the times we've had to get "nasty" in front of our sexual partners. For more Lisa & Rina For more on IG: @rayacarmona Learn more about...
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 44
This week, I chat with BDSM educator & 24/7 collared submissive Lina Dune to dispel some myths surrounding BDSM and the kink community, including how safe it is, how it stresses consent and communication, and how aspects of kink can help with everyone's sexual experiences, even those not interested in BDSM. Check out Lina's Patreon here! For more on IG: @rayacarmona Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 10, 2020•55 min•Ep. 43
This week, I'm joined by musician Bonavega to discuss coming from a religious background and breaking out of that shell. Bonavega details how he's found himself through his music, including not conforming to any gender or sexuality norms and even the subject matter he sings about, as well as how this personal exploration has actually led to healthier relationships. Listen to Bonavega's music here! For more on IG: @rayacarmona Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 26, 2020•49 min•Ep. 42
This week, I had my friend and musician almondmilkhunni on discuss her dating life and explosive career, the pressure she feels from being on social media, and how she became a de facto voice for dancers and sex workers. We also discuss the divide among OnlyFans users and she explains why she avoids dating Cancer men. Listen to almondmilkhunni's music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/778bhPsYwr6sAELsBBX8MC?si=TRtIl2gaSG--bHqz-hBktw As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visit...
Nov 19, 2020•52 min•Ep. 41
This week, I talk with sex journalist and sex toy enthusiast Gabrielle Kassel to chat about masturbation, sex toys, and so much more. Gabrielle explains where and how a beginner user can start incorporating toys, and gives her recommendations for toys you may have never heard of. We also discuss Doomsturbating, talking about sex outside of the bedroom, and how Covid may make conversations about STI testing easier in the future. Sex Toys & Companies mentioned on this episode: Cute Little Fuckers ...
Nov 13, 2020•43 min•Ep. 40
This week, writer and polyamory ethical non-monogamy resource Gabrielle Smith joins me to discuss how to navigate opening a relationship to polyamory and/or ethical non-monogamy and how to set appropriate boundaries to ensure success in your relationship. We chat about the issues that don't allow people to comprehend opening a relationship, including insecurity and pressure, and why we're conditioned societally to think that jealousy is just a part of being with someone. As a listener, you’ll ge...
Nov 05, 2020•53 min•Ep. 39
