the virgin & the bees

A lil 2024 update! I'll be posting more consistently on YouTube, though I might still release guest episodes on here every now and then

What are some common dating dealbreakers? Signs of a toxic and/or abusive relationship? How do you know whether to commit to a relationship or let go of it? These are some core questions this episode revolves around and my ~attempt~ to answer them with help from some of the sources listed below :) **Domestic Violence Hotline/Resources: www.thehotline.org** Dealbreakers research study:  ⁠https://phys.org/news/2022-03-partners-relationship-dealbreakers.html⁠ When Is It Time to Leave a Relationship? (blog post by a LCSW): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/staying-sane-inside-insanity/202205/when-is-it-time-leave-relationship Toxic/Abusive Relationships https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/toxic-relationships.html https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-and-recovery/202103/what-is-toxic-relationship https://www.healthline.com/health/toxic-relationship  https://www.verywellmind.com/toxic-relationships-4174665  https://au.reachout.com/articles/signs-of-an-abusive-relationship

It's a big question! To get started, I polled listeners via the pod's Instagram asking what they think is key to healthy relationships. In this episode, I share these answers, as well as discuss some research and a healthy relationship model from world-renowned psychologists and researchers, the Gottmans. Check us out on IG :) @thevirginandthebeespodcast RESOURCES: The Gottman Institute & The Sound House Relationship Model: https://www.gottman.com/about/the-gottman-method/ Sharing Fondness & Admiration: https://www.gottman.com/blog/share-fondness-and-admiration/  Turning Towards Bids: https://www.gottman.com/blog/turn-toward-instead-of-away/ Managing Conflict: https://www.gottman.com/blog/managing-vs-resolving-conflict-relationships-blueprints-success/ Positive Perspective: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-sound-relationship-house-the-positive-perspective/  Shared Meaning: https://www.gottman.com/blog/shared-meaning-is-key-to-a-successful-relationship/

Hello lovely bees! This month's episode is about ~being perceived~ and how social media and the pandemic have impacted the way we view our bodies. Thanks for tuning in and keep on buzzing!

We're back with Part 2 of our revisit of (500) Days of Summer. This time, guest Sophia and I discuss: how (and even if) the characters grow throughout the film our thoughts on the film's take on love & rom-coms the manic pixie dream girl does Tom actually love Summer? the villainization of people who want casual relationships the bench scene the ending ☀️☀️☀️ You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube. Sophia's YouTube: youtu.be/Hk9l7ta2hgY Sophia's plant IG & TikTok: @sophiasgreengarden We're on the 'gram too! @thevirginandthebeespodcast. Thanks for listening! Keep on buzzing

My childhood bestie Sophia and I revisit the thought-provoking movie that is 500 Days of Summer and discuss.... the problems in Summer & Tom's relationship the problem with the "nice guy" trope & how toxic masculinity presents in Tom situations in which we reminded ourselves of Tom situations in which we felt like Summer rejection (and some of our experiences with it, on both sides) the best character of the whole film... Tom's little sister! ☀️☀️☀️ You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina). Sophia's YouTube: youtu.be/Hk9l7ta2hgY Sophia's plant IG & TikTok: @sophiasgreengarden We're on the 'gram too! @thevirginandthebeespodcast. Thanks for listening! Keep on buzzing

LINKS/RESOURCES Letter to Congress template More info on the effects of overturning Roe v Wade Resources for those seeking abortion Donation Funds & Action Item Resources The Judiciary Act of 2021 More info on reasons for the impeachment of Clarence Thomas & more on the political history of Clarence and Ginni Thomas

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️ Join us for a fun lil chat as we reflect on Valentine's Day and share ideas of what to do if you're single, mindful reminders if you're in a relationship, and some of our previous Valentine's Day experiences. Find the podcast on IG & Pinterest: @thevirginandthebeespodcast Related Episodes ❤️ Figuring Out Your Sexuality for Yourself (with guest Darcy): https://anchor.fm/zareenaevelina/episodes/Figuring-Out-Your-Sexuality-for-Yourself-w-Darcy-Bate-eplo4t A Look Into Hookup Culture (featuring Darcy): https://anchor.fm/zareenaevelina/episodes/A-Look-Into-Hookup-Culture-e18sr1p Navigating Online Dating (with guest Chelsea): https://anchor.fm/zareenaevelina/episodes/Navigating-Online-Dating-w-Chelsea-F-eq6963 People Pleasing in Dating, Sex and Relationships (with guest Carly): https://anchor.fm/zareenaevelina/episodes/Can-We-Maybe-Talk-About-People-Pleasing-If-Thats-Alright-With-You--w-Carly-Shaul-e11nbk9 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

2022 is just around the corner! So I thought I'd share some rituals for transitioning from the old year to the new

Moving on is messy. Whether you've broken up with a longtime partner you co-owned a cat with or you're trying to get over someone you never even dated — both are painful and difficult in their own way — and we're here to talk about it and share what we've learned along the way. Find the podcast on IG & Pinterest ❤️ @thevirginandthebeespodcast GETTING OVER SOMEONE PLAYLIST: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4nblICaAYnje5nW2XCbaJL?si=0c9cc67fe64948ba --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I made a playlist curated with songs that fit the vibe of the podcast! Available on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2lCBec6ldqbYSBpWp3lbz5?si=c44444fbc64440fe

"Who wears the pants in your relationship?" is a question same-sex couples are all too familiar with. In this episode bisexuals Bella and Zareena discuss the intricate topics of self perception and expression surrounding this question — and offer a different approach to this mindset. You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find sources mentioned in the video description. Bella is on Instagram @bellafunt and Twitter @highkeybellac. We're on IG & Pinterest @thevirginandthebeespodcast. Thanks for listening! Keep on buzzing

What are people's honest thoughts about hookups? I separately interviewed six guests to find out! Listen in to hear about their experiences and lessons learned in navigating hookup culture.

I took an unplanned hiatus but we're back baby! Stay tuned for a special episode coming out next week :) Find the pod on IG & Pinterest: @thevirginandthebeespodcast

How does people pleasing affect dating, sex and relationships? How can you assert your boundaries in a way that's comfortable for you? How can you find a healthy balance if you're a people pleaser? In the pod's 9th episode, sexpert (former UCSC SHOP educator) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Carly Shaul, joins in again to continue our conversation from our previous episode "The Virginity Myth". In that episode, we discussed the complicated social construct of “virginity” and Carly shared how she coped with negative sexual experiences, which were intricately tied to people pleasing. This time, we talk about how people pleasing affects dating, sex and intimate relationships (and Carly shares her tips on how she navigates this!). You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina). Carly is on Instagram @carlytaco and is launching two podcasts of her own: With A Little Help From My Friends (IG: @withalittlehelpfmf) and Hotties With a Poddy (IG:@hottieswithapoddy). You can find this podcast on Instagram too: @thevirginandthebeespodcast. Thanks for listening! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Society places so much pressure on young people when it comes to "losing their v card" — but how much of this is helpful versus harmful? What even is virginity? Do we place too much importance on it? Do we have unrealistic expectations? What if your first time isn't a good time? In this episode, I chat with sexpert (former UCSC SHOP educator) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Carly Shaul, about how we define virginity and the impacts of purity culture. Carly also shares her "first time" experiences — reflecting on the intricate, complicated nature of teenage sex and how she coped with negative sexual experiences. You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find resources mentioned in the video description. Carly is on Instagram @carlytaco and is launching two podcasts of her own: With A Little Help From My Friends (IG: @withalittlehelpfmf) and Hotties With a Poddy (IG:@hottieswithapoddy). You can find this podcast on Instagram too: @thevirginandthebeespodcast. Thanks for listening! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In today's episode, I'm joined by fellow bisexual Lauren Van for a discussion on the complexities of labeling yourself and your sexual orientation, as well as some of the experiences and issues we've faced as bisexuals — including external & internalized biphobia, changing ratios, common misconceptions and more! You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find studies/surveys mentioned in the video description. Check us out on Instagram @thevirginandthebeespodcast. You can find our guest Lauren on Instagram (@laurenvan_), TikTok (@caliherdaddy) and YouTube (@laurenvan_). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

How can you bring mindful masturbation into your partnered sex life? What are some ways you can explore virtual intimacy if you can't physically be with your partner? What are some tips for mindfully consuming porn and making sure it plays a healthy role in your life? We're back with PART 2 of "Mindful Masturbation" with Corinne Guichard, yoga instructor and sexpert (former editor-in-chief of UC Santa Barbara's SexInfoOnline), as we tackle the more external factors of mindful masturbation... porn and your partnered sex life. You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find studies/surveys mentioned in the video description. Corinne is on Instagram at @unrefined_co. If you're interested in joining online yoga classes, you can dm her there or email her at cguichard19@gmail.com. You can find the podcast on Instagram @thevirginandthebeespodcast and host Zareena at @zareenaevelina. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Stronger orgasms, learning more about yourself, and developing a stronger sense of connectedness to your body, sexuality and spirit — these are just a few benefits of mindful masturbation! But how can you begin to incorporate mindfulness and yoga principles into your masturbation practices? What does that look like? Corinne Guichard, yoga instructor and sexpert (former editor-in-chief of UC Santa Barbara's SexInfoOnline), joins today's episode as we explore these questions! You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find resources mentioned in the video description. Corinne is on Instagram at @unrefined_co. If you're interested in joining online yoga classes, you can dm her there or email her at cguichard19@gmail.com. You can find the podcast on Instagram @thevirginandthebeespodcast and Zareena at @zareenaevelina. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

How does dating even work during a pandemic? What are some best practices when it comes to dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge? Why do you sometimes have chemistry over text but not in real life? Chelsea and I have spent 6+ years on dating apps and Chelsea is now in a long-term relationship with a partner she met on Hinge. Together we share some of the good (and the bad) we've experienced on dating apps as we go through what makes a good profile, what photos you should use, messaging tips and tricks, how to secure a first date, mindsets going into a first date, mindsets after a first date, and transitioning from the "dating" stage to defining the relationship. We also discuss general attitudes towards online dating, as well as burnout on dating apps. You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find resources and studies/surveys mentioned in the video description. Instagram: @thevirginandthebeespodcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Do you actually like him or is it just aesthetic attraction? Are half of young people actually bi? In this episode, we take a look at some of the research on (as well as our own experiences of) compulsory heterosexuality and bi erasure. Today's guest, Darcy Bate, first shares her story of how she came to know she was a lesbian after years of navigating comp het. We then discuss what it means to be bisexual, the erasure of sexual identities, different types of attraction, and more! You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find resources and studies/surveys mentioned in the video description. The podcast is now on Instagram! Find us @thevirginandthebeespodcast. You can find our guest Darcy on Instagram @gingerladyb8. Thanks for listening and keep on buzzing! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What does healthy consent look like? What is its role in a committed, established relationship? In a hookup? In something in between? How does our society view and interpret consent and how can we move towards better understanding? Sexpert Nick Kludjian, former editor-in-chief of UCSB's SexInfoOnline, joins today's episode as we explore these questions! DISCLAIMER/TW: We know that consent is closely tied to sexual harassment and rape culture. While we do not go into detail with these topics, we do briefly discuss them throughout as they are closely tied to consent. You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find a link to the Planned Parenthood study in the video description. You can find Zareena on Instagram at @zareenaevelina and SexInfoOnline on the web at sexinfoonline.com and on Instagram at @sexinfoonline. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What even is virginity? In this first episode of the virgin & the bees, we cover a lot of topics — from discussing what it's like to be a virgin in college amidst hookup culture (and having sex "late") — to some things you should know before sex like proper condom use, hymen facts, healthy mentalities, the myth that it's supposed to hurt the first time and more! You can watch a video version of this podcast on YouTube (channel name: Zareena Evelina) and find sources for stats discussed in the video description. You can find our guest Lauren on Instagram (@laurenvan_), TikTok (@caliherdaddy) and YouTube (@laurenvan_) and host Zareena on Instagram (@zareenaevelina) and YouTube! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Coming soon! Whether it be tackling the concept of virginity, navigating hookup culture, working on self-love, learning the ins-and-outs of female and male genitalia, chatting about dating and intimacy, discussing LGBTQ+ topics, or picking apart the culture of sl*t-shaming, we're sure to talk about it :)