Everyone talks about their own first time but what about being on the other side of it? In this bonus episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we flip the script and talk about the other side of firsts.

From nerves and pressure to tenderness, tears, and unexpected vulnerability, we explore what it really feels like to be the more experienced partner, and how myths about confidence, control, and detachment often miss the full story. With insights from returning sexpert Dr. Markie Twist, we unpack the cultural scripts and emotional realities that shape intimacy when you’re someone’s “first.”

Useful resources:

Tantra with a Twist: application of an ancient spiritual practice for modern relational communication

Exploring Age Gap Relationships

Everyone talks about first times, but what about the first orgasm? In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we explore the myths, surprises, and cultural baggage around orgasm, from why so many people fake it, to how porn and shame shape expectations, to what our bodies are actually capable of. We hear a powerful listener story about discovering liberation and pleasure in ways they never thought possible, and sexologist Marla Renee Stewart joins us to unpack what orgasms really are, why they matter, and how to embrace them as a journey rather than a performance.

What’s it like to have your first sexual experience years or even decades after what society calls “normal”? In this episode, we bust myths about later-in-life first times with Dr. Amanda Morgan, exploring confidence, stigma, and the truth behind cultural stereotypes. We also share a listener’s deeply personal story of waiting until 31, navigating self-esteem challenges, and discovering intimacy on their own terms. From breaking shame to embracing your own timeline, this conversation is a reminder that there’s no age limit on sexual beginnings.

We grow up hearing that your first time should be with someone you love and that if it’s true love, it’ll be magical. But what happens when reality doesn’t match the fairytale?

In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we unpack the myths, expectations, and emotional layers that come with mixing (or separating) love and sex. From why so many people link sex to intimacy, to what happens when those lines blur or break this is a conversation about love, desire, and defining intimacy on your own terms.

Featuring sexologist Dr. Markie Twist and psychosexual therapist Silva Neves, this episode unpacks why the “love first, sex second” narrative can lead to disappointment, how cultural messages and shame shape choices, and offers practical advice for healing and empowerment when first times don’t go as planned.

Listen now and join the conversation: What did love mean to you when you had your first time?

What happens when your first time falls into a legal gray area?

In this episode, we explore the complicated intersection of sex and the law — from age of consent and Romeo & Juliet laws to the wildly different ways jurisdictions define what’s legal, what’s criminal, and what’s left in between.

Sexologist and ethicist Dr. Neil McArthur joins us to break down the myths, talk through close-in-age protections, and help make sense of how even a two-year age gap — like 17 and 15 — can lead to serious consequences, depending on where you live.

Whether you’ve had a first time shadowed by fear or confusion, or you’re just trying to understand how the law shapes real experiences, this episode invites you into a conversation that’s overdue.

What does consent actually look like during a first sexual experience? And why do so many people realize after the fact that it was never really discussed?

In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked reality that many first times happen in silence, shaped more by assumptions, pressure, and guesswork than clear communication. We explore how to navigate consent and communication during first sexual encounters, and how societal myths distort our understanding of what it means to truly say “yes.”

Sexologist Dr. Neil McArthur joins us to break down the myths and offer guidance on navigating consent with confidence and care.

Whether your first time felt empowering, confusing, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you.

First sexual experiences can be messy, magical, confusing, or completely unexpected — and for queer people, they often come with extra layers of identity, uncertainty, and unspoken questions.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mallory — a sexologist and educator — to unpack how cultural narratives, internalized pressures, and a lack of clear communication can shape queer first times. Together, we explore the myths, the realities, and why consent and self-trust are so essential.

And in a moving listener story, you’ll hear how one man’s first time wasn’t a single moment, but a personal journey that unfolded over years.

Whether you’re still figuring things out or reflecting on your own past, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt unsure, unseen, or just... human.

Join host Mary Jane on this episode of "Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time" as we delve deep into the intricate ways culture, religion, and societal expectations shape our first sexual experiences. Through captivating narratives and expert insights from UK-based sexologist Silva Neves, the podcast explores how virginity is perceived across the globe, breaking down long-standing myths surrounding it.

This episode also addresses the emotional complexity of first times, whether growing up in silence in a conservative household or navigating the assumed ease of a sex-positive environment. We discuss how to move away from shame and towards a journey of continuous sexual development.

Whether your first experience was shaped by cultural expectations, religious teachings, or personal beliefs, this conversation seeks to empower you with understanding and acceptance. Tune in to hear these important conversations that aim to transform how we view first sexual encounters.