Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time

First Love vs. First Sex

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?

Good, Bad, and Illegal?

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.

Consent and First Times

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 LGBTQ+ Experiences

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.

First Times Around the World

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.

Emotional Firsts

Welcome to Sexual Encounters, the very first time, where Mary Jane hosts an open conversation about the often unspoken emotional aspects of first sexual experiences. This episode delves into how these firsts shape our self-perception and relationships, featuring insights from renowned sexologist, Dr. Markie, who recently received the 2025 Sexuality Educator Award. Dr. Markie helps to debunk common myths about how we are 'supposed' to feel after our first time, exploring concepts of intimacy, passion, and commitment as part of healthy relationships.

Listeners get to explore common narratives like the expectation for the first time to feel magical if it is with the right person, or the idea that one's partner will naturally take the lead. Through humorous and profound insights, the episode encourages openness and communication in sexual relationships, emphasizing the importance of consent and self-awareness.

As Mary Jane and Dr. Markie challenge these preconceived notions, they offer a fresh perspective on embracing each unique emotional experience. The episode invites listeners to share their stories, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse realities of first sexual encounters.

Was It What I Expected?

We all carry stories — from movies, friends, and late-night whispers — about what the first time should be like. But reality? It rarely follows the script.

In this episode of Sexual Encounters: The Very First Time, we explore the gap between expectations and what really happened. From romantic myths to performance pressure, we unpack how culture, media, and misinformation shape first-time sexual experiences — and what it means when things don't go as planned.

Awkward, Sweet, or Cringeworthy?

Welcome to Sexual Encounters, the Very First Time, hosted by MaryJane. In this episode, we dive into the diverse range of first-time sexual experiences that people have gone through. From the awkward to the sweet, and sometimes just plain cringeworthy, we break down the myths and expectations surrounding these encounters.

Listen as MaryJane shares personal stories and discusses these experiences with Dr. Markie, an award-winning sexologist and relationship therapist. Together, they unpack common myths, societal pressures, and the importance of consent, offering listeners a comforting reminder that there is no one "right" way to experience a first time.

Join in as we navigate through the humorous, magical, and growing moments amidst the mess of first encounters. Whether you've had an experience or are yet to, this episode is here to remind you that you're never alone in your story. Tune in and let's talk about the journey from expectations to a uniquely personal reality.