THE datingsexual trauma, pelvic health, desire: all the subjects are relevant for Rozi Bertrand and Andrée Bouffard, the hosts ofSex AperitifWith their podcast series, the two best friends, professionals in sexology, discuss sexuality and their own experiences on the microphone.
The idea germinated at the start of their bachelor’s degree in sexology at UQAM in 2020. The two new friends were doing study sessions on Zoom that turned into discussions about their own lives. “We would chat and say, ‘We should record our conversations,’” Andrée says. “It’s a bit full of ourselves, but we embrace it,” she laughs. “We’ve acquired tools through our conversations and our studies that should be accessible and have some value.”
During their training, the two young women, aged 24 and 25, first created a sex education page on Instagram. The podcast series came to fruition in 2023 once the two had graduated.
Confidences to help others
Rozi and Andrée decided to reveal themselves in Sex AperitifIn the episodes entitled “Girl talk”, the two friends discuss several themes that affect them: their breakups, being single, their romantic relationships.
People have access to our personal lives, our sex lives, our life datingThey ask us if it bothers us, but we are ready to share all this if it can help people.
Rozi Bertrand, co-host ofSex Aperitif
The two hosts do a lot of research beforehand, they explain. “People listen to you for real and can take your advice at face value,” Rozi emphasizes. “We wanted to find the right balance between giving information based on our experiences and something more academic.” And the bet is successful. The two hosts, who will soon have recorded 60 episodes, also welcome guests who push their thinking even further. They notably discussed with Francis Dupuis-Déri, professor of political science at UQAM, the relationship between men and feminist movements and with Rose Boucher, executive director of At Foufounes (a clinic for mental, sexual and social health), victimology and mental health.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
The hosts of the podcast series Sex AperitifAndrée Bouffard (left) and Rozi Bertrand
“We have so much positive feedback and testimonials from people who say: ‘You helped me so much to assert myself as a bisexual person, as a queer person, to have my first sexual relationship’, ‘You helped me to leave my boyfriend, to realize that I was in a toxic relationship'”, lists Rozi.
Our podcast series allows people to think about topics they might not have thought about.
Andrée Bouffard, co-host ofSex Aperitif
Their audience is mainly between 18 and 35 years old – “we talk a lot about datingso it affects those who are starting a sexual and relationship life,” says Rozi – even if they are aimed at everyone.
The two young women are also successful on Instagram, where they often post humorous and playful content, another way for them to reach their audience. “Since we figured out how not to be censored, we’ve gained 20,000 subscribers in four months,” says Rozi. But they prefer to express themselves in their podcast series, which will be in its third season in the fall.
Another new feature in the fall is a card game with questions about sexuality. “Before sex toys, I highly recommend trivia games,” suggests Rozi. The hosts often use these games to open up conversations during the podcast series… and even in date. There will be three versions, one to play with friends, another to take out on dates and one to have fun with your partner. “Just one question is enough to learn more about someone and their desires,” Andrée emphasizes.
Listen to the podcast series Sex Aperitif
Two episodes that Rozi and Andrée recommend
NOTo 52 – Let’s talk about sex with Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin
The hosts welcomed the actress to talk about sex education and parenting. But they quickly discussed everything: masturbation, healthy or toxic relationships, etc. “It was such a great conversation, we had prepared guidelines, but it got out of hand, we could have chatted for hours with her,” explains Rozi.
Listen to the episode
NOTo 23 – At the heart of desire
“I have no choice but to name this episode,” Andrée concedes, because it can affect everyone. Gap of desire in relationships, fluctuations of desire, the hosts explain and demystify the subject, while sharing personal anecdotes.
Listen to the episode
Other Quebec podcast series on sexuality
PHOTO TAKEN FROM FACEBOOK
The animators of Oral sexJoanie Grenier and Lysandre Nadeau
Oral sex
The podcast series Oral sexhosted by Lysandre Nadeau and Joanie Grenier, is a reference in Quebec in terms of podcast series that talk about sexuality. It has twice been voted “Balado de l’année” at the Gala Influence Création, and is even among the most listened to French-language podcast series in Canada. Over the course of almost 200 episodes, the two hosts discuss sexuality from various angles. The topics are educational, entertaining, and sometimes raw. The hosts, and their guests, are not afraid to reveal themselves to break down prejudices and taboos.
PHOTO TAKEN FROM FACEBOOK
The animators ofWhat are you enjoying?Justin Roy and Laima Abouraja Gérald
What are you enjoying?
Le Club Sexu, a media and studio specializing in positive and inclusive sexuality, is in its fourth season of its podcast series What are you enjoying?Hosted by Laïma Abouraja Gérald and Justin Roy, the series focuses on a theme related to sexuality per episode, sparking discussions, reflections and laughter. Gaydarnew parenthood, anal pleasure: the subjects are addressed head-on with the invited people.
Terms to know
Situationship
“It’s a non-committal relationship, but it often feels like you’re committed,” Rozi says. For example, your situationship comes to your family Christmas dinner, but you’re not a couple. “Underneath that is manipulation,” she explains. “Someone is holding the big end of the stick and giving you just enough to keep you around, but not enough to make you happy in the relationship.”
Vanilla sex
“It’s a sexuality that revolves around very conventional social scripts, so what we see in series and films,” illustrates Rozi. The stages are known to all, explains Andrée: “it’s flirting, “foreplay,” penetration and often, it’s male pleasure.” “We don’t want to devalue vanilla sexuality,” indicates Rozi. “It’s just that it’s often an eroticism imposed when you’re young.”
Breadcrumbing
“It is a manipulation technique, often unconscious, that we see in dating »says Rozi. “You give little crumbs of attention to someone, but not enough to establish a healthy relationship,” says Andrée.