The App That’s Saving Relationships (and Spicing Up Bedrooms) | Ep 81

The App That’s Saving Relationships (and Spicing Up Bedrooms) | Ep 81

Author: Karen Bigman February 4, 2025 Duration: 27:21

Let’s cut to the chase: relationships are hard. And let’s be honest, keeping the spark alive? Even harder. Between work, life, and the endless to-do list, intimacy often takes a backseat. But what if there was a way to flip the script? A way to not just save your relationship but make it hotter, deeper, and more exciting than ever?

In this episode, I sit down with Nicholas Velotta, head of research at Couples Wellness for the app Arya.fyi and a PhD student at the University of Washington. We dive into the world of Arya.fyi, this incredible couples' wellness platform that’s all about helping partners explore and deepen their connection. Nicholas shares how Arya.fyi combines entertainment with education, offering everything from playful quizzes and customizable erotica to expert-led videos on topics like sensory play and even the history of kink.  We also talk about how the app uses a mix of AI and human experts to guide users through personalized experiences. Ever felt nervous about bringing up a new idea with your partner? Or maybe you’ve struggled to find the right words to talk about what you want? Arya.fyi’s got your back, making those conversations easier and way less awkward.

So, why is this app the talk of the town? And could it be the missing piece your relationship has been waiting for? Let’s just say, your bedroom might thank you later. Let's dive in!

Timestamps:

  • (00:00:00) Introduction to Nicholas Velotta
  • (00:01:22) What is the Arya.fyi app?
  • (00:02:55) How couples find Arya.fyi
  • (00:06:18) The AI and human concierge
  • (00:07:34) Fun and educational activities on Arya.fyi
  • (00:10:57) 80% of users seek relationship advice
  • (00:12:47) Can technology enhance intimacy?
  • (00:14:36) The future of intimacy and technology
  • (00:17:42) Sensory play is the #1 request
  • (00:20:43) Sexual confidence and exploration
  • (00:21:49) The importance of safety in relationships
  • (00:23:31) AI in relationships: friend or foe?
  • (00:25:22) What is sex, really?
  • (00:26:34) The future of AI and human interaction

About the Guest:

Nicholas Velotta is a relationship scientist and sexologist whose work examines the intersection of technology and IRL intimate relationships. As the Head of Relationship Research at one of the world's first "relationship wellness" apps, Arya, Nicholas develops psychological profiles of our intimate and erotic selves using a vast archive of user data. In addition to investigating the nuances of intimate relationships using never-before-available data, he crafts AI-enhanced algorithms to curate digital content and physical goodies that increase relationship satisfaction. Nicholas is also a Ph.D. student at the University of Washington who, somehow, finds time to post explainer videos on social media...as well as the occasional meme. :)

You can find Nicholas here:

Website

LinkedIn


Arya: Intimacy Concierge for Couples' Connection

Use code: TRUTH15 for 15% off

https://www.arya.fyi/join/

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.


This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.


Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast



Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.


This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.


Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:


Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.


In a culture that often whispers about aging and ignores the sexuality of older adults, Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50 speaks in a clear, confident voice. Hosted by certified sex educator and coach Karen Bigman, this podcast transforms hushed conversations into open, honest dialogue. Karen’s straightforward and candid approach dismantles the stigma surrounding midlife intimacy, creating a vital space for education and support. Each episode explores the intricate, real-life experiences of dating, relationships, and physical connection after fifty. You’ll hear practical insights on navigating sex post-divorce, the triumphs of rediscovering desire, and the unique challenges that come with these transformative years. This isn’t abstract theory; it’s grounded conversation about the evolving landscape of pleasure, health, and partnership. By diving deep into topics often left unspoken, the show provides both reassurance and actionable guidance. Whether you’re seeking to understand your own journey or to simply listen and learn, this podcast meets you with expertise and empathy. Karen Bigman ensures every discussion moves from societal silence toward personal truth, making Taboo to Truth an essential listen for anyone redefining what life and intimacy mean in the second half.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50
Podcast Episodes
Delayed Ejaculation: What’s Causing It—And How to Fix It | Ep. 96 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:28
In this episode, I dive deep into the often-overlooked world of delayed ejaculation—a condition that affects up to 10% of men and becomes more common with age. I break down the physical and psychological causes, includin…
5 Myths that are Ruining your Sex Life | Ep. 94 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:14
We’ve all heard them—the whispered “rules” about how sex should be. Be spontaneous. Always want it. Orgasms are everything. Sound familiar? But what if I told you these so-called truths are actually myths… and they’re ki…
The Surprising Truth About BDSM with Sir Leezus | Ep. 93, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:38
Some people say kink is just about pain. Others think it’s only for people with trauma. Some have never given it a second thought—and then there are those who know exactly what their kink is… or at least think they do. B…
The Surprising Truth About BDSM with Sir Leezus | Ep. 93, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:08
Some people say kink is just about pain. Others think it’s only for people with trauma. Some have never given it a second thought—and then there are those who know exactly what their kink is… or at least think they do. B…
13 Spots Men NEVER Touch (But Women Beg For) | Ep 92 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:42
Think you know what turns you on? Think again. We tend to treat pleasure like it lives in a few familiar places—the usual G-spots, the go-to zones we all default to. But the truth? Your entire skin is wired for sensation…
Boost Your Confidence In The Bedroom with Orisha Re’ Lampkin | Ep 91 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:33
What if the biggest obstacle to pleasure in the bedroom… isn’t your partner, but the stories you tell yourself about your own body?What if confidence, connection, and mind-blowing pleasure weren’t things you had to chase…
10 Realistic Ways to Spice Up Your Sex Life | Ep 90 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:38
Ever feel like your sex life is on autopilot? We’ve all been there – the same routine, the same positions, the same predictable outcome. What if I told you your sex life could be playful, adventurous, and deeply satisfyi…
Cougar Confessions with Cindy Gallop | Ep 89 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:31
Who says turning 65 means giving up amazing sex and settling for solitude? Just because you don’t have a husband or kids doesn’t mean life has to be dull—if anything, it means you’re free to live exactly how you want.In…
The Surprising Truth About Testosterone Therapy | Ep 88 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:05
In this episode, I dive into the benefits of testosterone for women. I share my own experience with testosterone therapy and how it helps me with everything from libido and orgasms to brain fog and muscle mass.It’s not j…