Reclaiming Pleasure: Sex, Shame & What We Were Never Taught w/ Gigi Engle

Let’s be honest: most of us grew up learning how to have sex, not how to enjoy sex.

In fact, many of us didn’t even learn about our own anatomy, let alone what real intimacy and pleasure could look like

In this juicy (and very necessary) episode, we’re talking all things female pleasure with the one and only ⁠Gigi Engle⁠—sex therapist, author, educator, and truth-teller.

Gigi is the award winning author of “⁠All the F*cking Mistakes’ A Guide to Sex, Love and Life⁠ and a new book coming out soon!

Gigi’s work regularly appears in many publications, including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle Magazine, Teen Vogue, Glamour, and Women's Health. Her articles have been shared over 150 million times. We dive into everything we wish someone had told us sooner—from why so many women feel disconnected from desire, to how masturbation is normal (and important), and what role communication, sex toys, and even BDSM can play in building stronger, more empowered relationships. We also talk about how to find a good sex therapist, why open relationships aren’t one-size-fits-all, and how prioritizing your pleasure is not only healthy—it’s essential.

Whether you’re navigating a dry spell, redefining intimacy in a long-term relationship, or just trying to unlearn the shame you picked up in middle school sex ed—this episode is your permission slip to ask for (and enjoy) what you want.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• So many women grow up with shame or misinformation around their bodies and pleasure.

• Our sex ed system often skips the female anatomy—and leaves out pleasure entirely.

• Desire can be impacted by everything from societal messaging to relationship dynamics.

• Communication is the most powerful (and underused) sex tool.

• Masturbation is healthy and normal—no shame, just self-knowledge.

• Intimacy can be expressed in many ways beyond just penetrative sex.

• Sex toys and BDSM aren’t taboo—they’re tools for connection and exploration.

• Pleasure is not a luxury. It’s a human need.

• A qualified sex therapist can help you navigate desire, communication, and more.

• This conversation might feel vulnerable—but it’s so, so worth it.