Laura is a Toronto native who has been based in Amsterdam for 5 years. She started cuddling professionally with a small client base during COVID and launched her business Lekker Cuddles officially in March 2021. Laura’s aim with Lekker Cuddles is to normalize platonic intimacy and prove to people that physical and emotional vulnerability does not have to be reserved for a romantic partner. As one of the first cuddle therapists in NL, it was a long (and sometimes annoying) road of familiarizing the public with the concept.  After three years, the mainstream in NL are becoming more accepting of the concept and Lekker Cuddles is remains an industry leader in the push to normalize a more vulnerable and intimate culture!

Aarij Abbas (he/they) is a queer, South Asian-American sexual health educator based on the stolen land of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potowatomi tribes, colonized as Chicago, IL. Aarij creates spaces of trust and community for people to freely explore concepts of sexuality, gender and relationships. Their work is informed by the idea that: A) humans are, by nature, sexual beings, B) Most humans are developmentally repressed when it comes to navigating sexuality and C) bridging this knowledge gap is key to fighting systems of oppression and creating communities of love and care. His approach is one of acceptance and compassion, meeting people wherever they are on their journey to sexual liberation. You can find out more about Aarij and what they offer at https://www.aarijabbas.com/

Last Episode of 2023! Marcus Barnes is a man of many talents: an author, journalist, copy writer, mentor and coach dedicated to being a progressive force in the world of writing, especially surrounding music, culture and mental health.  It’s a joy to talk to Marcus today on Sober Sex.   You can find out more about Marcus on his socials @mgoldenbarnes

Lael Atkinson is a certified professional recovery coach who works at the intersection of drinking and dieting.  During their experience of parting ways with alcohol and then tackling a lifetime of dieting, disordered eating and body shame, they found limited resources that addressed this frequent overlap of ‘shrinking and drinking’.  This led Lael to create a course and to specialize in supporting clients who want to examine their relationship with alcohol and divest from diet. Culture.  We are thrilled to welcome Lael to Sober Sex.  https://learning.beyondshrinkinganddrinking.com/courses/BSD https://www.laelatkinson.com/

Brooke Herr is a multi-talented education, healer and holder of space for ceremony, including but not limited to: grief work, tarot, somatic & energy work.  Brooke draws inspiration from reserves as vast and profound as witchcraft, ancestor work, art practices and consent and coaching frameworks.  It is a pleasure and a privilege to welcome Brooke to Sober Sex today.   at https://www.instagram.com/veils.veils.veils/ or sign up for the four week 'Grief with Brooke' course at: https://consentwizardry.com/grief-with-brooke

Meet Sharlene Durfey Francois, a creative force who seamlessly weaves art and human connection into the fabric of her life. Sharlene's multi-faceted portfolio reflects her passion, creativity and talent across many artistic media, including photography, fashion, lighting, graphic design and illustration.  In creating the Intimacy Cards, Sharlene’s skill as a connector truly sets this project apart from her others. They are a testament to her deep understanding of the intricate threads that bind people together. These cards focus on three essential types of intimacy - Emotional, Physical, and Energetic - which Sharlene believes are the cornerstones of building truly meaningful connections. By gamifying intimacy and not focusing on the over-sexualized definition of the word, she makes connecting with others easy and accessible. Giving everyone, not just couples, an opportunity to make meaningful connections. In the ever-expanding portfolio of her relationships, Sharlene is a self-proclaimed "relationship anarchist." Her love for friends is boundless. Her superpower lies in her ability to foster connections between her friends, creating a network of intertwined lives where bonds flourish.  Sharlene Durfey Francois is not merely an artist and connector; she is a living embodiment of the beauty that lies at the intersection of creativity and human interaction. With every new interaction and every bond she nurtures, she inspires us all to explore the profound art of embracing the richness of connections and the endless possibilities of creative expression. Pitch into the kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/intimacycards/intimacy-cards?ref=9937lk Check out the instagram! https://www.instagram.com/intimacycards

Brianna Hammerman is a psychotherapist based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.  She is also an old friend, a shameless horse girl and Co-host  of ‘Unbridled Therapists’ podcast.  I am thrilled to welcome her to the show today!  

Tatiana Oliveira Simonian has worn many hats: musician, music journalist, big deal marketing executive and holistic career coach and consultant, Tatiana is also a spiritual warrior with long term sobriety and a dear old friend.  I’m so happy to talk to her on today’s episode of Sober Sex!  You can find more about Tatiana and her work at https://www.tatianasimonian.com/

Tawny Lara is an NYC based millennial also known as ‘The Sober Sexpert’.  Her book, ‘Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating and Hooking Up Without Booze’ comes out September 19, 2023.  If you like what she has to say, buy her book here! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730665/dry-humping-by-tawny-lara/

Rae McDaniel is a non-binary therapist, certified sex therapist, transgender diversity and inclusion educator, speaker and author of ‘Gender Magic’.  They are the founder and CEO of Practical Audacity, a gender and sex therapy practice based in Chicago, and an international advocate for gender freedom.  We are thrilled to welcome Rae to the show today.  You can find more about Rae and their awesome work at https://www.gendermagic.com/ and https://rae-mcdaniel.com/