Sex After with Amy Marcs

This week’s episode is about grief, loss, and what it means to live with both, something all of us experience, in ways big and small, throughout our lives.

I’m joined by Norman Buckley, an acclaimed television director whose work includes Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, The O.C., and Sweet Magnolias. He is also a beautiful writer whose reflections on loss have really stayed with me.

Together, we explore a different way of think...

Perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause can make up nearly half of a woman’s life. So why are we still not talking about it?

In this follow-up to our conversation with Dr. Suzanne, Amy and Sasha continue exploring the realities of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause and why these conversations are so important.

Sasha shares the deeply personal story behind why Dr. Suzanne is “her angel,” opening up about being dia...

Amy and Sasha sit down with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg, OB/GYN and founder of The Menopause Bootcamp, for an honest, empowering conversation about perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. They explore the symptoms no one warned us about such as anxiety, rage flashes, brain fog, and emotional shifts, and why so many women don’t realize hormones may be playing a role.

Dr. Suzanne breaks down what’s actually happening in the body dur...

In this New Year’s episode of Sex After, Amy Marcs and therapist Sasha Hawkes gently dismantle the pressure of January 1st. Together, they explore why resolutions often leave us feeling ashamed, anxious, or behind and why intentions offer a kinder, more sustainable alternative.

They talk about easing into the year instead of forcing change, using ritual and language to create safety in the body, and allowing grief, exhaustion, o...

In this special episode of Sex After, Amy switches seats and becomes the guest on her own show as therapist Sasha Hawkes interviews her about her breast cancer journey. Amy reflects on the news that changed everything, the decision to have a double mastectomy, the reconstruction process, and the complicated emotions surrounding body image, femininity, and identity.

Sasha guides Amy through the rarely discussed “after”: the wave ...

Amy and Sasha come together for a special Thanksgiving episode to talk about why the holidays can be so emotionally complicated. Amy shares honestly about grieving her parents and how social media can make it seem like everyone else has the perfect family and celebration.

Sasha talks about what is bringing people in for therapy right now—obligation, family dynamics, pressure for a “perfect” day—and offers practical tools: settin...

In this “After” episode, Amy and Sasha revisit their powerful conversation with Lisa Phillips, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, whose story has since become highly public. They talk about how grooming really works, why shame is so common for survivors, and the complicated mourning that can follow leaving an abuser. Sasha offers a therapist’s perspective on trauma in the body, emotional dysregulation, coping mechanisms like al...

In this episode, Lisa Phillips shares her deeply personal journey of healing and empowerment following her experiences with Jeffrey Epstein. Through a grounded and thoughtful conversation with host, Amy Marcs, Lisa reflects on the emotional realities of living with trauma, the long process of learning to trust herself again, and the vital role of community in the healing process. She speaks about reclaiming her voice, finding ways ...

In Part 2 of Sex After Breast Cancer with Model, Hope facilitator and Cancer disruptor, Christine Handy, Amy continues her conversation and is joined this time by award-winning director Ziad Hamzeh. Ziad brings his film Hello Beautiful—a moving portrayal of Christine’s breast cancer journey—into the spotlight, opening up a heartfelt discussion about vulnerability, self-advocacy, and the healing power of storytelling. Hello Beautifu...

This week Amy speaks with Christine Handy, a successful model whose life took a dramatic turn following a breast cancer diagnosis. Christine opens up about her personal journey—from confronting the emotional toll of cancer to navigating the complexities of the medical system, all while balancing the demands of family and career.

She shares her experience of recovery, the challenges of breast reconstruction, and how she found a new s...

This week, Amy is joined by her producing partner and licensed therapist, Sasha Hawkes in Sex After: “The After”, where they will delve deeper into the conversation on Codependency and the Culture of Men’s Mental Health.

The After is a new series where Amy Marcs and Sasha Hawkes look more closely at the topics discussed in their previous episodes. This intimate follow-up series provides an opportunity for further exploration of ...

Amy continues her conversation with Chris Hajian, film composer and men’s mental health advocate. In this episode Chris opens up about the societal challenges men face when it comes to expressing vulnerability and emotions, and the urgent need to reshape this narrative. 

He shares his journey with his struggles around codependency and how he was able to find stability by learning how to honor his own feelings. 

Chri...

This week Amy talks with Chris Hajian, film composer and men’s mental health advocate. In this episode, Chris explores his deeply personal journey of healing and self-discovery. Chris bravely opens up about the trauma, codependency, and abusive relationships he’s faced, and how these challenges have shaped his life.

Chris explores the shame he has carried from past abuse, and how therapy helped him find his voice, especially in ...

Amy continues her conversation with Isadora O’Boto in Part 2 of Sex After Sex Work. In this episode, Isadora talks more about her life as the number one escort in the country as well as the intricacies of forming meaningful relationships with clients during that time. 

She shares the difficulties of dating and navigating personal relationships both during her time as an escort, as well as after she retired. 

Isadora hig...

In this episode of Sex After, Amy speaks with Isadora O’Boto, an actress, author and former sex worker. Isadora shares her journey as a Julliard graduate and aspiring actress in New York City, to becoming the number one escort in the country. She discusses the challenges she faced in the acting industry, from beauty standards to financial struggles, and the pivotal moment when she responded to an escort ad. 

Isadora reflect...

Podcast Synopsis:

In this heartfelt and powerful conversation, Amy Marcs and Bess Hagans delve into Bess's personal journey through breast cancer, from her diagnosis at 31 and the emotional and physical challenges she faced along the way. Bess opens up about the deep connection between mental and physical health. She talks about sex and intimacy. We delve into the challenge of sexual dysfunction after a cancer diagnosis and how imp...

This week on Sex After, we continue our conversation on purity culture with Mattie Jo Cowsert and are joined by sex educator, Erica Smith. We talk more about the complexities of healing from religious repression and reclaiming sexual autonomy. Mattie Jo and Erica also discuss the importance of community support and finding healing spaces for those recovering from conversion therapy or faith-based trauma.They touch on the ongoing pr...

In this episode of Sex After, author and post-purity culture dating expert, Mattie Jo Cowsert shares her journey from growing up in a strict evangelical household in rural Missouri to navigating life in New York City. Mattie opens up about the challenges of purity culture, its impact on her mental health and relationships, and the transformative experiences that shaped her life.

The conversation explores the emotional aftermath of e...

Eric Nikolaus Kwasnjuk is an actor, filmmaker, and stand-up comedienne. He has appeared in numerous theater productions, film and TV shows. Most recently he was a guest star on FBI on CBS and a co- star on New Amsterdam on NBC. Eric created “Who u Kiddin” the comedy sitcom on South Africa.

In this episode we talk about breaking the cycle of shame and the power of standing up and speaking our truth. We talk about the freedom you ...