Help support independent queer media. Get exclusive access to an UNCUT version of this episode with more than 30 extra minutes of stories by joining Fruitbowl’s Patreon community. Learn more at fruitbowlpodcast.com/donate Listen on Apple Podcasts  Listen on Spotify. Note: the descriptions of this episode were altered to avoid censorship by the major podcast platforms.

America’s puritanical roots are never more exposed than they are when the subject of "self-love" is discussed or, more often, avoided by schools and parents. Some religions explicitly discourage it. But when it comes to our coming of age years, coming is often top of mind and a favored topic in the backs of school buses, online chats and locker rooms.  

"Self-love" is an intensely personal experience that can often reveal our sexual preferences producing euphoria as well as deep personal shame.  This episode features stories about "self-love" and the stew of emotions it often conjures up as well as some awkward social situations.

Here's a list of the interviewees whose stories are featured along with links to their original, full interviews.

Cold Open: Sam (S1E1) School yard talk. 

Section 1: "Self-love" as experienced by AFAB interviewees (Assigned Female at Birth). Anders (S2E6), Elliott (S3E11), Isabella (S2E9), Ji (S2E5). Check out my short film, MORE THAN A FEELING. https://vimeo.com/790585520

Section 2: Furry Innovations. Dan (S3E16) Homemade female anatomy; Karilla (S3E15) CD Rack Love.

Section 3: Stuffed Animal Lovin’. Andrew (S4E11) My Little Buddy; RC (S2E8) Teddy Bear.

Section 4: Swimming Pool Jets. Breona (S4E18) Like a little starfish.

Section 5: With a Little Help From Friends. Mike B. (S4E10) Friendly Circle.

Section 6: Puddin’s Cousin. Puddin (S4E9).Section 7: "Self-love" and self-discovery. Adam (S2E3) Bullying, self-acceptance and self-love; Adam T. (S3E20) sometimes the journey is better than the destination.

This episode was edited by Dave Quantic, the creator of Fruitbowl.  Music editing and final mix by Ryan Weadon.

Fruitbowl is produced independently without corporate media infrastructure or full time staff. Every interview is recorded in-person, on location in each interviewee’s home and production expenses including travel, accommodations, equipment rental are paid for out of pocket by Dave Quantic, FRUITBOWL’s creator. 

The only consistent financial support comes from Fruitbowl’s Patreon community. A minimum $5 monthly donation allows patrons early access to episodes, behind the scenes updates and Salad Tosser tier patrons ($10/mo.) receive access to exclusive video content that is not available to the general public. Learn more about how to become a patron at: https://www.fruitbowlpodcast.com/donate

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Fruitbowl’s fruit artwork for Season 5 was created by Nathan Richards of Paperwombat.

The artwork for this episode was created by Alegra Figeroid.