Cortisol Cockblocks: Why Sex and Stress Are Eternal Frenemies

Hosts SJ and Kay dive into the stressful intersection of anxiety and arousal, inspired by Emily Nagoski's game-changing book Come As You Are. They kick things off with asking: Would you rather hook up right before a big race, a killer exam, or amid bedtime chaos with the kids? Spoiler: Probably none because stress can make for some lame sex. They break down the stress response cycle, why cortisol is nature's cockblock, and share science-backed hacks like 20-second hugs and dance breaks to "complete the cycle." From Good Girls Research Division, they roast an awkward 2010 study involving vaginal probes and '90s erotica. Plus, SJ shares her unfiltered hot takes on the third book in Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series—think vanilla fairy sex, power imbalances, and a plea for more queer fae foursomes. Whether you're avoiding dishes or daydreaming of magical mates, tune in for laughs and validation.