The Unmasked Project

The Unmasked Project
  • 4.9 (15)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Layla Shay This is a solo podcast about taking the mask off and telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. No small talk. No perfection. No pretending. We talk authenticity, identity, mental health, relationships, sex, creativity, and the messy in-between moments where life cracks you open and asks you to be real. Sometimes it’s just me. Sometimes friends join in. Always honest. If you’re tired of performing and ready for real conversations you’re in the right place. 🎙️ New episodes weekly 🖤 Take it off. You’re safe here.

  1. APR 14

    5: UNMASKING Fear

    This week we unmasked fear. Lets dive in! Stefani Megan Broke Girl Therapy: https://www.instagram.com/brokegirltherapy/ Cody Intention is Magic: https://www.instagram.com/intentionismagic/

    52 min

  2. MAR 31

    4: UNMASKING Imposter Syndrome

    Why We Feel Like Frauds (Even When We’re Not)In this episode of The Unmasked Project, Layla sits down with Vanessa and their friend Oyku to unpack something so many of us secretly struggle with: imposter syndrome.Why do capable, talented people still feel like they’re faking it? Where does that voice of self-doubt come from, and why does it show up right when we’re stepping into something bigger?Together, we explore:• What imposter syndrome actually is• Where these feelings often stem from• How childhood, expectations, and comparison culture play a role• Why high achievers and creatives experience it so often• Practical ways to challenge the inner critic and move forward anywayThrough honest stories, laughter, and real talk, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the fear of being “found out” and reminds us that growth often happens exactly where we feel the most uncomfortable.Oyku Saran is the Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer of Beyond- a vetted app and community for modern relationships. A Turkish immigrant, proud New Yorker, now based in Miami, Oyku channels her own journey of self-discovery as a bisexual woman into building spaces where people can explore love, desire, and connection on their own terms.Beyond connects vetted, open-minded singles and couples through curated IRL experiences and intentional relationship design so they can explore modern relationships on their own terms- from Modern Social mixers to annual retreats at the intersection of wellness, party, and play.Use our affiliate link to join the community: https://beyond.app.link/join/theunmas...If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the room, this episode is for you.Oyku Instagram- @cheerswithoyku, @datebeyondVanessa Instagram- @friskyflirtofficial, @vanessaduffyThe Unmasked Project- theunmasked_project

    50 min

  3. FEB 10

    3: UNMASKING Breakdowns

    In this episode of The Unmasked Project, Coach Brian sits down with Layla for an honest, no-filter conversation about patterns, growth, and the uncomfortable truths that come with real self-development. They catch up on life, unpack Layla’s history of questionable decisions (we’ve all been there), and dig into a recurring theme: self-sabotage. Why does Layla keep getting in her own way and what is she actually afraid of stepping into? The conversation turns toward a powerful new chapter: Layla’s upcoming participation in Atlas, a leadership program that demands radical honesty, emotional exposure, and the willingness to be deeply uncomfortable in order to grow. This isn’t surface-level mindset work, it’s the kind of inner excavation that changes how you show up in every area of life. They also talk about where Brian’s journey has taken him and what he’s building now, including his podcast Growth Snacks, where he dives deep with gurus, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders on business, growth, and personal evolution. If you’ve ever wondered: Why you repeat the same patterns How self-sabotage actually shows up in real life What true vulnerability really requires Or what it looks like to choose growth even when it’s uncomfortable This episode is for you. 🎙 Guest: Coach Brian 🎧 Listen to Brian’s podcast: Growth Snacks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/07WMkOgk7YftShOwADIoab?si=b9c8b75f558f423f https://www.youtube.com/@GrowthSnacks Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growthsnacks?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@growthsnacks.pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 🎭 Host: Layla Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share and let us know in the comments what part of this conversation hit home for you.

    43 min

  4. FEB 3

    2: UNMASKING My Story

    This week on The Unmasked Project, it’s Layla’s turn to step into the hot seat and truly get Unmasked. For the first time, Layla opens up in a raw and honest interview led by Vanessa, aka The Frisky Flirt. Together they dive deep into Layla’s personal journey- from navigating trauma and healing, to her sobriety story, the realities of parenthood, painful friendship breakups, and what it’s really like living in the wild, beautiful world of ethical non-monogamy. This episode is emotional, empowering, and real in a way you’ve never heard before. If you’ve ever struggled with your past, questioned your relationships, explored alternative lifestyles, or searched for healing and growth, this conversation will resonate with you. This is Layla like you’ve never seen her- unfiltered, vulnerable, and fully unmasked. Want to see more of Vanessa?Follow her on Instagram: @friskyflirtofficial Don’t forget to leave a comment, like the episode, and subscribe for more raw conversations about life, healing, relationships, sexuality, and living authentically.

    58 min

  5. JAN 21

    1: UNMASKING Non-Monogamy

    It is time... to meet... MY FREAKING HUSBAND! Meet Cody- we've been together 13 years and he's finally coming out of the shadows. We answered YOUR questions this week and some got a lot wild lol. Here goes nothing. Season 2... Episode 1. :)

    55 min

  6. JAN 6

    Season 2 Teaser- Drawing the Circle

    Hey yall! Layla here... as the new SOLO HOST! I have been nervous dropping anything myself... but one of my closest friends told me to draw the circle first and perfect as I go. I read listeners unmask to me while I unmask to them. Lets just be real for a fing second... Watch me in real time be vulnerable, imperfect, and raw. Whats a good description for SEO? How do I make this description perfect? Whatever... this is it. Here's my circle. Love you all!

    15 min

  7. 10/21/2025

    We’ve Been Lying to Ourselves—Time for a Real Talk

    🎧 Welcome back to The Unmasked Project! This week, Layla and Brian throw off the last of their filters for the realest episode yet. No guests. No script. Just two co-hosts at a crossroads, confronting their creative and personal tensions head-on. They break down the behind-the-scenes struggles of running a sex-positive show in a platform-hostile algorithm, the burnout from doing it all themselves, and the existential question: is The Masked Swingers still serving their lives—or stalling them? From Layla’s passion for addiction recovery to Brian’s drive for purpose over clout, they explore what it means to evolve publicly, vulnerably, and messily. They don’t have all the answers, but they’ve got the courage to ask the hard questions. Whether you've been here from the first masked mic check or just stumbled into this unfiltered spiral, you're getting the truth. 💥 In this episode: Why the podcast’s original mission no longer fits Sex content vs. searchability: fighting the algorithm Brian's pivot toward coaching & high-impact work Layla’s secret side hustle helping addicts—for free The real reason they're burned out (spoiler: it’s not each other) Why viral clips don’t convert to real listeners Can this show still evolve, or is it time to part ways? What happens when your creative partner wants out ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: couches, mics, and chaos 0:35 – Reflecting on 18 months of podcasting 1:20 – How the show started: masks, apps, and pivots 2:15 – What’s changed—and why they’re confused 4:00 – Podcasting as a business vs. a passion project 6:30 – Layla’s tension: wanting to expand, fearing audience backlash 9:10 – Brian’s struggle: impact vs. irrelevance 12:45 – Burnout, the algorithm, and sex content suppression 15:00 – Going viral isn’t enough: lessons from failed traction 17:15 – The dark side of self-funded media 19:50 – Layla’s addiction recovery work: the unpaid calling 23:00 – What value looks like beyond the sex 25:40 – Can you be an addict and still help addicts? 28:20 – Ethics, imposter syndrome, and monetizing purpose 32:10 – Brian on boundaries, value, and not editing sh*t 35:40 – Layla on why she won’t do this alone 37:30 – Can they still create together—without compromise? 40:00 – The end of an era… or just a new chapter? 🔗 Links & Love:💬 Join our Discord🌶️ Products we love📸 Follow us on IG🎵 TikTok chaos📧 Send your juicy stories: theunmaskedprojectpod@gmail.com

    43 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    They Think Polyamory Will Ruin You—Here’s the Truth

    🎧 Welcome back to The Unmasked Project!This week, Layla and Brian are joined by filmmaker and Monogamish TV creator Tracy for a deep dive into how ethical non-monogamy, sex, and power are portrayed—or butchered—by the media.From Fifty Shades of Misrepresentation to secret sex cults, condom taboos, and what Eyes Wide Shut got hilariously wrong, this episode rips the mask off how Hollywood shapes our sex lives. They debate if safe sex can be sexy on screen, why ENM characters are always creeps, and what kind of show would actually represent the lifestyle right.It’s juicy, it's smart, and it’s got just enough conspiracy theory to make you check your HBO history.Whether you're poly-curious or just tired of seeing threesomes used as relationship death rattles—this one’s for you.💥 In this episode:- Why Hollywood loves to get polyamory wrong- Is ethical non-monogamy the new villain trope?- Eyes Wide Shut, Epstein, and secret society sex clubs- Why no one ever uses condoms in movies- Is the media keeping us dumb, horny, and controllable?- The surprising 1969 film that finally got it right- What a show about real lifestyle couples could look like- How Monogamish TV is making space for sexy, responsible storytellingCurious about Monogamish TV?📸 Follow them on IG: https://www.instagram.com/monogamish.tv🎵 TikTok chaos: https://www.tiktok.com/@monogamish.tv▶️ Catch Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Monogamish_tv⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – Burps, intros & finally getting Tracy on the mic0:34 – Representation of ENM in media: why it’s trash1:30 – Polyamory ≠ the death rattle of a relationship3:15 – Where are the hot, healthy, non-monogamous couples in TV?5:45 – Why conflict doesn’t have to mean toxicity7:40 – BDSM, Fifty Shades & the line between fantasy and gaslighting11:35 – Safe sex in media: why condoms are never shown14:20 – Can entertainment and realism coexist in sex scenes?17:50 – Is the media keeping us in sexual cages on purpose?20:30 – How “Eyes Wide Shut” warped play party perceptions24:00 – Was your first poly representation porn? (Same.)26:30 – Is the media scaring us away from ethical sex?30:00 – “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice”: a 1969 ENM gem34:00 – Cults, self-help, and the origins of personal development38:00 – The Monogamish TV vision: friends, fun, and f**king—ethically42:10 – Why the industry “isn’t ready”—and why that doesn’t matter44:00 – Final thoughts: community, courage, and creating the future🔗 Links & Love: 💬 Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/TPBUgSxzwb🌶️ Products we love: https://www.unmaskedpod.co/products-we-love📸 Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theunmasked_project🎵 TikTok chaos: https://www.tiktok.com/@theunmaskedproject🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uOOhjA1H9K5psXdIFBqYz?si=16738043f345462f📧 Send your juicy stories: theunmaskedprojectpod@gmail.com

    50 min
See All (28)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Hosted by Layla Shay This is a solo podcast about taking the mask off and telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. No small talk. No perfection. No pretending. We talk authenticity, identity, mental health, relationships, sex, creativity, and the messy in-between moments where life cracks you open and asks you to be real. Sometimes it’s just me. Sometimes friends join in. Always honest. If you’re tired of performing and ready for real conversations you’re in the right place. 🎙️ New episodes weekly 🖤 Take it off. You’re safe here.

Information

  • Creator
    The Unmasked Project
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Unmasked Project
  • Show Website
    The Unmasked Project

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