EP471 - Intimacy and Desire: A Guide to Finding Connection

EP471 - Intimacy and Desire: A Guide to Finding Connection

Author: Dr. Nazanin Moali, Ph.D, Psychology of Sex | Couple Therapy | Sex Education December 30, 2025 Duration: 34:09

Welcome to Episode 471 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Ita O’Brien, who speaks to me about intimacy coordination, embodied consent, and creating safety and authenticity in intimate storytelling.


In this episode, I sit down with Ita to discuss what an intimacy coordinator actually does and why this role has become so essential in film, television, and theatre. We talk about how intimacy coordination brings structure, clarity, and care to intimate scenes, not only to protect performers, but to serve the story, the characters, and the creative vision. 


Ita O’Brien is an intimacy coordinator and movement director for film, television, and theater. For more than a decade, she has been developing “intimacy on set” guidelines: best practices for working on scenes with sexual content and nudity in film, TV, and theater. O’Brien pioneered the role of intimacy coordinator, which is used in production companies including HBO and Netflix. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and NBC. She’s contributed to the intimate content praised in shows such as Normal People, Sex Education, and I May Destroy You.


In this episode, you will hear:

 

·      What An Intimacy Coordinator Does

·      Creating Safety On Set

·      Consent As A Creative Foundation

·      Embodiment And Somatic Awareness

·      Choreographing Intimate Scenes

·      Anatomy And Authentic Storytelling

·      Power Dynamics And Character Choice

·      Training And Professional Standards

·      Emotional Safety In Long Term Relationships

·      Bringing Intimacy Practices Into Daily Life


Thank you to our sponsor Filthy Milfs! Your podcast lineup is about to get filthy. Get ready for a completely uncensored, outspoken, dirty-minded, and eye-opening look from the most adventurous milfs on the block, Ellen Ancui and Sophie Levine. They're filthy. They're milfy. And they’re waiting for you on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you catch your favorite podcasts.


Get your FREE Sex Bucket List


Book an Appointment with Dr. Moali

 

Spice Up Your Social Media Feed AND Your Sex Life: Follow Us On Instagram

 

Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions

 



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Curiosity about human sexuality is universal, yet finding grounded, evidence-based conversations can be surprisingly difficult. That’s where Sexology comes in. Hosted by clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Nazanin Moali, this weekly series moves beyond sensationalism and stigma to bring you thoughtful dialogues with leading experts, researchers, and therapists. Each episode delves into the nuanced psychology of sex, intimacy, and relationships, translating complex findings into relatable insights. You’ll hear conversations that address the questions many ponder but hesitate to voice, covering everything from desire and communication to the science of pleasure and emotional connection. Dr. Moali’s background in both couple therapy and sex education ensures these discussions are both academically rigorous and deeply practical. Rather than offering quick fixes, this podcast provides a compassionate space to understand the multifaceted nature of our sexual selves. Tuning in feels like gaining access to a candid, confidential forum where nothing is off-limits and everything is examined with respect and intellectual curiosity. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of personal or relational dynamics, Sexology offers a trusted, enlightening resource that demystifies the complexities of human sexuality through a scientific and therapeutic lens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Sexology
Podcast Episodes
EP466 – Polysecure: Attachment Theory in Non-Monogamy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:33
Welcome to Episode 466 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I am excited to be joined by Jessica Fern who speaks to me about consensual non-monogamy, secure attachment, and the inner work required to build healthy open relatio…
EP465 - Childhood Wounds: Why Your Bedroom Patterns Are a Mirror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
Welcome to Episode 465 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Jessica Baum, who speaks to me about how attachment styles shape our sexual connection and intimacy within long-term relationships. In thi…
EP464 - Sexual Expression: Lessons in Life and Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
Welcome to Episode 464 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Riana Milne, who speaks to me about emotional disconnection, communication breakdowns, and their impact on sexual desire in relationships.…
EP463 - Virtual Vibes: Sexting and Consent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:12
Welcome to Episode 463 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by, Hily Dating App's sexologist and sexuality educator, Dr. Mindy DeSeta, who speaks to me about flirting, sexting, and the art of digital c…
EP462 - Your Brilliant Body: The Heart-Sexuality Split [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:35
Welcome to Episode 462 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Ali Mezey, who speaks to me about ‘The Heart Sexuality Split’, a powerful framework she uses to help clients understand how love, desire,…
EP461 - How to Choose and Use Your Sex Toys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:03
Welcome to Episode 461 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Alicia Sinclair a renowned sex coach and founder of several leading sexual wellness brands, including B Vibe and Le Wand. Alicia and I exp…
EP460 - Cock Energy: Sex Rituals to Reconnect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
Welcome to Episode 460 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Lianna Walden, who speaks to me about how men and couples can deepen intimacy and connection through embodiment, sexual energy work, and p…
EP459 - Sexual Confidence: Porn, Kink and Hypnotherapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:41
Welcome to Episode 459 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Matthew Bennett, who speaks to me about life as a porn creator, the realities of OnlyFans, and how kink skills can translate into everyday…
EP458 - Dating and Sex: A Divorce Attorney’s Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:28
Welcome to Episode 458 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I’m excited to be joined by Sarah Intelligator, a divorce attorney and author who brings such a fascinating perspective on dating, relationships, and why so many marr…
EP457 - Is It Cheating? The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Agreement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:02
Welcome to Episode 457 of the Sexology Podcast! Today I'm excited to be joined by Kevin Patterson who speaks to me about polyamory, representation, and emotional literacy.In this conversation, Kevin shares his journey in…