Are You Loyal to Your Gender or Your Relationship? Shan Boodram sits down with Khadeen and Devale Ellis, the dynamic married duo known for their raw honesty, humor, and insights on love and relationships. Together, they share how they saved their marriage by breaking free from traditional gender roles and prioritizing their partnership above all else.
Khadeen and Devale Ellis are actors, content creators, and authors of the best-selling book We Over Me: The Counterintuitive Approach to Getting Everything You Want From Your Relationship. Known for their hit podcast Dead Ass and their viral YouTube channel chronicling their family life, the Ellises have inspired millions with their relatable and unfiltered take on marriage, parenting, and personal growth. In this episode the couple talks about the controversy over Devale’s vasectomy, being called a simp, making a plate for your husband, and putting your career on pause so the family can win. 


Thank You Khadeen and Devale
https://www.instagram.com/khadeeniam/
https://www.instagram.com/iamdevale/
Read or listen to their book: https://www.amazon.com/We-Over-Counterintuitive-Everything-Relationship/dp/0593577604


Thanks Arya for sponsoring this episode:
Arya is a service for couples that helps them break their sexual routine with the help of an intimacy concierge that serves up curated sexy scenes monthly to sign up or learn more go to
http://arya.fyi/shan

Jessie Reyez joins the podcast to celebrate her new album, Paid in Memories and to dive into the complexities of boundaries and self-respect. Together, we unpack what it means to be labeled a "villain" (by both yourself and others) for setting boundaries and standing firm in your self-worth. Jessie shares her personal journey of choosing to stay single rather than settling for less in love, reflecting on the regret of taking too much accountability in her past relationship, and embracing her love language—having her alone time respected.

We also talk about her upcoming album, Paid in Memories, which promises to be a raw and powerful exploration of love, loss, and acceptance. Don’t miss this candid and inspiring conversation that’s all about choosing yourself, even when it’s hard because self-respect is never up for negotiation.


Thank You Bumble
 This episode of Lovers and Friends is presented by Bumble, where dating your way is always the right way. There’s a world where you can find love that works for you. So date now, on Bumble.


Thank You Jessie Reyez
https://www.instagram.com/jessiereyez/
Listen to Jessie’s latest music


Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community, click here to join the waitlist:
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community 

In this episode of Lovers and Friends, Shan Boodram sits down with Deepica Mutyala, founder of Live Tinted and a trailblazing entrepreneur, for an honest and empowering conversation about being single, thriving in your 30s, and preparing for the love and family you deserve. Deepica shares her journey of building a successful career while staying true to her dreams of finding the right partner and creating a family. Together, Shan and Deepica discuss the challenges of dating when you’re successful, the importance of not settling, and how to embrace being single as a time to grow, reflect, and prepare for the life you truly want. Whether you’re navigating the dating world, focusing on self-growth, or manifesting your dream relationship, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take on love and life with intention.

Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.

Thank you Deepica
https://www.instagram.com/deepica
Get Live Tinted
https://www.livetinted.com/

Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Lena Waithe on Cuddling Over Climaxing
In this episode of Lovers and Friends, Shan Boodram sits down with Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actress Lena Waithe (Queen & Slim, Master of None, The Chi) for an eye-opening conversation about intimacy, love, and meaningful connections. Lena shares why you should never have sex with someone unless you can imagine a positive aftermath for both of you. She dives into how cuddling can create a deeper emotional bond than sex, especially when the future of a relationship feels uncertain. Lena also opens up about the power of plutonic relationships, revealing why some of her most impactful connections today are non-romantic. With all of the rumors about her love life, Lena sets the record straight and shares what truly matters to her in building authentic connections. This episode will challenge your views on love, intimacy, and boundaries in ways you won’t want to miss!

Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.

Thank you Lena
https://www.instagram.com/lenawaithe/
Legacy Talk Podcast


Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

What kind of relationship with sex do we want young people to have? In this episode myself and Tika Sumpter, known for her multifaceted career as an actor and creator, explore this question as parents and as people reparenting themselves. In this episode Tika shares her compelling personal story that shaped her approach to intimacy and education. Growing up in a Christian household, discussions about sex were often avoided or framed solely around negative consequences. This instilled fear and confusion about her own sexuality during her teenage years. In her twenties, Tika found herself navigating relationships without a clear understanding of her body or pleasure, often pretending to have a sexual IQ she hadn't yet developed. Therapy became a turning point, helping her reconnect with herself and embrace her sexual identity.

Now, as a mother, Tika is determined to break this cycle for her daughter. On this episode, she opens up about her journey and shares how she is redefining sex and intimacy education in her household. Her goal is to raise her daughter to be a sexually and relationally competent individual, equipped with the tools and knowledge Tika wishes she had earlier in life.

Tika is best known for her work on screen but did you know she also makes children’s content? She is the creator of The Adventures of Curious Cove, a podcast anchored by the beloved series Ella the Curious. This project reflects her passion for storytelling and education, making complex topics accessible and engaging for young audiences.

Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.

Thank you Tika
Preorder Tika's upcoming book!
https://tinyurl.com/I-Got-It-From-My-Mama-Book
https://www.instagram.com/tikasumpter


Age by Age Sexual Development Guide
As per Tika’s request…
loversbyshan.com/quizzes

Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

In this deeply personal episode presented by Bumble, singer Mario opens up about the profound impact of unresolved trauma stemming from his relationship with his mother. He shares how this pain shaped his early behavior towards women, leading to manipulation and broken connections. Mario takes us on his journey of self-reflection, healing, and ultimately embracing his inner feminine energy—a process that not only reshaped his relationships but also elevated his personal growth and artistry.

As Mario gets real about accountability, self-love, and the power of healing, he also introduces us to his latest album, "Glad You Came"—a soulful and vulnerable collection of music inspired by his life experiences and growth. Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation that dives into the intersections of trauma, love, and creativity.

Don't miss this inspiring episode and be sure to check out Mario's new album, "Glad You Came," now streaming on all platforms!

Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.

Thank you Mario
Instagram.com/marioworldwide 
Glad You Came, streaming everywhere you listen to music

Thank you Arya
A couples subscription service that helps you spice it up with the help of an intimacy concierge, an app and products delivered to your door
https://www.arya.fyi/shan

My class on MasterClass
If you’d like tangible tips for improving your relationship with sex AND your sex appeal. I HIGHLY recommend checking out my class on MasterClass the Art of Sex Appeal
masterclass.com/shan

Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Beyond Pleasure: Three Keys to Truly Fulfilling Sex

Sex is at the intersection of life and humanity. For the majority of us, it’s how we got here and for parents, it’s how we will continue on after we are gone. We often hear the term “better” sex, which begs two questions: what does that mean? And, why is the sex we are currently having not good enough?

In this episode we will define the goal of sex - regardless of the stage of the relationship and we will also discuss what prevents us from having sex that lives up to our desired potential. I’m going to take you on a journey as we explore the three sexual freedoms. Starting with discussing the power of freedom to, which I think describes the stage that myself and my husband/ the creative director of this podcast, Jared Brady are in. Then freedom from, which I discuss with my friends Yancy and Premika Leo. Finally we will talk about the Freedom not to, which I explore with my Lovers Community.

Thank you Bumble
This episode of Lovers is presented by Bumble who encourages you to date your way. There is a world where you can date exactly who you want, however you want. So date now, on Bumble.

My class on MasterClass
If you’d like tangible tips for improving your relationship with sex AND your sex appeal. I HIGHLY recommend checking out my class on MasterClass the Art of Sex Appeal
masterclass.com/shan

Better Sex Quiz
If you want to know which freedom you should focus on in order to improve your sex life today, try this quiz
https://www.loversbyshan.com/resource/bettersex

Commitment Structure Quiz
If Shan and Jared’s conversation around open relationships intrigued you, take this quiz to identify your commitment structure
https://www.loversbyshan.com/resource/commitment

Join My Mailing List
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter

Lovers Community
If you’re interested in joining the Lovers community click here to join the waitlist
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community

Kerry Washington, you read right. Award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington. In support of the second season of her hit show UnPrisoned on Hulu Onyx Collective, Kerry stopped by Lovers and Friends to discuss what she learned from Paige, how learning that her biological father was a sperm donor changed her family for the better, therapy with her parents and husband, how real parents should get with their kids, her parenting philosophy and more. If you loved Kerry Washington in any of her classics, like Scandal or Django Unchained OR if you read her book Thicker Than Water, you will LOVE UnPrisoned and furthermore, this raw interview on the power and potential that comes when you heal the family by not being afraid to hurt or disappoint one another. Of course I couldn’t have Kerry Washington stop by and NOT talk about sex, reproductive rights and pole dancing - so expect that too :). ALSO relationship expert and UnPrisoned creator Tracy McMillan stops by to discuss the power of intuition.


Watch the trailer to UnPrisoned

https://youtu.be/HIn14DY9eFA?si=2VxtEkm6V6_UT3kx


Watch UnPrisoned

https://www.hulu.com/series/unprisoned-5b48cecb-15b5-4e06-b475-f2ac5a64bd24


Follow Kerry Washington 

https://www.instagram.com/kerrywashington/?hl=en


Watch her YouTube Show Street You Grew Up On

https://youtu.be/Omh270yZLbU?si=Fof717hAfW9Fz8iA


Read her Memoir Thicker than Water

https://www.amazon.com/Thicker-than-Water-Kerry-Washington/dp/0316497398


Follow Tracy McMillan
https://www.instagram.com/tracymcmillan/


Thanks to Our Sponsors 


Hulu Onyx Collective


Follow Shan

http://instagram.com/shanboodram

Kelly Rowland, you read right. This is a CAN NOT MISS, special release Lovers and Friends episode with Shan Boodram AND it is best experienced after you watch Mea Culpa now streaming worldwide on Netflix. In this intimate, first-of-its-kind conversation Kelly Rowland shares how she went from a sexually repressed upbringing to living up to her pleasure potential as a sensualist, plus how her sexual awakening gave her the confidence to play Mea in Mea Clupa alongside Trevante Rhodes, whom she shares very STEAMY sex scenes with on screen. Kelly also discusses her feelings on divorce, kink, toys in the bedroom, and overcoming the fear of being imperfect.

Watch the trailer to Mea Culpa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0g9YfjJSA

Follow Kelly 
https://www.instagram.com/kellyrowland/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0g9YfjJSA

Thanks to Our Sponsors 

DAME
Head to http://dame.com at dame.com and if you’d like to pick something up, my code SHANLOVERS gets you 15% off at checkout

ARYA 
Head to http://arya.fyi to learn how they’re helping couples break their sexual routine and if you’re interested in trying it code SHAN15 gets you 15% off now

Follow Shan
http://instagram.com/shanboodram

Welcome to (some of) the best of Lovers and Friends the podcast. Hear from JESSIE REYES, MELISSA AND KEV OnSTAGE, ABBY DE LA ROSA, SHANOLA HAMPTON, TIM Chantrangsu aka DE LA GHETTO, DREW LOVE from THEY, RACHEL LINDSAY and GLO ATANMO during this special recap episode.


THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

ONSEKIN
Go to http://oneskin.co and 15% off with code LOVERS15

GLO ATANMO
https://youtu.be/lbIaM09t0ZU?si=GtWZkCBspPlmUA8f
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1W4xrpdCh0V3OwXZCYt1bO?si=mJNj1rxcQ7a333AUmgsqMA

JESSIE REYES
https://youtu.be/7IbgI3-s7Ps?si=j0CL3b8gYqsNbqFe
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2w3jYgkVIgg2eQoYWuALhp?si=8q3ptyfKQbWn9FrrY3bZTA

MELISSA AND KEV
https://youtu.be/hrMVcujhg1A?si=idb7xnDq8TX1aBh_
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4NjXUyZ5suDL3ytxUALFV8?si=gg3B7zvfQnm5nS9XUpkyZA

ABBY DE LA ROSA
https://youtu.be/aq8290G52_I?si=oaI5d_ALvuj82z9V
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AM2X8zNwmgV3koVtgemPC?si=pzqGDEw3QMCe8Awx9eFK7Q

SHANOLA HAMPTON
https://youtu.be/J7PZakvvdCo?si=LDSbtyjNTKuNmZ1u
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pHr7jrSj7iQTZlsbIUoYV?si=-pk8WovdSbqLLyrXDrRpRg

TIM DE LA GHETTO
https://youtu.be/G6WYaHFOjEU?si=uDvI7cap3yCs0srq
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0VuY52Ct9XS9Wua4dtupO6?si=ZFMbJEQOQ56IuBADlxm8og

DREW LOVE
https://youtu.be/bdooXjRGprY?si=AG3KL1r-wAfeb8Gm
https://open.spotify.com/episode/39lGd7mxW9jvpGpOPYMKaj?si=ou8FILHeSGG7P21hCZwMog

RACHEL LINDSAY
https://youtu.be/bnEORZJD2pQ?si=LiHiZKFU1-_Cv8l6
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kN3P1KoHI3LcnLNRgzY76?si=faUIGN4ATUaLvewVQ3AjCQ

HELP WHY CAN’T I ORGASM

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X8oEJMQ8JNSu6Psa53r7O?si=wJMEWu6vTmGpia1waTZ0Sw

FUCK the fairytale! How does that land on you? Does it make you go FUCK YES we need to be realistic about love OR does it make you go FUCK NO I desire the fairytale and that’s what I’ll get. Well when dating coach Damona Hoffman suggests you F the Fairytale, she kinda wants you to feel both. Tired of the same old dating game and ready to find real, lasting love? Join us in this episode of FUCK the Fairytale as we explore what a true fairytale relationship looks like with expert dating coach Damona Hoffman. We’ll challenge outdated ideas of the ideal partner and redefine what happiness looks like in modern relationships. Don’t miss your chance to discover true love - watch now!

FOLLOW DAMONA HOFFMAN
https://www.instagram.com/damonahoffman/
https://damonahoffman.com/

 Ritual
Visit http://ritual.com/LOVERS to start Ritual or add Synbiotic+ to your subscription today. Ritual is offering Lovers and Friends 30% off during your first month. 

BetterHelp
Visit http://BetterHelp.com/lovers today to get 10% off your first month. 

HelloFresh
Go to http://HelloFresh.com/loversfree and use code loversfree for FREE breakfast for life! 

Quince 
Go to http://Quince.com/lovers for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!
Damona

Follow Shan
http://instagram.com/shanboodram
http://tiktok.com/shanboody