S2 Ep126: Too Many of Us Are Living with High-Functioning Depression ft. Dr. Judith Joseph
What if numbness is the hidden wound of high-functioning depression?
In this episode, Shan sits down with Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and internationally recognized mental health advocate.
They dive deep into anhedonia, the loss of pleasure or interest in things that once brought you joy, and how it shows up, especially for those living with high-functioning depression. Dr. Joseph expands on how joy is our birthright and how it connects to our biopsychosocial blueprint.
Expect insights on:
✨ How high-functioning depression operates
✨ Why anhedonia is so often overlooked
✨ The three-part psycho-socio-biological model that explains it
✨ How to begin reconnecting with your desire and vitality
👑 Follow Dr. Judith Joseph on Instagram: instagram.com/drjudithjoseph
👥 Join the community: loversbyshan.com/community
Sign up to get a free weekly Love Letter from me loversbyshan.com/newsletter
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S2 Ep125: Kama Sutra Secrets Every Woman Deserves to Know ft. Seema Anand
What if the key to better sex isn’t new, but rooted in ancestral knowledge?
In this episode, Shan sits down with storyteller, mythologist, and ancient erotica expert Seema Anand to explore the rich, and yes, deeply sexy, history of sexual liberation, and why it's never really been a modern idea.
Together, they unpack what it means to reconnect with your desire through ancestry, ritual, and unapologetic self-expression. We talk sex positions (yes, the Kama Sutra makes an appearance), the role of storytelling in the bedroom, and how wearing your desire, literally, can be one of the boldest, most freeing things you do.
This conversation even inspired a whole jewelry line. The Kama Collection is a tribute to sensuality, intention, and the art of not hiding your hunger.
👑 Follow Seema Anand on Instagram: @seemaanandstorytelling
🔥 Shop the Kama Collection: surmeyi.com/kama
The waist chain designed for being on top
The anklet designed for when your legs are in the air
The necklace designed for yab yum
The earrings designed for riding
The choker designed for lotus position
The spine chain designed for doggystyle
👥 Join the community: loversbyshan.com/community
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S2 Ep124: He Was Never Going To Commit And Here's Why ft. Duckwrth
Why do fuckboys… fuckboy? In this episode, we dig into the root of it.
Just ahead of the release of his new single Permanent Vacation (dropping June 18), genre-bending artist Duckwrth joins Shan for a raw and revealing conversation on why some men detach, ghost, and repeat the cycle. Together, they unpack how fear of commitment, cultural conditioning, and childhood wounds can all contribute to the “Certified Loverboy” identity.
Duckwrth opens up about his own evolution—from polyamory and emotional avoidance to developing a deeper sense of self-awareness and desire for real connection.
If you’ve ever dated a fuckboy, been affected by one, or are reflecting on your own relationship patterns, this one’s for you.
🎧 Watch the video for Permanent Vacation
💫 Follow Duckwrth on Instagram: @duckwrth
👥 Join the community at: loversbyshan.com/community
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S2 Ep123: I Wanted My Man, Not the Sex: Tamsen Fadal on Losing Her Libido At the Worst Possible Time
Have you ever wondered where your libido went? In this episode we do a deep dive on sexual slumps, low libido and lack of sexual desire that is frustrating (lack of desire that is not frustrating is not a problem!). We get to have this conversation first from the lens of Emmy-winning journalist Tamsen Fadal whose journey with low libido started in perimenopause and peaked on her honeymoon! From hot flashes and brain fog in the newsroom to bedroom low sex drive, Tamsen has become treasured for pulling back the curtain on midlife like never before. In this honest and empowering episode, menopause advocate Tamsen joins Shan for a conversation about menopause, sex drive and embracing life’s shifts.
Tamsen shares how a one-word note from her doctor "menopause...?" set off a journey she wasn’t prepared for, and how that diagnosis impacted her body, her identity, and her intimacy. From tough talks with her husband to the quiet shame so many women carry through midlife transitions, Tamsen reminds us that getting older isn’t the end of our sensual selves, it can actually be the beginning.
In part two of this episode we are giving you a MasterClass on low libido led by three doctors: OBGYN Dr. Mickey, lifestyle medical physician Dr Lean AND Pelvic Floor expert Dr. Janelle Frederick aka the Vagina Rehab Doctor.
This is a highlight of our hour and fifteen convo if you’d like to listen to the rest go to
Loversbyshan.com/community
Follow Tamsen on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal
Get her book How to Menopause
Listen to her podcast The Tamsen Show
Checkout her website https://www.tamsenfadal.com/
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S2 Ep122: Go Where you are Celebrated, Not Just Tolerated ft. Kennedy Ryan
From fatphobia to racism to ageism and ableism, Kennedy challenges the norms around love, desirability, and who gets to be the “main character.” This one’s for anyone who's ever felt left out of the story — and is ready to take the pen back.
Bestselling romance author Kennedy Ryan (Before I Let Go, Reel) sits down with Shan to talk about what happens when women stop shrinking themselves to be chosen. From rewriting the stories we’ve inherited about sex, love, and partnership — to questioning why women with standards get labeled as “too much”
Kennedy opens up about what radical self-worth actually looks like, and why romance should always center women’s pleasure. This episode is a love letter to anyone who’s ever been made to feel like they’re asking for too much. Kennedy shares her love story of being married to Sam for over 20 years while raising their autistic son.
This episode is sponsored by Lovers by Shan. Join the community today:
https://www.loversbyshan.com/community
Follow Kennedy on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1
Get her latest book https://kennedyryanwrites.com/
Get a weekly love letter from me:
https://www.loversbyshan.com/newsletter
Lovers by Shan is an education-first space where listeners come to better understand their own intimate lives through the life lessons and expertise of others. Shan Boodram’s mission is to empower everyone to be their own intimacy expert in the bedroom and beyond by treating guests of the podcast as educators in their own right.
Past guest include Kelly Rowland who taught us about being a sensualist. Becky G who shared the importance of healthy love in an unhealthy body. Kerry Washington who warned about the dangers of keeping secrets. Kamie Crawford who taught us about the joys of breaking up. Jesse Reyez who reminded us that it's alright to admit you're the one who let a good one get away.
When we paused in 2023 we had 5.1 million listeners and 8 million YouTube views. Excited to see how many lives we can impact in 2025 with our fresh look and approach.
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