Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli
Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli is a sex and relationships podcast from the Irish Independent. It features candid conversations and expert advice on topics related to intimacy, dating, and personal connections. The show aims to provide listeners with relatable insights and practical tips for navigating modern relationships.
Episodes
How to flirt in real life (and take a sexy pic)
Mark T Cox learned to flirt set dancing in Clare, and now he’s here to teach the rest of us. He tells Jennifer why being direct beats a joke, what your backdrop says about your saucy pics, and how to stay safe online. Plus, Doireann is matched with an 80-something farmer at Lisdoonvarna. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourj
These are the signs of micro-cheating in your relationship
Is liking a thirst trap cheating? What about keeping Hinge, texting your ex or getting a little too close to ChatGPT? Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by Damo Clark and Doireann O'Connor to tackle the gas, messy world of modern-day micro-cheating. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for pri
'That's gaslighting!': Why "I'm sorry you feel that way" isn't an apology
Still waiting on a sorry that's never coming? Or apologising for everything except what matters? Leslie Shoemaker joins Jennifer to explain why the Irish over-apologise, why "I'm sorry you feel that way" is gaslighting, and what a real apology sounds like. Plus: Doireann O'Connor tries to quit her 50-a-day sorry habit, the friend who keeps cancelling, and whether you should ever go to bed angry.&n
'She keeps commenting on how much I eat': How to deal with difficult mothers-in-law
How do you keep the peace without building up resentment? And when is it time to say enough is enough? Jennifer is joined by Doireann O’Connor, Sinéad Culbert and Brian Gallagher to tackle your biggest in-law dilemmas, from mothers-in-law bringing unwanted food and commenting on what you eat, to fathers-in-law turning down the heating, starting DIY jobs and rearranging the dishwasher. We want to e
Is email the worst way to break up with someone?
Jennifer is joined by Rosie Wilby to talk about what happens when relationships end, from being dumped by email to finding ways of moving forward with compassion. The award-winning comedian and author of The Breakup Monologues explores what breakups can teach us about ourselves, why humour can help us through heartbreak, and whether staying friends with an ex is really possible. To find out more a
Just Between Us LIVE: icks, sexy texts and questionable selfies
Jennifer is joined by friend of the show Doireann O’Connor, comedian Julie Jay, and intimacy coach and sex educator Grace Alice Ó Sé to chat about dating, long-term relationships and listener dilemmas at the show’s first-ever live recording at Kildare Village. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism.See omnystudio.c
What Irish people are REALLY confessing in sex therapy
What are Irish people really bringing to sex therapy? Jennifer is joined by Orlagh Reid, a psychotherapist specialising in clinical sexology to decode the bizarre riddles and everyday code words we bring to therapy, why some people wait decades before they book an appointment, and what's really going on behind closed doors. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our
Is hiding your relationship online a red flag?
From soft launches and couple posts to red flags and the bare minimum, social media has created a whole new relationship rulebook. Jennifer is joined by journalist Édaein O’Connell and comedian Ger Mullins to talk comparison, expectations, privacy versus secrecy — and what actually matters in a relationship when nobody else is watching. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Proj
Can reading spicy books improve your sex life
Smut didn’t begin with BookTok. From Judy Blume and Jackie Collins to audiobooks and sexy dragons, women have long read it for fantasy and escape. But can it help you work out what turns you on, or leave real-life sex feeling flat? Jennifer is joined by bestselling author and former sex columnist Vicki Notaro to talk desire, porn and whether sharing a steamy chapter can help couples say what they
Money, sex and rows: how to survive a couples’ holiday
A couples’ holiday sounds romantic until you’re tired, lost and arguing over where to eat. Jennifer is joined by psychotherapist Síle Uí Chiaráin to explain why holidays can expose pressure points in a relationship – and how couples can manage conflict, repair a row and reconnect. Just Between Us is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnys
Debunking myths about anal sex
Anal sex is surrounded by myths about preparation and pain. General Surgeon Dr Evan Goldstein joins Jennifer to explain what people often get wrong and how to approach your body from a pleasure point of view. Listeners note; Competition entries are now closed for tickets to our live podcast recording. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at indep
Your friend is back with their Ex. Now what?
When a friend keeps returning to the same relationship, it can feel like you’re trapped in the cycle with them. Do you tell them exactly what you think, keep your mouth shut or admit that you can’t keep having the same conversation? Psychologist Louize Carroll joins Jennifer Zamparelli to discuss compassion fatigue, boundaries and the difference between honest support and judgement disguised as ca
How to explore your sexual fantasies without freaking each other out
We've all had a fantasy we've kept to ourselves, but should it stay there? Jen is joined by relationship and sex educator Aoife Murray to talk about the fantasies people actually have, why they're so common, and why talking about them doesn't have to be awkward. From BDSM and foot fetishes to communication, consent and Irish shame, this is an honest, funny conversation about what really goes on in
Should everything be 50/50? Money in relationships
Who should pay on a first date, should couples split everything equally, and how much financial independence should each partner keep? Jennifer Zamparelli and matchmaker Mairead Loughman explore how money exposes our expectations around fairness, security and respect—from joint accounts and childcare to debt, spending habits and the rows that are rarely just about money. Listeners note; Competiti
Blame your family: what childhood taught you about love
Long before our first kiss or heartbreak, our ideas about love were already taking shape at home. Jennifer is joined by Emma Kehoe, Brenda Dennehy and Kieran Corrigan for a funny and revealing chat about how siblings, birth order, school and the Irish mammy can shape our relationships. From eldest-daughter syndrome to growing up with brothers or in a family of eight, they ask how much of our love
Why we cheat: Dr Richard Hogan on the tell-tale signs of an affair
Why do good people cheat? Jennifer Zamparelli sits down with psychotherapist Dr. Richard Hogan to talk about the messy reality of infidelity and why it's rarely as simple as right or wrong. They chat about attachment styles, midlife, rebuilding trust, and whether a relationship can ever come back from betrayal. Listeners note; Competition entries are now closed for tickets to our live podcast reco
She Comes First: Everything you need to know about oral sex and the clitoris
Most of us learned about sex in fragments through rumours, awkward conversations and a lot of guesswork. Twenty years after his bestselling book She Comes First changed the conversation around female pleasure, sex therapist Ian Kerner joins Jennifer for an honest, funny, and eye-opening chat about cunnilingus, the orgasm gap, performance anxiety, and why great sex has far more to do with communica
Broken penises, Chlamydia's comeback and what happens in the ER with Dr Philip Doyle
How long would you ignore a sexual health problem before getting it checked? For some people, the answer might surprise you. This week, Jen is joined by Olympic rower, doctor Dr Philip Doyle for a funny and fascinating conversation about sexual health, STI testing, mental health, blue pills, broken penises and the medical issues people leave far too late. From awkward symptoms and emergency ro
Are we living in a Black Mirror episode? | Shawna Scott on the sex apps you need to know about
This week Jennifer is joined by Shawna Scott, sex educator and owner of Ireland's multi-award-winning, sex-positive online boutique SexSiopa.ie. Together they explore the apps promising better sex, better communication and better relationships. From scheduling intimacy and sharing fantasies to app-controlled sex toys and AI matchmaking, can technology actually help us connect or is it getting in t
Sorry, did you just fake that? An ex-people pleasers guide to getting better at sex & relationships.
Have you ever said “yeah, that’s fine” when it absolutely wasn’t fine? This week Jennifer is joined by sex and relationship coach Shannen Barry to unpack people-pleasing in all its forms. From overcommitting and avoiding confrontation to faking orgasms. Why do so many of us prioritise someone else’s comfort over our own needs? And how do we stop? Expect laughs, honesty and a few uncomfortable trut
An experts guide to Dirty Talk: How to find your voice in the bedroom
Why does dirty talk feel so awkward for so many people, and how can it become a powerful tool for connection? This week Jen is joined by Somatica Institute founders Celeste Hirschman and Dr. Danielle Harel to explore the psychology behind sexy communication, core desires, and bedroom confidence. Together, they discuss how to discover what turns you on, navigate boundaries, and find language that f
Why we should all be masturbating much more | Sex Educator Olivia Teahan
Remember the birds and the bees chat? Yeah… neither do we. This week Jen is joined by sex educator Olivia Teahan to unpack the weird, funny and deeply awkward ways Irish people learned about sex or more accurately, didn’t. Funny, honest and surprisingly reassuring, this episode is all about learning to relax, communicate better, and enjoy sex without all the baggage because it is supposed to be FU
“Wrap your legs around me waist”: Inside the horny world of ‘audio smut’
Porn used to be all about what you see. Now, women are putting the headphones in and letting imagination do the heavy lifting. Jen dives headfirst into the wildly addictive world of audio erotica. From sexy Irish accents and fantasy roleplay, to why millions of women are listening to smut while doing the Tesco shop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sex moves, gag reflex & UTI’s: Grace Alice O’Shea solves your most intimate bedroom issues
Got a sex question you’ve never said out loud? Jennifer Zamparelli is joined once again by sex educator and intimacy coach Grace Alice O’Shea for another special listener Q&A. From why sex can feel amazing one day and awkward the next, to random body reactions and feeling undesired in a relationship, no question is off limits. Jennifer and Grace Alice discuss how to talk about intimacy,
The worst sex advice men still believe
Ever been told to think about your granny to last longer? Or eat pineapple to “improve the taste”? Yeah… this episode is full of that kind of advice. Jennifer is joined by comedians Eddie Mullarkey and Paul Marsh, alongside public health doctor Ralph Hurley O’Dwyer, for a hilarious and surprisingly honest chat about the worst sex advice men have ever received, where it all came from, and what we s
The top three ways to make a woman feel sexy
Feeling sexy… it sounds simple, but for a lot of us, it’s anything but. This week, Jennifer is joined by comedian Aideen McQueen and burlesque performer Bonnie Boux to unpack why so many of us feel awkward, self-conscious, or just completely disconnected from that side of ourselves. From Irish shame and long-term relationship ruts to crochet-induced icks and the surprising power of a good play
Leather, feet and other lesser known fetishes: inside Ireland's kink scene
Ever heard of lactophilia or sploshing ? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This week, we’re getting into kinks… and all the questions you’d nearly be afraid to ask out loud. From erotic lactation (yes, it is what you think!) to squeaking balloons, there is no stone left unturned. Jennifer, comedian Aideen McQueen and Jamie Ryan (aka Mr Leather Europe 2026) unpack where curiosity comes from, wh
'Let’s talk about squirting' – Jenny Keane on the sex ed we never got with
For this episode of Just Between Us, we're talking about better sex, not more of it, not swinging from the chandeliers, just figuring out what actually works for you. Because let’s be honest… for something most of us are doing, we’re still wildly awkward talking about it. Between Catholic guilt, dodgy sex ed and the idea we’re all meant to just know what we’re doing, a lot of us are out here guess
Signs your relationship might be in trouble with psychotherapist Stephanie Regan
For this episode of Just Between Us, Jennifer sits down with psychotherapist Stephanie Regan to unpack what makes a relationship last. Because love, chemistry and butterflies are all well and good but they won’t carry you through the everyday reality of life, when you’re busy, distracted, and trying to stay connected in the middle of it all. From communication and self-awareness to fun, respect
Would you let your partner sleep with someone else? Polyamory explained with Leanne Yau
For this episode of Just Between Us, Jennifer gets stuck into a relationship style that sparks a lot of curiosity… and let’s be honest, a fair bit of confusion too: polyamory. She’s joined by polyamory educator Leanne Yau, who breaks down what it is, how it works in real life, and why more people are starting to question the whole “one person forever” model. From myths and misconceptions to jealou
'Am I the red flag?’ - Listeners sex and dating dilemmas exposed
For this episode of Just Between Us, Jennifer opened the DMs and asked listeners to send in the relationship dilemmas keeping them up at night and wow, you absolutely did not hold back. Joining her to sort through the chaos are comedian Enya Martin, writer and broadcaster Barbara Scully, and Laughter Lounge MC Brian Gallagher. From ghosting and dating apps to sex chats, gym hints, and mothers ba
Am I dating a narcissist? Richard Hogan on the signs you shouldn’t ignore
Today’s episode takes on one of the biggest relationship buzzwords out there: narcissism. We’ve all heard it, ‘My ex was such a narcissist’, but how much of that is internet language, and how much of it points to something far more serious? This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer is joined by family psychotherapist Richard Hogan to unpack the difference between someone being selfish and someone be
The quiet reason couples stop having sex and how to fix it with psychosexual therapist Aoife Drury
If you’re in a long-term relationship, you might know that feeling of starting to feel more like housemates than lovers. This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer is joined by psychosexual and relationship therapist Aoife Drury to talk about what happens when the spark fades - not the love, not the commitment, just the desire. From stress and exhaustion to communication and scheduling sex, this is a
The secret to better sex in your 40's with clinical sexologist Emily Power Smith
Desire doesn’t have to have an expiry date. This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer sits down with clinical sexologist Emily Power Smith to talk about sex and ageing, from libido shifts and menopause to illness, disability and changing bodies. It’s a reassuring conversation about letting go of old expectations, learning what works now, remembering pleasure can evolve with you and sex can keep getti
‘Love is love’ – Jennifer Rock and Jill Deering on coming out, co-parenting and building a modern family
Love doesn’t always arrive neatly or on schedule. This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer is joined by Jennifer Rock and Jill Deering to talk about building a family that doesn’t fit the traditional script. From parenting young and navigating small-town scrutiny, to coming out later in life and becoming a stepmother in your 30s, they share what it really takes to blend lives with care. They open up
Why are so many of us still single? A matchmaker’s perspective with Feargal
Harrington
Dating in Ireland can feel like a minefield. The apps are draining, ghosting is normalised, and everyone seems either too busy, too picky, or quietly panicking about timelines. Somewhere along the way, what should feel exciting has started to feel like hard work. This week, Jennifer is joined by professional matchmaker Feargal, who has spent over 15 years setting up real-life dates and watching wh
“Porn isn’t the problem” – What we get wrong about pleasure with Cindy Gallop
What if porn isn’t the villain we’ve been told it is and masturbation is actually one of the healthiest ways we learn about ourselves? In this episode of Just Between Us, Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by Cindy Gallop to talk about pleasure without shame, curiosity without guilt, and why understanding what turns us on can be deeply empowering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Sex toys 101: Finding what works for you with Shawna Scott of Sex Siopa'
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you might be thinking about buying a sexy gift for someone you love, or for yourself, but not know where to start. This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by Shawna Scott of Sex Siopa to break it all down. From bullets to bondage, dildos to dilators, Shauna explains what’s out there, how it all works, and how to find what actually suits y
Is motherhood for me? Meet the women who are childfree by choice
In this episode of Just Between Us, Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by counsellor and psychotherapist Margaret O’Connor (specialist in parenthood ambivalence and decision-making) and Niamh Madden, founder of Sisterhood, a community for child-free women in Ireland. Together, they unpack the pressure to follow the “default” life script, what it means to feel uncertain, and why a joyful, meaningful lif
Is This Normal? Your secret sex questions answered by Grace Alice O’Shea
Got a sex question you’ve never said out loud? Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by sex educator and intimacy coach Grace Alice O’Shea for a special listener Q&A. From libido and orgasms to body insecurities and the male G-spot, they’re answering the questions you usually keep to yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘There is no such thing as too late’ Sarah Magliocco on the joy of coming out
Coming out doesn’t always happen early, loudly, or with absolute certainty - sometimes it unfolds quietly over time. This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by journalist Sarah Magliocco to talk about coming out later in life, navigating compulsory heterosexuality, and the relief and joy of finally living as your full self. It’s a hopeful, affirming conversation about self-acce
Owning what turns you on with Bláithín de Burca
What happens when you drop the shame and start talking honestly about sex? This week, Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by comedian and sex-positive powerhouse Bláthín de Burca for a funny, frank and refreshingly open conversation about desire, kink, curiosity and learning what actually turns you on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The eight-time bride: rewriting marriage on your own terms
What if marriage didn’t have to follow the script? This week on Just Between Us, Jennifer Zamparelli is joined by Taryn DeVere, a woman who’s married the same partner eight times - not out of chaos, but out of choice. Together, they talk about rewriting the rules of marriage, recommitting as people change, and why love doesn’t have to look conventional to be deeply real. See omnystudio.com/listene
Hidden tales from the Monto: Dublin’s hidden notorious red-light district
A special Christmas Day episode with friend of the show Dr Caroline West and Indo Daily host Kevin Doyle, digging into one of Dublin’s darkest and most fascinating chapters: the Monto, once Europe’s most infamous red-light district. Expect forgotten history, surprising humanity, and the stories that were almost erased. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Erectile dysfunction and the shame that keeps men silent
Welcome to Just Between Us, the sex and relationships podcast from the Irish Independent, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. This week, Jennifer is joined by Bobby McQuaid, a new dad who spent years struggling in silence with erectile dysfunction and the shame that came with it. Bobby opens up about the pressure young men feel, how ED affected his relationships, and the long road to getting the right
'Sex shouldn’t end when he does' – Alix Fox on equality in the bedroom
Welcome to Just Between Us, the sex and relationships podcast from the Irish Independent, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. We’ve all heard about the wage gap – but what about the orgasm gap? This week, Jennifer is joined by writer, broadcaster and Sex Education script consultant Alix Fox to talk about why straight men are still having more orgasms than straight women, and how sex toys, better conver
“Your gut is everything” – Kate Brayden on cheating, betrayal and beginning again
Welcome to Just Between Us, the sex and relationships podcast from the Irish Independent, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. When someone cheats on you, it can feel like your whole world falls apart — but can it also crack something open that needed to change? Jennifer is joined by journalist Kate Brayden, who has been through infidelity twice, to talk shame, silence, second chances, and why trusting
“Lube isn’t kinky, it’s helpful” – Laura Dowling on having better sex
This week, Jennifer is joined by pharmacist and author Laura Dowling to talk vulvas, vaginas and everything we were never taught about women’s sexual health – from pubic hair and “feminine freshness” myths to lube, menopause, prolapse and the power of finally finding your own pleasure. Just Between Us is an Irish Independent podcast hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. New episodes every Thursday, whe
“I made €20k in my first 24 hours on OnlyFans” – Niamh O’Connor on why she walked away
Welcome to Just Between Us, the sex and relationships podcast from the Irish Independent, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. What happens when a 22-year-old starts an OnlyFans and earns life-changing money overnight? Jennifer is joined by Niamh O’Connor (AKA Kneevo), once Ireland’s biggest OnlyFans creator, to talk money, pressure, plastic surgery, stigma, and the moment she chose herself over the gri
How do we get better at riding? – Jen and Dr Caroline West talk sex
We all talk about being our best selves - at work, in the gym, even on social media. But when it comes to sex… that conversation suddenly gets a little awkward, doesn’t it? Today, Jennifer is joined by Irish Independent Columnist Dr Caroline West to talk about what it really means to be your best self sexually. Just Between Us is an Irish Independent podcast hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli. New epis
From jealousy to joy: What really happens at an Irish swingers’ party
Behind closed doors, Ireland’s swingers’ scene is bigger,and bolder than you might think. Jennifer Zamparelli meets Graham, a proud member of the community, who lifts the lid on what really happens at a swingers’ party, how jealousy can turn into joy, and why “ethical non-monogamy” isn’t just about sex. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: Just Between Us with Jennifer Zamparelli
Welcome to the new sex and relationships podcast from the Irish Independent. Here's a flavour of what to expect. New episodes every Thursday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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