#72 — Purity, Desire & the Stories We Inherit (with Mara)

👉 Join The Men Rising Community here: ⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/men-rising/about⁠⁠What if some of the deepest blocks to intimacy aren’t about sex at all…but about purity?In this episode, I sit down with Mara, also known as Pleasure Creatress, to explore how the pedestalization of purity quietly shapes desire, jealousy, shame, and the way we relate to one another—often without us realizing it.This conversation was inspired by my own experience supporting a Tantra event in Austin, Texas, where open temple spaces were available. We break down what a temple space is and is not:a place where desires can be spoken openly, requests can be made honestly, and every person has full agency to say yes or no—without pressure or obligation.What surprised me most was what came up inside me.When I saw a woman engaging with another man, I noticed how quickly old stories around purity surfaced—and how that immediately impacted my desire and availability. That moment became a doorway into this deeper conversation.In this episode we explore:• What purity culture actually teaches us (and what it hides)• How abstinence-only narratives shape desire and shame• The “virgin” archetype and why it still holds power• Jealousy, fear, and comparison in open relational spaces• Why women’s sexuality is scrutinized while men’s inner worlds remain hidden• The double standard between purity and private fantasy• How honesty about desire can feel threatening—and liberatingMara brings clarity, compassion, and sharp insight into how these stories live in the body and nervous system, not just the mind. Together, we explore how questioning purity isn’t about excess—it’s about truth, choice, and responsibility.This episode isn’t about telling anyone how to live or relate.It’s about becoming aware of the stories you didn’t consciously choose—and deciding whether they still serve you.🎧 Listen now to Episode 72.More from Marahttps://www.instagram.com/pleasurecreatressIf this conversation resonates and you’re ready to explore desire, embodiment, and relational integrity in a grounded way, I invite you into Men Rising—my private community for men committed to real growth.Inside Men Rising you’ll find:• Live calls and embodied trainings• Tools for nervous system regulation and self-honesty• Honest conversations about desire, shame, and intimacy• A grounded brotherhood doing this work together👉 Join The Men Rising Community here: ⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/men-rising/about⁠⁠