Reality Bytes

For the 163rd episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Alex Alberto, author of Entwined: Essays on Polyamory and Creating Home. For the final installment of this year's Pride programming, this interview covers Alex's exploration of polyamory, how their identities as a genderqueer and pansexual person gave them a unique angle in writing about non-monogamy, the importance of queer narratives, the process of writing and publishing the book, their journey toward asexuality, and polyamory as a life philosophy.  For more from today's guest, Alex Alberto: Follow Alex on Instagram @thatalexalberto Buy Alex's book Entwined: Essays on Polyamory and Creating Home Sign up for Alex's Substack, Entwined Mag https://entwinedmag.substack.com/welcome Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Courtney is also teaching the writing and publishing intensive of your dreams this July. It's called Midsummer Pitch Party, and it will definitel

For the 162nd episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Eagle LA co-owner Charlie Matula and his husband, Hunter Fox. Courtney interviewed Charlie and Hunter for a KCRW radio story entitled "Happily leather after at The Eagle in Silver Lake", which originally aired in June 2019 for Pride. The Eagle LA is a leather/Levi's bar in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. In this interview, we delve into the rich history of this beloved establishment and its importance to the gay community (and neighborhood at large), how Charlie and Hunter met and fell in love, Silver Lake's pivotal role in LGBT history, and the evolving landscape of gay acceptance across the United States throughout their lifetimes. Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Courtney is also teaching the writing and publishing intensive of your dreams this July. It's called Midsummer Pitch Party, and it will definitely take your writing practice t

For the 161st episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey for the second episode in our special month of Pride programming. Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey is a clinical psychologist, sex/intimacy coach, author, speaker, and podcast host based in London. With more than 30 years of helping people create and sustain meaningful and exciting relationships, Dr. Bisbey specializes in GSRD (gender, sexuality, relationship diversity), is consensual non-monogamy and kink/BDSM knowledgable and helps traumatized people to move from victim to survivor and back into life. In today’s episode, we discuss Dr. Bisbey’s long career as a clinical psychologist for people living alternative lives, the common issues she sees in her practice, her unique identity and relationship status as a queer, consensually non-monogamous leather woman in a full-time authority transfer-based relationship with her husband, and some practical advice for anyone interested in exploring their fantasies or trying non-monog

For the 160th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Cody Daigle-Orians, the influencer behind Ace Dad Advice and author of I Am Ace, to discuss the underrepresentation of asexuality in popular culture. It's Pride Month, and there's lots of rightful celebration for the LGBTIA community, but rarely mention of the acronym's A. In fact, asexuality is so underrepresented in culture that it can be hard to self-identify. Cody Daigle-Orians didn't realize they were asexual until age 42 after initially coming out as gay. It was reading about asexuality on Tumblr that led to their ah-ha moment. In this episode, Cody explains the nuances of asexuality and attraction, including the differences between sexual, romantic, and aesthetic attraction, as well as the glossary of related ace terms. Cody also debunks some common misconceptions, shares how their asexuality journey led them to rethink their gender identity, how polyamory fits into their equation, and provides tips for navigating mixed identi

For the 159th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes top MILF porn star Cherie DeVille, aka "The Internet's Stepmom." In this interview, we talk about Cherie's journey from physical therapist to porn star, the unsexy realities of a porn set, how the industry and social stigma have changed over the 13 years since she first started in porn, why she doesn’t go to swingers' parties anymore, sex with "civilians," the Pornhub documentary she participated in, her thoughts on Pornhub in general, how work impacts her personal sex life, and more. For more from today's guest, Cherie DeVille: Follow Cherie on Instagram @cheriedevillexo Follow Cherie on Twitter @CherieDeVille Check out Cherie's website cheriedeville.com Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Courtney is also teaching the writing and publishing intensive of your dreams this July. It's called Midsummer Pitch Party, and it will definitely take your writing pract

For the 158th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak invites listeners inside her Elvis-officiated wedding at The Little White Chapel and gives her guide to wedding planning in Las Vegas, the self-proclaimed wedding capital of the world. That’s right, I got married last month in Vegas! Now, I’m not the kind of girl who ever dreamed of her wedding day — I just wanted it to be fun and easy — but unexpectedly, it was one of the best days of my life. My husband even called it “magical.” In this episode, I reminisce with my husband a few days after the ceremony, you’re going to hear some audio from the wedding ceremony and reception speeches, and then I’m going to give you my wedding planning breakdown, which you are free to steal. Our photographer was Keith Kaplan; check out his website at keithkaplanphotographylasvegas.net. For a full list of wedding vendors, subscribe to privatepartsunknown.substack.com — I'll be sending that out in an upcoming issue. Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a ho

For the 157th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Margo Steines, author of Brutalities: A Love Story. In this interview, we discuss Margo's experience as a dominatrix, sex work then vs. now, the toxic societal pressures on women's bodies in the 90s and how that resulted in eating disorders for both of us, her stint as a high-rise welder, advice she would give her former self about an abusive relationship, what it was like to be pregnant during the pandemic, how she feels about motherhood, and more. Here's the description of Brutalities: Quarantined in a southwestern desert city in the midst of her high-risk pregnancy, Margo Steines felt her life narrow around her growing body, compelling her to reckon with the violence entangled in its history. She was a professional dominatrix in New York City, a homestead farmer in a brutal relationship, a welder on a high-rise building crew, and a mixed martial arts enthusiast; each of her many lives brought a new perspective on how power and mas

For the 156th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Tawny Lara, sober sexpert and author of Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze, for a conversation that might have you rethinking your relationship with alcohol. We discuss Tawny's sobriety journey and why she decided to document it, sex with alcohol vs. sex without alcohol, the role liquid courage plays in our romantic lives, ideas for non-awkward sober dates, tips for dating someone who doesn't drink, what to do if you're reevaluating your relationship with booze, and more. For more from today's guest, Tawny Lara: Subscribe to Tawny's Substack, Beyond Liquid Courage https://tawnylara.substack.com/welcome Follow Tawny on Instagram @tawnymlara Buy Tawny's book Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze Check out Tawny's new botanical beverage (parentheses) https://www.drinkparentheses.com/ Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the

For the 155th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Gabrielle Stone, author of Eat, Pray, #FML and host of FML Talk. If you've recently been dumped or are struggling to get over a past relationship, this episode is for you! This is the ultimate breakup recovery guide to help you not just survive but thrive after your breakup. No matter how desperate you feel or how embarrassing things have gotten with your ex, you CAN heal your heartbreak, and we'll tell you how. Gabrielle shares her incredible story with not one but two happy endings. We also discussed whether you should implement the no-contact rule, toxic relationships, love-bombing, the benefits of journaling through the pain, "the thought onion," why the length of your relationship doesn't always correspond to the level of post-breakup grief, and more. For more from today's guest, Gabrielle Stone: Check out Gabrielle's website eatprayfml.com Follow Gabrielle on Instagram @gabriellestone Buy Gabrielle's books Eat, Pray, #FML

For the 154th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Ian Kerner for a long-term relationship sex rut reboot. Dr. Ian Kerner is a nationally recognized sex therapist and author of the smash hit She Comes First and the recently released So Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex. He also coined the term "cliteracy" and is a Sherlock Holmes of the bedroom—a sexual detective helping individuals and couples solve the mystery of why they're not f*cking like they wish they were.  For more Ian Kerner: Order Ian's book So Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex Follow Ian on Twitter @IanKerner Check out Ian's website iankerner.com Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Private Parts Unknown is a proud member of the Pleasure Podcast network. This episode is brought to you by: Bathmate is the world’s best-selling penis pump. Penis pumps might sound funny, but they’re actually an incredible tool to help you attain harder er

For the 153rd episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Joey Tuccio, president and CEO of Roadmap Writers, for the final episode in our three-part series on pet loss. Have you ever lost a beloved pet? It’s the worst. Scientifically, it can be as hard to grieve a pet as a parent or a partner. I lost my beloved dog, Georgia, in early December, and it was so hard for me to process — that experience inspired this series. (If you missed part one with Cherie Doyen, listen here, and part two with Beth Bigler, listen here.) Joey Tuccio is heavily involved with animal rescue efforts, including saving abused dogs from Skid Row. Of course, we talk about pet loss and navigating the grief, but we also share how to get involved and make dogs' lives better, even if you can't take a dog into your home at the moment. For more Joey Tuccio: Follow Joey on Instagram @joey.tuccio Follow Joey on Twitter @joey_tuccio Check out the Roadmap Writers website roadmapwriters.com Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan

For the 152nd episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Beth Bigler, pet loss grief counselor and founder of Honoring Our Animals, for part two in a three-part series on pet loss. Have you ever lost a beloved pet? It’s the worst. Scientifically, it can be as hard to grieve a pet as a parent or a partner. I lost my beloved dog, Georgia, in early December, and it was so hard for me to process — that experience inspired this series. (If you missed part one with Cherie Doyen, listen here.) One of the things that really helped me shortly after Georgia passed away was discovering an Instagram account, @honoringouranimals. I got so much reassurance and validation just from following the account, so I knew I wanted to interview its creator, Beth Bigler, for this series on pet loss. And she did not disappoint. Beth is a double-certified pet loss grief counselor, certified end-of-life animal companion doula, and pet chaplain. She works with individuals and families before, during, and after the los

For the 151st episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Cherie Doyen of Quantum Therapeutix for part one in a three-part series on pet loss. Have you ever lost a beloved pet? It’s the worst. Scientifically, it can be as hard to grieve a pet as a parent or a partner. I lost my beloved dog, Georgia, in early December, and it was so hard for me to process — that experience inspired this series. Our first guest is Cherie Doyen, one of my best friend’s mom and a professional healer. In this conversation, Cherie explains a bit about her work healing complex trauma. We also talk about grieving our beloved dogs — my Georgia and her Nina — our dogs as protectors and the best friends we could ever have, pets mourning other pets, being visited by your dog's spirit, how hard euthanasia is for pet owners, and the fraught experience of getting another pet (or "calling in your next guide," as Cherie says.) For more Cherie Doyen: Follow Cherie on Instagram @cheriedoyen Buy Cherie's book The Chronicles

For the 150th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak speaks to Ashley Madison's Chief Strategy Officer, Paul Keable, to discuss the company's 2024 trend forecast. TL;DR: Non-monogamy is on the rise, but it's playing out differently from generation to generation. Tune in to learn how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers are approaching polyamory, open relationships, and affairs with their unique generational flare. And how gender equality factors into the changes. Plus, can an affair ever save a marriage? Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Private Parts Unknown is a proud member of the Pleasure Podcast network. This episode is brought to you by: Lume is a whole-body deodorant for pits, privates, and beyond. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code PPU at lumedeodorant.com! #lumepod STDCheck.com is the leader in reliable and affordable lab-based ST

For the 149th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak speaks to Ashley Madison's Communications Director, Isabella Mise, who coauthored "The Good Wife Study" on female infidelity for the final installation in our three-part series on why women cheat. For part one, we heard from an Ashley Madison member going by the alias of "Nikki" to kick off the series. Part two was a conversation with Ashley Madison's Chief Strategy Officer, Paul Keable. (This series also featured former co-host Sofiya Alexandra.) You're gonna want to check your presumptions at the door for this one! Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Private Parts Unknown is a proud member of the Pleasure Podcast network. This episode is brought to you by: Factor’s ready-to-eat meal delivery takes the stress out of meal planning and sets you up for success in the new year. Head to factormeals.com/private50 and use code private50 to get 50% off. STDCheck.com is the leader

For the 148th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak speaks to Ashley Madison's Chief Strategy Officer, Paul Keable, to continue our three-part series on why women cheat. Last week, we heard from an Ashley Madison member going by the alias of "Nikki" to kick off the series. Next week, for the final installation, you'll hear from Ashley Madison Communications Director Isabella Mise, who coauthored "The Good Wife Study" on female infidelity. (This series also features former co-host Sofiya Alexandra.) You're gonna want to check your presumptions at the door for this one! Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Private Parts Unknown is a proud member of the Pleasure Podcast network. This episode is brought to you by: STDCheck.com is the leader in reliable and affordable lab-based STD testing. Just go to ppupod.com, click STDCheck, and use code Private to get $10 off your next STI test. Explore yourself and say yes to self-pleasure

For the 147th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak speaks to an Ashley Madison member going by the alias of "Nikki" to kick off a deep dive into why women cheat. Next week, for part 2, you'll hear from Ashley Madison's Chief Strategy Officer, Paul Keable. Part 3 is with Ashley Madison Communications Director Isabella Mise, who coauthored "The Good Wife Study" on female infidelity. (This series also features former co-host Sofiya Alexandra.) You're gonna want to check your presumptions at the door for this one! Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Private Parts Unknown is a proud member of the Pleasure Podcast network. This episode is brought to you by: Flure is a dating app where fun, wild, and safe collide. Download the Flure app, set your relationship goals — whether it's a long-term thing or a rendezvous with a hot stud — be real, be shamelessly you, and I promise, you'll have a blast! flure.com Go-to sportsbook MyBooki

For the 146th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Orna Donath, an Israeli sociologist, author, and feminist activist who wrote the book Regretting Motherhood based on her research. We talk about ambivalence vs. regret, the difference in how the genders are socialized around parenthood, the external pressures women face to become mothers, how she conducted her study, and more. For more Orna Donath: Buy Orna's book Regretting Motherhood: A Study Psst, Courtney has an 0nIyFan$, which is a horny way to support the show: https://linktr.ee/cocopeepshow Private Parts Unknown is a proud member of the Pleasure Podcast network. This episode is brought to you by: Lume is a whole-body deodorant for pits, privates, and beyond. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code PPU at lumedeodorant.com! #lumepod STDCheck.com is the leader in reliable and affordable lab-based STD testing. Just go to ppupod.com, click STDCheck,

For the 145th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Hallie Lieberman, author of Buzz: The Stimulating History of the Sex Toy, to talk us through the highlight reel of sex toy history. Hallie literally has a Ph.D. in sex toys, so she's the perfect guide. We discuss how sex toys were illegal in Texas until 2008 (and scary indicators that sex-related laws are regressing!), the Kinsey Institute, Japanese shunga, Anthony Comstock and his terrible legacy of sexual suppression, Betty Dodson and how she linked masturbation to women's liberation, the incredible story of Gosnell Duncan, and more. Hallie also shares what she learned from writing "Women Explain Why They Buy Male Sex Dolls" for Buzzfeed's Sneaky Links series and her predictions for the intersection of sex toys and politics in the future. Plus, we swap gigolo stories. For more Hallie Lieberman: Listen to Hallie's Joy Boy podcast about Gosnell Duncan Check out Hallie's website hallielieberman.com Follow Hallie on Twitter @hallie

For the 144th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Marika Leila Roux, a Berlin-based Shibari practitioner & the co-founder of Shibari Study, the leader in online rope education. Shibari is Japanese rope bondage, a form of BDSM. The word broadly means "binding" or "tying." It originated from Hojo-jutsu, a torturous method of restraining captives, before morphing into the erotic bondage Kinbaku in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Marika shares her personal journey with Shibari, and we get into the origins and how it relates to Western BSDM practices, how you can practice by yourself with self-tying or solo tying, the benefits, including mindfulness and meditation, the nuances in terminology between rigger vs. rope top and rope model vs. rope bottom, misconceptions about the power dynamics, the difference between power and control, and so much more. For more Shibari Study: Try Shibari Study shibaristudy.com Follow Shibari Study on Instagram @shibari.study Psst, Courtney has