Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time is a storytelling podcast that explores intimacy through the lens of “firsts.” Each episode brings together anonymous lived experiences and expert insight to unpack the awkward, emotional, unexpected, and deeply personal moments that shape how we connect. From cultural clashes to awakenings and everything in between, the show dives into the deeply personal and the surprisingly universal moments that shape our intimate lives. Created and hosted by MaryJane, an international civil servant by day and a quiet disruptor by nature, based in New York. Through laughter, reflection, and the occasional cringe, she’s here to remind us: everyone has a story — and it’s time we talked about it. Music in Season 1: “Desires” used under the Pixabay.com Content License. Music in Season 2: Original music by Funk, the poeticpiper (used with permission).
In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, MaryJane is joined by psychotherapist Sergio Rebelo to explore the complex emotional, psychological, and relational realities surrounding first-time experiences in sex work. Together, they discuss agency, circumstance, consent, stigma, boundaries, identity, and the myths that often shape public perceptions. From the difference between choice and necessity to the lasting mea...
What happens when intimacy expands beyond two people? In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, host MaryJane is joined by sex and relationship experts Dr. Markie Twist, Dr. Alex Iantaffi, and Dr. Allen Mallory for an honest conversation about first-time threesomes, throuples, ethical non-monogamy, and other multi-partner dynamics. Together, they explore the gap between fantasy and reality, communication, consent, ...
What happens when the moment you've anticipated for years finally arrives?
For some people, waiting until marriage is rooted in faith, culture, personal values, or a desire to build emotional intimacy before physical intimacy. But after months - or even years - of waiting, the first sexual experience after marriage can carry enormous expectations.
In this ep...
In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, MaryJane and Dr. Jess O'Reilly explore the emotional and psychological layers of first-time oral sex - from awkwardness and performance pressure to consent, vulnerability, pleasure, and connection. A candid conversation about expectations, intimacy, and the experiences that quietly shape how we relate to sex and ourselves. Plus, a listener shares their unforgettable “...
From dorm rooms to cars, planes, and public spaces, this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time explores how unexpected settings shape intimacy, memory, consent, and vulnerability. Host MaryJane is joined by Dr. Markie Twist for an honest conversation about first sexual experiences, spontaneity, thrill, emotional safety, and the lasting impact of where intimacy happens.
What happens when your first sexual experience crosses culture, race, and expectation?
In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we explore intercultural and interracial relationships and first-time experiences, unpacking how attraction, curiosity, and connection intersect with identity, power dynamics, and dating across difference.
Featuring insights from Dr. Markie and Dr. Starlin Astacio, this episode dives into...
Everyone talks about their own first sexual experience, but what about being on the other side of it?
In this bonus episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we flip the script and explore what it feels like to be the more experienced partner during someone else’s first time. From nerves and pressure to tenderness, vulnerability, and emotional connection, we unpack the realities of intimacy, dating, relationships, an...
Everyone talks about first times, but what about the first orgasm? In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we explore the myths, surprises, and cultural baggage around orgasm, from why so many people fake it, to how porn and shame shape expectations, to what our bodies are actually capable of. We hear a powerful listener story about discovering liberation and pleasure in ways they never thought possible, and sexo...
What’s it like to have your first sexual experience later in life, years or even decades after what society considers “normal”?
In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we explore later-in-life virginity, adult first-time sexual experiences, and the stigma surrounding delayed intimacy. With insights from Dr. Amanda Morgan, we unpack confidence, shame, cultural expectations, and the myths people f...
We grow up hearing that your first sexual experience should be with someone you love and that if it’s true love, it will feel magical. But what happens when reality doesn’t match the fairytale?
In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we explore the connection between love, sex, intimacy, and relationships, unpacking the myths and expectations that shape first-time sexual experiences. From emotional at...
What happens when your first sexual experience falls into a legal gray area?
In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we explore the complex relationship between sex, consent, age of consent laws, and legal responsibility. From Romeo and Juliet laws and close-in-age exemptions to the different ways countries and states define statutory offenses, we unpack how the law shapes first-time sexual experiences and intima...
What does consent actually look like during a first sexual experience? And why do so many people realize after the fact that it was never really discussed?
In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked reality that many first times happen in silence, shaped more by assumptions, pressure, and guesswork than clear communication. We explore how to navigate consent and communication during first sexual encounters, and how societal...
First sexual experiences can be messy, magical, confusing, or completely unexpected and for queer people, they often come with extra layers of identity, uncertainty, and unspoken questions.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mallory — a sexologist and educator — to unpack how cultural narratives, internalized pressures, and a lack of clear communication can shape queer first times. Together, we explore the myths...
Join host Mary Jane on this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time as we explore how culture, religion, and societal expectations shape first sexual experiences, virginity, intimacy, and sexual identity.
Featuring insights from UK-based sexologist Silva Neves, this conversation unpacks global perspectives on virginity, sexual shame, and cultural beliefs around sex and relationships, while challenging long-standing myths ...
Welcome to Sexual Encounters, the very first time, where Mary Jane hosts an open conversation about the often unspoken emotional aspects of first sexual experiences. This episode delves into how these firsts shape our self-perception and relationships, featuring insights from renowned sexologist, Dr. Markie, who recently received the 2025 Sexuality Educator Award. Dr. Markie helps to debunk common myths about how we are 'supposed' ...
We all grow up with expectations about first sexual experiences, from movies, friends, social media, and late-night conversations telling us what sex, intimacy, and relationships are supposed to feel like. But reality? It rarely follows the script.
In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we explore the gap between expectations and reality when it comes to first-time sexual experiences. From romantic myths and per...
Welcome to Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, a storytelling podcast about first sexual experiences, intimacy, relationships, and the emotional realities behind them. Hosted by MaryJane, this debut episode explores the awkward, funny, emotional, and sometimes cringeworthy moments that shape how we experience sex and connection for the very first time.
Joined by award-winning sexologist and relationship therapist Dr. Markie Twi...
Welcome to Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time - a storytelling podcast about first sexual experiences, intimacy, relationships, and the emotional realities behind them.
From awkward and hilarious moments to vulnerable, messy, and deeply personal encounters, this podcast explores the real stories people carry about sex, desire, connection, and their first time. Each episode features anonymous lived experiences and conversat...
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
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Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
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Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.