Lauren and Trey pick up right where they left off, starting with a candid apology tour as they own a few mistakes listeners lovingly (and correctly) pointed out from the first two HEATED RIVALRY episodes, including a spirited mini-debate about whether the Hays Code is still “a thing.” Quick history moment: the Hays Code, officially enforced from the 1930s through the late 1960s, strictly limited what could be shown on screen, explicitly banning the depiction of homosexuality. As a result, queer stories were erased, coded, or forced into tragic endings, shaping generations of viewers’ understanding of masculinity, desire, and love in ways we’re still unraveling today. From there, a moving comment from a new subscriber opens the door to a rich conversation about masculinity, sexual orientation, and why HEATED RIVALRY feels so deeply resonant for so many people. Lauren reiterates (with feeling) that this is a show everyone should see, not just hockey fans or romance readers. The episode then turns toward Shane and Ilya’s family dynamics, exploring how a lack of choice in childhood often shows up as difficulty with choice in adulthood. Whether it’s subconsciously entering relationships where autonomy is limited or avoiding choice-making altogether, Lauren and Trey unpack this through a relational lens, drawing on David Schnarch’s work around differentiation, self-definition, and the courage it takes to choose oneself. They close by tackling a question so many people quietly hold: Do I need to be fully healed before I’m ready for a relationship? Lauren compares relational readiness to being an athlete, reminding us that while training happens in the off-season, real growth requires coaching alongside teammates. Trey adds that nothing compares to the intensity of a live game, offering compassion for how much relationships can stir us, no matter how much work we’ve done. If this conversation resonates and you’re longing for support navigating intimacy, desire, or relational growth, you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more about sex and relationship coaching and book a free consultation at www.sexedforyou.com/freeconsult. About Them Lauren and Trey are partners living in Central Virginia, where Lauren owns and operates Sex Ed for You. She provides comprehensive sexuality education and embodied coaching to individuals, partners, and parents. Through a biopsychosocial approach, Sex Ed for You works to restore positive and respectful approaches to sexuality and sexual relationships, while increasing the possibility of pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence (World Health Organization). Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples, and families, as well as to the social and economic development of communities and countries (World Health Organization). When individuals are blocked from sexual health, they are often stunted in their ability to develop sensual play, embodied connection, and enjoyment. Learn More & Connect • Learn more about Sex Ed for You: https://www.sexedforyou.com• Schedule a FREE CONSULT with Lauren: https://www.sexedforyou.com/freeconsult• Learn more about partnered communication and relational education on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sex_ed_for_you/• Subscribe to the YouTube channel for conversations about sex, partnership, communication, and love: https://youtube.com/@thepartnershippodcast Important Reminders This is not a “how to” podcast, but rather a “how they” podcast. Lauren and Trey share personal experiences, perspectives, and reflections, inviting listeners to learn from what resonates, question what doesn’t, and decide what feels aligned for their own lives. Lauren is not a therapist. She is a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Embodied Intimacy and Relationship Coach.