Sleeping Around

What do your fantasies really say about you? Go to https://regain.us/alaynajoy to get 10% off your first month of couples therapy! In this season finale, Dr. Justin Lehmiller— social psychologist, Kinsey Institute researcher, and author of Tell Me What You Want joins Alayna to unpack the science of sexual fantasies: why we have them, what they mean (or don’t), and how they can actually strengthen...

After infidelity, is healing even possible? In this episode, Alayna Joy sits down with somatic and couples therapist Rebecca Stone to explore betrayal trauma, what causes people to cheat, and how couples can move forward after an affair. This week’s full extended cut (normally for Patreon members-only) is free for everyone. To get ALL the other extended cuts, join here:  patreon.com/alaynajoy Conn...

In this inspiring conversation, Alayna sits down with Abby and Bhupie—therapists and co-creators of Prospect Counselling + Training—to unpack the big, messy questions around trauma and healing. Are we all traumatized? What does healing  actually  look like, beyond the therapy room? And how do we unlearn harmful beliefs about what healing “should” be? Whether you're in therapy, offering therapy, or...

Sex therapist and author Stefani Goerlich joins us to break down the basics: What is kink? What is BDSM? How do you know if you’re “vanilla”—and is that a bad thing? We talk red flags, green flags, and what to keep in mind if you're just starting to explore. Whether you're curious, cautious, or ready to dive in, this episode is your judgment-free guide to kink! FOR THE EXTENDED EPISODE join the Pa...

Check out Dossier Perfumes: https://dossier.co/ #dossier #dossierperfumes @dossierperfumes “It’s better late than never—because it’s never too late.” – Robin Douglass In this heartfelt conversation, Alayna is joined by Robin Douglass, an educator and coach who helps people come out later in life. Together, they explore what it means to question your identity as an adult, how to move forward withou...

Why do even the best relationships get stuck in cycles of conflict? FOR THE EXTENDED EPISODE join the Patreon community here ✨: https://www.patreon.com/AlaynaJoy In this episode, Alayna is joined by compassion-focused therapist and educator Michelle Becker to explore what really happens when we're triggered in relationships—and how we can bring more mindfulness, kindness, and connection into the...

Ever wonder why you get super anxious—or totally shut down—in relationships? FOR THE EXTENDED EPISODE join the Patreon community here ✨: https://www.patreon.com/AlaynaJoy In this episode, Alayna is joined by writer, speaker, and attachment theory expert Heidi Priebe for a deep dive into the world of attachment styles: what they are, where they come from, and how they quietly (or not so quietly) s...

FOR THE EXTENDED EPISODE join the Patreon community here ✨: https://www.patreon.com/AlaynaJoy In this episode, we’re unpacking how therapy has changed in the age of TikTok, and what all the online advice is really doing to our understanding of mental health. Alayna is joined by Gabriel Ray-Contreras, who is a former medical doctor turned counsellor, educator, and podcaster. Together they explore...

This week on Sleeping Around Alayna is joined by Eva Bloom, an award-winning non-binary sex educator and queer joy enthusiast. Whether you're just coming into your queerness or exploring intimacy for the first time, this episode is for everyone who’s ever wondered: Where do I even begin? Some Questions Covered: What does it mean to be a “late bloomer”? What often gets missed about pleasure anatomy...

In this episode of Sleeping Around, Alayna is joined by pelvic floor therapist Sara Reardon to talk all things pelvic health—and it’s way more than just kegels. They unpack common (but often unspoken) issues like pain during sex, painful periods, and how to know if your pelvic floor is actually functioning normally. Whether you're experiencing any of these concerns, pregnant, postpartum, or just c...

What is the key to unlocking your best sexual experiences? In this episode of Sleeping Around, Alayna and guest Dr. Lori Brotto explore the role of mindfulness in intimacy, its connection to pleasure and body awareness, and its uses for problematic low sexual desire. Plus, do both partners need to practice mindfulness for it to work? Tune in to learn the secrets of applying these tools to your own...

Use the code SLEEPINGAROUND to try CHEEX for free for 7 days, click here 👉  https://bit.ly/CHEEXFreeTrial-SleepingAround The code applies when you select the yearly plan, but you can cancel or switch to the monthly plan anytime during the trial period! After that, your CHEEX subscription starts from just $9.90 USD per month ✨ This week, we’re diving deep into all things kink with guest Tina Horn...

Download Love & Pies here - https://pixly.go2cloud.org/SH4iP Thanks to Love & Pies for sponsoring! In this week's episode of Sleeping Around, Alayna sits down with Jak Levine-Pritzker to discuss the unique challenges and dynamics of dating with ADHD. They dive into the impact of ADHD on communication, household responsibilities, and new vs longterm connection, while offering practical stra...

In this week's episode of Sleeping Around, Alayna is joined by counsellor, consultant, and fat liberationist Alexandra Shewan for a conversation about fat liberation. They dive into the history of fatphobia, the medical industrial complex, and how anti-fatness intersects with racism, colonialism, and capitalism. Alexandra also shares insights on dating and how to unlearn internalized anti-fat bias...

Any other Love Lies Bleeding fans out there?! This episode is for you!! Check out Dossier Perfumes:  https://dossier.co/   (wait did I seriously just have a conversation with Katy O’Brian?! seriously?!) In today's episode of Sleeping Around, Alayna sits down with actor and martial artist Katy O’Brian to talk about identity, self-discovery, and queer representation in media. Katy shares her coming...

What  exactly  is a boundary, and why do so many people struggle to set and maintain them? In this episode, we’re breaking down what boundaries truly are, how to set them effectively, and the secret to ensuring they’re “respected"! Connect with Juliane Taylor Shore: Why Does My Partner? Podcast Setting Boundaries That Stick Book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianetaylorshore?utm_source=ig...

For those of us who never got the sex education we needed - those left with gaps, shame, or straight-up misinformation - this episode is for us. Dr. Nadine Thornhill, an award-winning sexuality educator, joins us to break down what comprehensive, science-backed sex education could and does look like, and why it matters. We explore ideas around teaching youth about consent, pleasure, and relationsh...

This week Alayna sits down with Emma and Fin, a nonmonogamous couple who have been together since college and now co-host the podcast Normalizing Non-Monogamy. Together, they dive into the fundamentals of non-monogamy, offer practical advice for anyone curious about opening their relationship, and share stories of their own experiences. They answer questions like: What is non-monogamy? How can a c...

Go t o https://surfshark.com/alayna for 4 extra months of Surfshark! Welcome to this special episode where I answer your questions and share some exciting updates! Some Questions I Answer: Wedding plans?! Do I ever get nervous interviewing people? How’s school going? What’s the biggest goal I achieved this year? ✨ Follow on Instagram @sleepingaroundpod : https://www.instagram.com/sleepingaroundpo...

In today’s conversation with senior sex educator and author Joan Price, we debunk the myths and explore the realities of sexuality in later life. From navigating changes in our bodies to redefining what intimacy looks like, Joan shares invaluable insights, including: What to expect from sex as we age Overcoming shame and embracing desire Preparing for senior sexuality (yes, start now!) Grieving an...

This week, Emily Nagoski (THE Emily Nagoski ah) and I explore what makes pleasure thrive in relationships by looking at how we can build stronger, more fulfilling connections. We also tackle questions like:  What are the ingredients to a satisfying long-term sexual relationship?  What if I don’t know what I like? How to experience pleasure?  Why do couples with great sex lives talk about it so ope...

In this episode of Sleeping Around, Alayna welcomes longtime friend and queer sex educator Stevie Boebi to the therapy couch. Stevie shares her journey into queer sex education and the unique challenges of addressing disability, queerness, and relationships in her content. Together, they explore topics like lesbian sex techniques, navigating sensory issues during intimacy, and the importance of cl...

In this episode, Alayna chats with Dr. Yuthika Girme about redefining singlehood. They tackle societal pressures, the myth that relationships equal happiness, and how to be single and happy. From working on your attachment style to the stigma around relationship status, this episode offers fresh insights into finding fulfillment on your own terms. Yuthika U. Girme is an  Associate Professor  in th...

What are the five key conversations every couple should have to improve their relationship? In this episode of  Sleeping Around , we dive into this question with New York Times bestselling authors Vanessa and Xander Marin. Together, they explore the challenges of how to navigate communication hurdles in relationships, and some surprising truths about intimacy.  Meet Vanessa and Xander Marin. She’s...

Get all extended episodes and your holiday card here!: https://www.patreon.com/c/AlaynaJoy Go to  https://surfshark.com/alayna  for 4 extra months of Surfshark at an unbeatable price! Today Alayna welcomes Dr. Devon Price, a social psychologist and acclaimed author, to explore the intersections of neurodivergence, queerness, and authentic self-expression. Together they delve into masking, the chal...