Take the free quiz to find out why you're stuck in a sex rut: https://TheBetterBedroom.com

What does it actually take to feel dominant in the bedroom, and why do so many of us freeze up when it's our turn to lead? In this episode, Heather sits down with Amanda Dames, a kink consultant and former professional dominatrix, to break down the real skills behind dominance, submission, and power dynamics in a relationship.

Amanda spent two years working at a dungeon while holding down a corporate job at the Wall Street Journal, and she brings that hands-on experience into a real conversation about how dominant and submissive roles actually work, how to figure out your own authentic style, and how to vet a partner for safety before you ever get started. They cover the different types of Doms (Master, Traditional Dom, Caretaker Dom, and Pleasure Dom), the different types of submissives (service subs, slaves, baby girls and boys), the red flags that signal an unhealthy power dynamic, and why most of what we see about kink and BDSM in movies sets totally unrealistic expectations.

If you're ready to go deeper than a podcast episode, visit https://HeatherShannon.co to request a free consultation and learn about Heather's signature Pathway to Passion coaching program.

Timestamps: 0:00 Amanda's path from marine biology to the Wall Street Journal to a Craigslist dominatrix job 4:30 Discovering a more powerful, dominant version of herself 8:00 What a Dom's real job actually is, and how to avoid burnout 17:00 Why you need to talk to your partner before you talk divorce 19:30 How a real negotiation between a Dom and a client actually works 26:30 Why being patient with yourself matters more than getting it right the first time 30:00 The four types of Dominants, explained 36:20 The submissive types, and how to find your own style 37:50 How to vet a Dom (or any partner) for safety 45:00 Why movies like Secretary and Baby Girl are not how-to videos 51:00 Amanda's free worksheet for talking about your desires with confidence

Take the free quiz: https://TheBetterBedroom.com

Learn more about Heather's Pathway to Passion coaching: https://HeatherShannon.co

Get Amanda's free worksheet, Speaking Your Desires With Confidence: https://AmandaDames.com

Want help figuring out your own needs before you bring them to your partner? Take the free Intimacy Audit: https://HeatherShannon.co (click the pop-up)

In this episode . . .

Great sex isn't about mind reading. If you've stayed silent about what you want, tried to bring it up and gotten shut down, or you're with someone who clams up at the mention of sex, this episode gives you six steps to actually say what you need without putting your partner on the defensive.

AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Heather Shannon breaks down how to talk about your sexual needs, desires, and fantasies in a way that builds connection instead of conflict. You'll learn the difference between framing something as a "need" versus a "want," how to figure out what you actually desire when you're not sure, and how to bring up bigger topics, like having a threesome, without blowing up the conversation.

Find out:

• Why calling something a sexual "need" instead of a "want" can create unintended pressure or resentment
• How to start identifying your own desires, even if you've never really thought about it before
• The difference between healthy support and codependency in a relationship, and why it matters for your sex life
• A real example of how to bring up a fantasy with your partner without making it weird
• What to say when your partner brings up something you're not into
• How to negotiate sexual differences so both people still feel like themselves

Curious about coaching with Heather? Request a free consultation at https://HeatherShannon.co.

Can women really have the best sex of their lives after 50... or even 60?

In this episode, sex therapist, relationship coach, and tantra educator Maria Merloni shares why many women lose interest in sex, what might actually be causing it, and how one surprising practice transformed her own sex life at age 60.

We discuss desire, orgasm quality, menopause, body confidence, trauma, tantra, and why feeling more connected to your body may be the missing piece for a more fulfilling sex life.

In this episode, you'll learn:

💜 Why women often lose interest in sex as they age

💜 The connection between pleasure, desire, and orgasm quality

💜 Why great sex doesn't have to decline after menopause

💜 How body image affects sexual confidence

💜 The role of tantra in healing and intimacy

💜 The difference between masturbation and self-yoni massage

💜 How presence and body awareness can improve your sex life

Connect with Maria:

Free Yoni Ritual Guide:

https://mariamerloni.com/ritual/

Website:

https://mariamerloni.com

Ready to improve your relationship and sex life?

Take my free quiz:

https://heathershannon.co/quiz

Work with Heather:

https://heathershannon.co

This is a reminder I'm publishing every other week June-August of 2026 and will resume weekly publishing in September! This is a great time to catch up on past episodes.

#SexForCouples #WomenOver50 #Menopause #LowLibido #Tantra #SexTherapy #Relationships #Intimacy #FemaleDesire #SexAfter50