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Faking It with Ariel and Morgan

Ariel Leigh Cohen & Morgan Smith

Two intimacy coordinators reveal what actually happens behind the scenes of film and TV's most iconic intimate moments.

We're Ariel and Morgan, two professional intimacy coordinators who choreograph sex scenes for film and TV. We pull back the curtain on how intimacy is really made—from the awkward logistics to the craft that makes it look effortless.

On Faking It, we break down:

Heated Rivalry: the back arch, the bed share, and why good gay sex wins over hockey
The hottest no-contact scene in cinema history (Secretary)
Why Brokeback Mountain's tent scene needed more lube
The invisible Buffy sex scene that required flawless pantomime
Barbarella's orgasm machine
PEN15's honest depiction of teenage arousal

Get behind-the-scenes secrets, absurd Hollywood stories, real talk about love and sex, and a front-row seat to the art of pretending.

New episodes every week. Subscribe now so you don't miss the next breakdown.

Catch us on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and all podcast platforms.

Follow us
Instagram & TikTok: @FakingItThePod
Patreon: bonus episodes and scene requests
Website: FakingItThePod.com

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S1 · E24
August 26 · 37 min
PLAYBACK: Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1
We're on vacation, but this episode was too good to stay in the vault. We're revisiting our breakdown of Edward and Bella's unforgettable Twilight scenes, from that infamous meadow moment to the wedding night, the honeymoon, and all the continuity questions that still keep us up at night. Two intimacy coordinators unpack why these scenes work so well emotionally, where the choreography gets… questionable, and why Twilight manages to make everything feel simultaneously incredibly romantic and deeply complicated. Watch along: Honeymoon scene: Full scene covered in episode Did Twilight redefine the teen romance genre, or are we all just overlooking some truly wild vampire-human logistics? #Playback #Twilight #EdwardAndBella #TeamEdward #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown #TwilightAnalysis Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E25
August 12 · 38 min
Fifty Shades of Grey [PLAYBACK]
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sex scenes in Fifty Shades of Grey and explain what the film gets wrong about BDSM. In their PLAYBACK series, the cohosts revisit two fan-favorite episodes from The Hoa Hoa Universe while Ariel and Morgan take their summer break. They’ll be back in September with new episodes of Faking It. Ariel and Morgan break down the infamous first Red Room scene. What was supposed to be mainstream BDSM became basically vanilla, questionable choreography, and music doing the heavy lifting. In this episode: Why the Red Room reads more like spectacle than negotiated intimacy How the film confuses dominance with control and intensity with compatibility How music, montage, and production design work overtime to create heat that isn't really there What a more grounded, informed, and sexier version of this scene could have looked like Why Christian Grey is a disappointing Dom and lover A filmmaker's lens on consent and power dynamics This episode isn't about kink-shaming. It's about unpacking why a movie that centered BDSM failed to show how consent, agency, and erotic tension actually function in practice. It's part critique, part craft analysis, and part public service announcement for anyone who thinks vibes count as communication. Watch along timestamp: Red Room scene: 1:22:10 – 1:29:34 Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) | Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson | Focus Features Hashtags #FiftyShadesOfGrey #BDSM #RedRoom #IntimacyCoordinator #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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July 29 · 40 min
Off Campus: The Greenest Green Flag in TV?
Consent can be hot. Who knew? (Us. We knew.) In this episode, two intimacy coordinators break down the sex and relationship scenes in Off Campus — and ask whether it's really the greenest green flag on TV. What starts as a classic hockey romance somehow turns into one of the healthiest, hottest conversations about intimacy we've seen on screen. Together, they discuss why this scene works so well, how consent builds chemistry instead of killing it, and why emotional safety might actually be the sexiest thing a character can bring to the bedroom. In this episode: How Off Campus approaches sex after sexual assault experiences Why awkward and silly can be incredibly sexy The filmmaking choices that sell emotional intimacy Ariel's very STRONG opinions about the show's nudity choices Three completely ridiculous ways we'd ruin the scene When foreplay becomes... fiveplay? Sixplay? Plus, they kick things off with a spicy industry rant about fake intimacy coordinators, why proper training matters, and why "straight to penetraysh" is almost always the wrong answer. Scene discussed: Off Campus Season 1, Episode 4 ("The Breakup"), approximately 13:34–21:05. Credits Off Campus (Season 1, Episode 4: "The Breakup") | Based on the novels by Elle Kennedy | Created by Louisa Levy | Showrunners: Gina Fattore & Louisa Levy | Directed by Samantha Bailey | Intimacy Coordinator: Katherine Kadler | Starring Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli Hashtags #OffCampus #RomanceTV #IntimacyCoordinator #BehindTheScenes #TVBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E22
July 15 · 41 min
Obsession (2025): The Horror of Non-Consent | Intimacy & Stunt Coordinator Jen Albert
Intimacy coordinators Ariel and Morgan are joined by Obsession's own intimacy and stunt coordinator Jen Albert to break down the 2025 horror film's most disturbing intimacy, violence, and non-consent scenes. Together, they explore how Obsession evolved from script to screen, where the line between stunt coordination and intimacy coordination begins and ends, and why one of the film's most unsettling moments is terrifying without relying on gore. In this episode: Why the infamous bedroom scene is so disturbing How intimacy coordination differs from stunt coordination The theatrical cut vs. the streaming cut Behind-the-scenes stories from filming Obsession Bloody dolls, Sugar glass, and Foam Bricks How actor collaboration and rehearsal shaped the final scenes When horror and intimacy collide Plus, Jen shares what changed from the original script, how the cast approached portraying non-consent, and what really went into filming the movie's iconic brick scene. Scenes discussed: Obsession (2025), approximately 44:46–45:32 and 1:36:56–1:37:24. Subscribe for behind-the-scenes breakdowns of film and television's most iconic intimacy scenes. Credits Obsession (2025) | Written & Directed by Curry Barker | Starring Inde Navarrette, Michael Johnston, Megan Best | Intimacy Coordinated and Stunt Coordinated by Jen Albert Hashtags #Obsession #HorrorMovies #IntimacyCoordinator #StuntCoordinator #FilmPodcast Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E21
July 1 · 52 min
Pose: Directing Intimacy & Queer Love | Co-Creator Steven Canals
Two intimacy coordinators sit down with Pose co-creator Steven Canals to break down how the FX series directed intimacy, queer love, and its groundbreaking sex scenes. They discuss how the scene evolved from script to screen, the challenges of directing intimacy before the role of intimacy coordinator was fully established, and why portraying queer love with tenderness, not spectacle, mattered so deeply. In this episode: The collaborative process between director, actors, and intimacy coordinator Balancing choreography with actor freedom and authenticity How intimacy coordination has evolved over the past decade Why queer intimacy deserves the same emotional depth as any love story The importance of consent, vulnerability, and trust in intimate storytelling A filmmaker's lens on queer intimacy Plus, Steven shares behind-the-scenes stories from making POSE, reflects on the show's lasting cultural impact, and tells us exactly how he'd ruin his own scene if he had to. Scene discussed: POSE Season 2, Episode 8 ("Revelations"), approximately 3:38–5:47. Subscribe for weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits POSE (Season 2, Episode 8: "Revelations") | Creators: Steven Canals, Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy | FX (2019) Hashtags #PoseFX #QueerTV #QueerIntimacy #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E20
June 24 · 24 min
Sense8 Finale: Going Out with a (Cluster) Bang | Sex Scene Breakdown [Bonus]
In this bonus episode, two intimacy coordinators break down the orgy scene from the Sense8 series finale — how it was choreographed and why it remains one of the most ambitious intimacy sequences ever filmed. From choreography and consent practices to lighting, camera movement, and the challenge of coordinating a massive ensemble scene, they break down how the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski created a sequence that feels emotional, sensual, and deeply connected rather than purely explicit. In this episode: Why foreplay matters for the audience, not just the characters The logistics of coordinating large-scale intimacy scenes Boundary-setting techniques, including touch mapping and traffic-light systems Why scenes of this scale require multiple intimacy coordinators The importance of diversity, representation, and body variety in intimate storytelling A filmmaker's lens on ensemble intimacy Then, as always, they hand out their Spice Scale scores before completely ruining the scene with some truly terrible creative notes. Scene discussed: Sense8 finale special, approximately 2:21:00 – 2:26:00. Subscribe for weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Sense8 (Season 2, Episode 12: "Amor Vincit Omnia") | Creators: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, J. Michael Straczynski | Netflix (2018) Hashtags #Sense8 #Wachowski #BehindTheScenes #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E19
June 17 · 38 min
Sense8: The Psychic Orgy | How the Cluster Sex Scenes Got Made
Two intimacy coordinators break down the famous psychic orgy from Sense8 and explain how the cluster sex scene was actually made. From gym workouts and hot tubs to morning cuddles and group intimacy across continents, they're unpacking what makes this sequence so memorable and why it still feels unlike anything else on TV. They get into it all: The surprisingly complicated consent questions that come with sharing other people's experiences The challenge of choreographing a massive multi-location orgy without rehearsal The actor's experiences behind the scenes and how an intimacy coordinator could have helped Plus: German bathhouses, intimacy coordinator wedding hacks, Britney Spears throwbacks, and an extended discussion about what happens if someone in your cluster decides to have sex during your grandmother's funeral. Want to watch along? Their reaction covers the orgy scene in Season 1 Episode 6 (Demons): 32:08-39:32. ----------------------------------------- CREDITS — SENS8 (S1E6 "Demons") Creators: Lana Wachowski; Lilly Wachowski; J. Michael StraczynskiDirectors: Lana Wachowski; Lilly WachowskiWriters: Lana Wachowski; Lilly Wachowski; J. Michael StraczynskiProducers: Grant Hill; J. Michael Straczynski; Lana Wachowski; Lilly Wachowski Actors (featured in discussed scenes): Jamie Clayton; Freema Agyeman; Miguel Ángel Silvestre; Alfonso Herrera; Brian J. Smith; Max Riemelt; Tina Desai; Doona Bae; Tuppence Middleton © 2015 Netflix / Studio JMS / Anarchos Productions / Georgeville Television. All rights reserved. ----------------------------------------- It's Pride Month! Give back to your community this month by donating to some of our favorite organizations: The Trevor Project LA LGBT Center Advocates for Trans Equality Subscribe for weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. #intimacycoordinator #tvbreakdown #behindthescenes #queertv Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E18
June 3 · 34 min
Dicks: The Musical | The Incest Factor Explained
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sex and "incest factor" scenes in Dicks: The Musical and what the film is really doing with them. Megan Thee Stallion. Nathan Lane. Puppet penises. A gay sex scene between twins that somehow becomes a camp masterpiece. The A24 musical is absurd, offensive, and genuinely hilarious. They go behind the scenes that are not safe for work, unless your work is really cool. In this episode: Why unrealistic sex can be funnier than realistic sex Walking 69s and spit takes LGBTQ+ representation on screen Puppet intimacy in theater This episode is for you if: You love A24's weirdest movies You want to hear intimacy coordinators lose their minds You need queer comedy that isn't serious for once Watch along timestamps: Opening scene: 0:50 Sleepover scene: 1:10:00 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of film and TV's wildest intimate scenes. Credits Dicks: The Musical (2023) | Director: Larry Charles | A24 Hashtags #DicksTheMusical #A24 #IntimacyCoordinator #QueerComedy #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E19
May 20 · 43 min
Secretary: What It Gets Right About BDSM | A Sub Is Born
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sex scenes in Secretary and explain what the film gets right — and wrong — about BDSM. Plus, the sexiest no-contact intimate scene in film history. Maggie Gyllenhaal. James Spader. A desk. And a worm that somehow becomes the hottest moment in the movie. Secretary changed how Hollywood talked about kink on screen. But does it hold up? Ariel and Morgan break down the iconic, controversial, and deeply weird BDSM film that people are still arguing about 20 years later. In this episode: • The worm scene — why anticipation and eye contact are sexier than touch • The Peter problem: she's asking for domination. He's giving nothing. • Why "no safe word, no conversation" is doing a LOT of heavy lifting • Kink as emotional connection vs. kink as self-harm replacement • Breath work that deserves awards and hand spasms that steal the show The verdict: No notes. (Okay... some notes.) Watch along timestamps: • Peter scene: 1:08:00 • Worm scene: 1:10:00 • Aftercare/gardening scene: 1:41:00 This video is for you if: • You love cult classics from the early 2000s • You want to understand why Secretary is still discussed • You're curious about BDSM representation on film • You're a fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal or James Spader Subscribe for bi-weekly breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic intimate scenes. Credits Secretary (2002) | Director: Steven Shainberg | Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader | Lionsgate Hashtags #SecretaryMovie #BDSMfilm #IntimacyCoordinator #CultClassic #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E18
May 6 · 39 min
Brokeback Mountain: No Lube, No Warning | Intimacy Breakdown
Two intimacy coordinators break down the intimacy scenes in Brokeback Mountain, from the tent scene to what the choreography leaves unsaid. Brokeback Mountain changed queer representation forever. It also left audiences with a lot of questions about how these scenes actually function. From the infamous first tent scene to the long-awaited reunion, Ariel and Morgan break down what's working, what's not, and why these moments feel so tense without ever fully landing. In this episode: The reality of prep, lubrication, and pacing for anal penetration How tension overtakes intimacy and why that leaves scenes feeling incomplete The difference between awkwardness that serves the story vs awkwardness from unclear choreography How the intimacy goes from zero to 100 and stays there Plus: beans, spit logistics, near broken noses, and a very real conversation about how an intimacy coordinator would approach these scenes today. A storyteller's lens on queer cinema Ariel and Morgan zoom out to talk about Brokeback Mountain's massive cultural impact, the historical context it exists in, and why representation matters, even when the intimacy itself has room for growth. Justice for lube. That's all they're saying. Watch along timestamps: Tent scene: 27:30 Rasslin' scene: 32:51 Reunion scene: 1:03:07 Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Brokeback Mountain (2005) | Director: Ang Lee | Focus Features Hashtags #BrokebackMountain #AngLee #IntimacyCoordinator #QueerCinema #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E17
April 22 · 39 min
PEN15: Hormones Gone Rogue
Two intimacy coordinators break down the painfully awkward sex and puberty scenes in PEN15 and how the show films intimacy with adult actors playing kids. PEN15 (Season 1, Episode 3: "Ojichan") is one of the most honest depictions of first arousal ever put on screen. From the very first moment of "wait... what is happening to my body?" to the full spiral of can't-stop-won't-stop self-discovery, this episode captures the chaos, confusion, and intensity of discovering desire with absolutely no roadmap. In this episode: The painfully accurate portrayal of first arousal: awkward, obsessive, and completely all-consuming Why casting adult actors as teens allows the show to explore this safely without crossing ethical lines How PEN15 captures the feeling of "I must be the only one experiencing this" How shame, secrecy, and silence around sex education shape those early experiences A masterclass in storytelling through cringe It's cringey. It's deeply familiar. And it turns one of the most private human experiences into comedy gold. We break down why this episode works and how it handles adolescent sexuality with both honesty and humor. Watch along timestamps: Maya's first discovery: 0:41 Classroom montage: 4:14 The Closet/Walkman scene: 9:22 Yes, Ariel mispronounced Maya Erskine's last name. We know. We're sorry. We love her. Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most honest intimacy. Credits PEN15 (Season 1, Episode 3: "Ojichan") | Creators: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Sam Zvibleman | Hulu (2019) Hashtags #PEN15 #MayaErskine #AnnaKonkle #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E18
April 8 · 44 min
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Hardcore Vanilla Sex Scenes
Two intimacy coordinators break down the unhinged sex scenes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and what makes them work (or not). The Buffy reboot isn't happening. It's devastating. To soothe their wounds, Ariel and Morgan talk about Buffy and Spike in season 6 — where things are darker, messier, and include a whole lot more property damage. From literally breaking a house down during sex to invisible hookups to whatever is happening on that balcony at The Bronze, they have notes. In this episode: The iconic Buffy/Spike "Smashed" scene: why it's so hot and makes zero sense How the show tries to portray Buffy's rock bottom through sex (and where it succeeds vs. fails) The invisibility scene as a surprisingly perfect example of how simulated sex actually works on set Why the show keeps saying Buffy and Spike are kinky while showing the most vanilla execution imaginable The difference between toxic intimacy and BDSM Plus: pants continuity crimes, mystery penetration logistics, and a full breakdown of Ariel and Morgan's personal histories with Spuffy. A masterclass in storytelling through chaos Ariel and Morgan break down why these scenes still resonate, where they fall short, and what they reveal about Buffy's emotional state. It's a behind the scenes look at one of TV's most iconic toxic relationships. Watch along timestamps: "Smashed" (House scene): 39:39 "Gone" (Invisibility scene): 28:08 "Dead Things" (Balcony scene): 20:25 Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 6) | Created by Joss Whedon | 20th Century Fox Television Hashtags #BuffyTheVampireSlayer #SpikeAndBuffy #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown #BuffyAnalysis Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E17
March 25 · 37 min
Barbarella: Sci-Fi, Striptease & Orgasms Against the Machine
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sci-fi striptease and sex scenes in Barbarella and how 1968's most famous erotic sci-fi film staged them. Full description: Jane Fonda strips out of a spacesuit in zero gravity. Later, she defeats a villain using an orgasm machine. Yes. Really. Barbarella (1968) is one of the most bizarre and brazen films of a generation. Ariel and Morgan break down how the cult classic uses erotic spectacle, camp, and absurdity to create scenes that are wildly objectifying and oddly revolutionary for their time. In this episode: How the zero-gravity striptease opening uses choreography, framing, and floating credits to tease and shock the audience Why the "Excessive Machine" scene was extremely bold for mainstream cinema in 1968 The weaponization of pleasure Why early Hollywood treated sex as visual spectacle first and human experience second A filmmaker's lens on 1960s sci-fi spectacle Ariel and Morgan break down what Barbarella got right, what it got wrong, and why it's still iconic. It's campy. It's chaotic. And it's worth studying through an intimacy coordinator's lens. Watch along timestamps: Opening striptease: 0:00 Excessive Machine scene: 1:15:00 Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Barbarella (1968) | Director: Roger Vadim | Paramount Pictures Hashtags #Barbarella #JaneFonda #IntimacyCoordinator #CultClassic #SciFiMovies Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E16
March 11 · 41 min
Booksmart: Diving Into Intimacy with Brooke M. Haney
Two intimacy coordinators are joined by Brooke M. Haney to break down the intimacy and sex scenes in Booksmart. Olivia Wilde's directorial debut proves awkward queer intimacy doesn't need to be polished to be powerful. This one's about awkward first times. Skinny jeans. Bad geometry. Zero game. In this episode: Why awkward intimacy can still be choreographed and is not an excuse to skip process The storytelling power of wardrobe choices, body language, and the messy logistics of skinny jeans and Converses Why representation of imperfect queer intimacy matters when so many people learn about sex from movies The real production challenges of filming intimacy on beaches, in pools, and under rapidly disappearing sunlight A storyteller's lens on queer intimacy Ariel and Morgan get into shop talk: kit items, choreography language, and what it actually takes to make awkward intimacy read as tender rather than cringe. Guest: Brooke M. Haney Buy her book: A History of Intimacy Professionals in Entertainment Buy her book: The Intimacy Coordinator's Guidebook Listen to Ariel and Morgan guest on the podcast Happier in Hollywood Watch along timestamps: Pool sequence: 1:04:00 Bathroom hookup scene: 1:14:42 – 1:18:00 Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Booksmart (2019) | Director: Olivia Wilde | Annapurna Pictures / Gloria Sanchez Productions Hashtags #Booksmart #IntimacyCoordinator #queerrepresentation #queerintimacy #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E15
February 25 · 36 min
Insecure: The Sex Scenes Have Range | From Nightmare to Nirvana
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sex scenes in Insecure and why the show's intimacy has real range. Morgan introduces Ariel (who has never seen the show) to two wildly different intimacy moments from Season 4: one jealousy-fueled nightmare fantasy and one slow-burn reunion that might be one of the most emotionally satisfying TV hookups ever. In this episode: How a comedic sex scene can be intentionally not realistic — and why it works The universality of the phrase, "pop the tags" The crackling eye contact, breath work, and micro-choices that make Issa and Lawrence's reunion explode Tender Black love on screen and why we don't see enough of it The position change that tells you exactly who's in control A masterclass in storytelling through intimacy This episode is funny, nerdy, and unexpectedly emotional. It's a perfect example of how a show can pull off slapstick fantasy and deeply romantic intimacy in the same breath. We also discuss the role of the intimacy coordinator on set and they may have approached the show's intimate moments. Watch along timestamps: Season 4, Episode 4 (Lowkey Feelin' Myself): 11:53 Season 4, Episode 8 (Lowkey Happy): 25:17 Subscribe for weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Insecure (Season 4) | Creators: Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore | HBO Hashtags #InsecureHBO #IssaRae #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown #BlackLove Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E14
February 11 · 40 min
Heated Rivalry: Queer Joy & The Craft of Intimacy with Chala Hunter
Two intimacy coordinators are joined by Heated Rivalry's intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter to break down the show's queer sex scenes, the craft behind them, and finding joy in the work. From her early days of learning the job during #MeToo to stepping onto a set packed with choreography and high emotional stakes, Chala pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build intimacy that feels grounded, safe, and electric. In this episode: How she found her way into intimacy coordination when the field was still being defined Why she prioritizes trust, play, and actor agency over rigid choreography How Heated Rivalry balanced tenderness, heat, and authenticity without losing its heart Why representation doesn't have to feel "authentic to everyone" to still be meaningful What happens when three intimacy coordinators get together and the nerding starts before the mics are even warm A behind the scenes look at the craft It's insightful, funny, incredibly revealing, and a rare behind the scenes look at the craft from someone doing the work at the highest level. This one feels like a milestone episode. Watch along timestamps: Episode 4 (Rose): 21:07 – 24:29 Episode 6 (The Cottage): 20:15 – 22:37 and 32:34 – 33:27 Subscribe for weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Heated Rivalry | Director: Jacob Tierney | Crave Hashtags #HeatedRivalry #IlyaRosanov #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown #Hollanov Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E13
February 4 · 32 min
She's Gotta Have It: Church, But Make It Gay
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sex scenes in She's Gotta Have It and why the show feels like a religious experience. Full description: Some shows open quietly. Season 2 of She's Gotta Have It opens with a bang — literally. Ariel and Morgan break down the iconic simulated sex montage from Season 2, Episode 1, focusing on how lighting, space, and who's in control radically reshape how intimacy is experienced and understood onscreen. In this episode: How Spike Lee uses daylight vs candlelight to reflect different emotional states Why this scene feels devotional rather than voyeuristic How Nola's relationship with Opal marks a shift from exploration to embodiment How choreography, hair, and stillness do as much storytelling as movement Why this scene quietly sets a new bar for how queer Black intimacy is filmed on television A filmmaker's lens on queer intimacy Ariel and Morgan also discuss the evolution from the 1986 film to the Netflix series, what it means to reclaim Nola Darling's story through a more expansive lens, and why sexually liberated queer Black women are still so rarely given this level of care onscreen. It's reverent, gorgeous, deeply nerdy, and a reminder that intimacy doesn't have to escalate to be electric. Watch along timestamps: TV show (Season 2, Episode 1): 1:22:10 – 1:29:34 Movie (1986 original): 39:27 – 40:27 Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits She's Gotta Have It (Season 2, Episode 1: "#IMFEELINGMYFEELINGS") | Director: Spike Lee | Netflix (2019) She's Gotta Have It (1986) | Director: Spike Lee | 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks Hashtags #SheGottaHaveIt #SpikeLee #QueerIntimacy #IntimacyCoordinator #Netflix Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E12
January 21 · 33 min
The Handmaiden: Rewriting Sapphic Sex on Screen
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sapphic sex scenes in The Handmaiden and how the film rewrites queer intimacy on screen. This episode is a love letter to immaculate choreography, devastating eye contact, and enough sapphic tension to power a small city. Ariel and Morgan dive into the two iconic intimacy scenes from Park Chan-wook's The Handmaiden — scenes so explicit, so intentional, and so beautifully constructed that they still feel radical nearly a decade later. In this episode: How the film uses restraint, pacing, and POV to build erotic tension Why a simple hand-grip deserves its own IMDb credit How sapphic sex is framed as joy, discovery, and mutual power, not performance Why this might be one of the best examples of the female gaze in modern cinema A masterclass in storytelling through intimacy Ariel and Morgan also unpack the behind-the-scenes approach to filming the intimacy, the deliberate removal of the male gaze, and why The Handmaiden remains a gold standard for what intimate storytelling can look like when trust and intention lead the way. It's sexy, funny, deeply thoughtful, and a reminder that sometimes the most radical thing a movie can do is let women actually enjoy each other. Watch along timestamps: First scene: 41:47 – 46:56 Second scene: 1:39:53 – 1:44:00 Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits The Handmaiden (2016) | Director: Park Chan-wook | Moho Film / Yong Film Hashtags #TheHandmaiden #ParkChanwook #SapphicCinema #FemaleGaze #IntimacyCoordinator Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E11
January 7 · 38 min
Fifty Shades of Grey: What It Gets Wrong About BDSM
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sex scenes in Fifty Shades of Grey and explain what the film gets wrong about BDSM. Ariel and Morgan are kicking off the new year by breaking down the infamous first Red Room scene. What was supposed to be mainstream BDSM became basically vanilla, questionable choreography, and music doing the heavy lifting. In this episode: Why the Red Room reads more like spectacle than negotiated intimacy How the film confuses dominance with control and intensity with compatibility How music, montage, and production design work overtime to create heat that isn't really there What a more grounded, informed, and sexier version of this scene could have looked like Why Christian Grey is a disappointing Dom and lover A filmmaker's lens on consent and power dynamics This episode isn't about kink-shaming. It's about unpacking why a movie that centered BDSM failed to show how consent, agency, and erotic tension actually function in practice. It's part critique, part craft analysis, and part public service announcement for anyone who thinks vibes count as communication. Watch along timestamp: Red Room scene: 1:22:10 – 1:29:34 Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Credits Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) | Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson | Focus Features Hashtags #FiftyShadesOfGrey #BDSM #RedRoom #IntimacyCoordinator #FilmBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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S1 · E10
Dec 19, 2025 · 31 min
Heated Rivalry: Why It Gets Queer Sex Right [BONUS]
Two intimacy coordinators break down the sex scenes in Heated Rivalry and why the show gets queer intimacy right. In this very special Bonus Episode, Ariel and Morgan dive headfirst into Heated Rivalry, the wildly requested gay hockey romance that dropped on November 28 and immediately set the internet on fire. Based on Rachel Reid's beloved romance novels, the series follows Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two elite professional hockey players whose rivalry turns into a secret, years-long love affair. What starts as a teenage hookup evolves into a deeply emotional, highly physical relationship that unfolds over nearly a decade, on and off the ice. Ariel and Morgan break down multiple intimacy scenes from the first two episodes and unpack why Heated Rivalry feels so different from most male-male sex scenes on TV. In this episode: Why these sex scenes feel unusually realistic, tender, and embodied How athletic bodies move differently and why that matters for choreography The importance of aftercare, communication, and check-ins onscreen What the show gets right about first times, awkward moments, and learning each other's bodies Why queer intimacy is so often shortened and how Heated Rivalry refuses to cut away The now-iconic back arch that has gay Twitter in a chokehold A behind the scenes look at queer intimacy on screen This episode celebrates queer sex that's messy, hot, funny, imperfect, and deeply human. It's all the spice, none of the filler, and a perfect way to close out the year. Watch along timestamps: Episodes 1 & 2: Multiple intimacy scenes covered in episode Subscribe for bi-weekly behind the scenes breakdowns of film and TV's most iconic sex scenes. Support LGBTQ Youth Consider supporting organizations that protect and uplift LGBTQ youth: Trans Lifeline, GLAAD, and Transanta. Even a small donation helps keep queer kids safe, supported, and celebrated. Credits Heated Rivalry | Creator: Jacob Tierney | Crave (2024) | Based on the novels by Rachel Reid Hashtags #HeatedRivalry #Hollanov #IlyaRosanov #IntimacyCoordinator #TVBreakdown Support the show Connect & Support the Show Watch video versions on Spotify and YouTube. Suggest a Scene & Get Bonus Content: Join our Patreon to request scenes and unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Follow Us: Instagram & TikTok @FakingItThePod Website: FakingItThePod.com Theme Song: Faking It by Mike Goetz Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode — subscribe wherever you listen. Love the show? A 5-star rating helps other listeners find us. Stay real, Fakers. For entertainment and educational purposes only. All trademarks and copyrights remain with their respective owners.
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