Together Real Bad

In this episode of Together Real Bad, we’re bringing back one of our favorite formats with 21 Questions Reloaded—but this time, we’re talking intimacy. Not the loud, off-the-wall version. The real version. We get into what intimacy looks like when you’re building a life together, juggling work, stress, responsibilities, and still trying to stay connected. We talk about feeling desired, how differently we each communicate what we want, why emotional safety matters just as much as physical attraction, and what happens when life starts pushing intimacy to the back burner. This episode is honest, funny, a little awkward, and very us. If you’ve ever loved your partner deeply but still struggled to find the time, energy, or words for intimacy, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we talk about: What makes each of us feel desired Why intimacy often starts outside the bedroom The non-sexual things that can turn your partner on How stress, distractions, and everyday life affect connection Why asking for what you want can feel harder than it sounds Sexual reassurance in a relationship What emotional safety looks like in intimacy Respecting “not tonight” in a healthy partnership How communication shapes closeness over time We also share a little bit of date night, some real-life relationship banter, and the kind of transparency y’all have come to expect from us. This is one of those episodes that reminds us intimacy is not just about sex. It’s about trust, timing, vulnerability, comfort, and being willing to learn your partner again and again. Black Business Spotlight:This episode’s Black Business Spotlight highlights Jetible a Black-owned cannabis brand. Listen, share, and let us know:What makes you feel most desired in your relationship?Does intimacy start outside the bedroom for you too?

In this episode of Together Real Bad, we get real about personal hygiene in relationships — the funny parts, the awkward parts, and the honest conversations couples do not always know how to have. We talk about everything from body odor, sweating, deodorant, oral hygiene, and grooming habits to the bigger question of what it really means to be comfortable with your partner.  We also dig into how hygiene issues are not always just about cleanliness. Sometimes they can point to stress, burnout, depression, or something deeper going on emotionally. We discuss the importance of approaching these conversations with honesty, care, and compassion instead of judgment.  This episode also gets very real about the everyday things couples eventually have to face if they are building something lasting: farting, showering together, being on your period, grooming changes, and learning to accept each other as full human beings instead of polished versions of ourselves. It is funny, transparent, and very much us.    We also spotlight a Black-owned streetwear brand, Made It Through the Struggle (MITTS 217), and share a little love for the story behind the brand.    What we talk about in this episode: How to bring up hygiene issues in a relationship The difference between normal body funk and a real hygiene concern Oral hygiene, deodorant, and grooming habits When hygiene issues may be connected to mental health Flatulence, periods, and body acceptance in relationships Why comfort and transparency matter in long-term love A Black business spotlight you should check out    Closing thought:Real intimacy is not just about attraction — it is also about acceptance, honesty, and being able to handle the unglamorous parts of being human together.

In this episode, we talk about boundaries within relationships—how to say no without guilt, how to stop being passive when you really mean “no,” and how to build emotional safety so honesty doesn’t feel like rejection. We break down real-life examples (intimacy + tiredness, overwhelm and household tasks, going out boundaries), and how past relationship experiences can shape how you communicate today. We also touch on therapy, processing vs blurting, and why boundaries get clearer as you grow.    

We just finished our grand opening and it really wore us out, so we’re taking this week to recover and get reorganized.We’ll return with a new episode next Tuesday. Thanks for your patience — have a good week!

Welcome back to Together Real Bad—your Chicago-based WLW relationship podcast where we keep it real about love, life, and building together. This episode is a full life update: our Denver birthday trip (food, scooters, and a first-ever NFL game) Trying snowboarding at Winter Park (humbling, hilarious, and painful in the right ways) navigating grief and family reality after a sudden loss and why we’re locking in on boundaries so we don’t lose us in the middle of business. And yes—BIG NEWS: we’re officially opening our studio and throwing our Jem Junkies Grand Opening on February 7 at Lacuna by Catalyst (2150 S Canalport Ave) with an open studio, vendors, raffles, and a super-limited beginner grill-making class. Content note: This episode includes discussion of grief and death.   Grand Opening Quick Info (add to notes) Date: February 7 Location: Lacuna by Catalyst, 2150 S Canalport Ave, Chicago Open Studio: 1–4 PM (walk-ins + appointments) Jan 2026 Trans First 5 guests: free single tooth gem Jan 2026 Trans Evening event: ~5:30–8:30 PM + vendors + raffles  Beginner grill-making class: limited small groups; free for grand opening only    If you rocked with this episode: follow, rate, and write a review (it helps WLW/LGBTQ podcasts get surfaced). And send this to a friend who’s balancing love + life + big dreams.