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**From Banking to Beautiful Moments: A Photographer's Journey of Healing**

Discover how "The Fiddler of Light," a former banker turned photographer and visual artist, transformed personal struggles into powerful artistic expression. After experiencing burnout, Greg found salvation through his camera lens, evolving from train photography to creating intimate portraits that celebrate human vulnerability and beauty, including the art of nude photography.

This episode delves deep into the delicate art of nude photography, exploring how authentic connections and trust create transformative experiences for both photographer and subject, as well as the viewer of the photos. Greg shares compelling insights about cultural differences between European and American approaches to nudity, while emphasizing the crucial distinction between artistic expression and sexuality.

Most powerfully, Greg reveals how photography became his healing tool, helping not only himself but also his subjects embrace self-acceptance and recognize their unique beauty. Through his lens, he's helped individuals with personal struggles, including those battling illness and self-image issues, find new perspectives on their bodies and themselves.

Ready to explore the intersection of art, healing, and human connection? Listen to this powerful episode about finding light in unexpected places.

00:00:00 - Introducing Photographer Greg from Germany
00:01:04 - From Banking to Photography Journey, mental health
00:03:57 - Journey from Burnout to Photography
00:06:36 - Importance of Human Connection in Photography
00:08:44 - Rediscovering Self-Confidence Through Photography
00:10:55 - Creating Beauty Through Photography
00:13:35 - Understanding Nude Photography Motivations
00:15:49 - Nudity vs. Sexuality Debate
00:16:52 - Photography and Nudity in Different Cultures
00:19:22 - Nude Photography and Artistic Boundaries
00:23:49 - Capturing Trust and Inspiration in Photography
00:26:24 - Embracing Sensuality and Self-Love
00:29:29 - Future Aspirations in Photography
00:32:40 - Transformative Journey Through Art
00:37:25 - Support Through Photography and Art

• Greg's transition from an uninteresting, unmotivating banking career to the joys and delights of photography was driven by a personal burnout, illustrating the significant impact of mental health on career choices.
• He emphasizes the critical role of consent and comfort in nude photography, which challenges conventional restrictive views on this artistic genre, and breaks down the taboos of nude pictures while highlighting the artistic beauty and celebratory views of the body as a work of natural art.
• Greg views photography not just as a visual medium, but as a form of communication and connection that promotes self-acceptance and reevaluates societal norms surrounding nudity. Nudity is not always sexual, it can be sensual, and he champions that mantra in his photography work.

Find out more about The Fiddler of Light: https://www.fiddler-of-light.de/

Summary by Cleanvoice.

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Ep 616: Sex on the Beach, Excerpt from The Siren Who Couldn't Sing, An Open Door Erotic Romantasy Tale.

Get book 1, Wingless Hunger, in audiobook: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/winglesshungeraudiobook

Buy the Book The Siren Who Couldn't Sing: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/thesirenwhocouldntsing

Get all four novellas in Deception's Snare: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/deceptionssnare

eBooks are also currently available in Kindle Unlimited (subject to change).

Also available in paperback.

The Open Door Romantasy Continues from Wingless Hunger to The Siren Who Couldn't Sing (book 2 in the series) ... Gabriella finds herself nude on the beach and reaching out for her hero again.

Story blurb:

Gabriella finally found what she was looking for. As a fairy-siren-human, she was with the love of her life, a human male named Leif. Gabriella and Leif settled into a happy life, but everything changes when Gabriella is summoned back to the sea. The siren in her makes her ocean bound journey smooth, that is until an unseen force starts messing with the couple and splits them up. While they feel like powerless pawns in a chess game as their hearts and bodies get wrenched from each other, all they want is their happily ever after, if only the one in power will allow that to happen.

Enjoy book 2 in the Arching Hunger Series, a spicy open-door HEA Romantasy, with explicit intimate scenes, forced proximity, devotion, love, and a shrinking & growing woman. This a relationship driven romance first fantasy saga, where the relationship is topmost.

Tropes:
*Open Door, HEA Spicy Romantasy, spicy erotic romance fiction.
*Lust First, sexuality.
*Forced proximity.
*Shrinking woman, growing woman.
*She needs a hero.
*He's a cinnamon roll.
*The miracle they seek, they don't know all the rules.

Wingless Hunger is a novella, book 1 of 4 in the Arching Hunger series. Enjoy the entertainment of spicy storytelling about relationships and spicy open door erotic romance, romantic fantasy fiction in this audiobook written and narrated by podcast host Ruan Willow, author, podcaster, and audiobook narrator. Support human voices only in audio and buy only human created content. Support humans not automation.

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Season 5, Episode 615: Rediscovering Intimacy: A Journey of Sexual Exploration After 60. Listen to Greg's personal story! Topics include personal stories of:

• intimacy
• sex
• kinks
• male sexual health
• sexual wellness
• male sexuality
• female sexuality
• sensuality
• communication
• personal growth
• rediscovery
• sex and aging
• interactions between a male and female partner in sexual explorations within a relationship

Finding Love and Sexual Liberation After 60

Discover how one man's unexpected connection with a younger partner revolutionized his understanding of intimacy and sexuality in his golden years. Greg's story challenges conventional wisdom about age and desire, proving it's never too late for transformative relationships.

Through candid conversations, Greg shares his journey from a sexually restrictive marriage to embracing open communication and exploration with a new partner. His experience highlights the profound impact of honest dialogue about desires and boundaries, demonstrating how breaking free from societal constraints can lead to unprecedented personal growth.

Key highlights:
- Transitioning from a closed-off marriage to an open, communicative relationship
- Exploring new dimensions of intimacy with a younger partner
- Breaking age-related stereotypes about sexuality
- The importance of honest dialogue about desires and boundaries
- Finding hope and renewal in later-life relationships

This powerful episode offers inspiration and practical insights for anyone questioning their sexual future, regardless of age. Listen now to discover how embracing vulnerability and openness can lead to extraordinary connections at any stage of life.

🎧 Tune in to hear Greg's full story and learn why it's never too late to rewrite your relationship narrative.

Timeline:

00:00:00 - Sexuality After 60: A Personal Journey
00:03:46 - Importance of Open Sexual Communication
00:06:11 - Challenges in Marital Communication
00:08:55 - Exploring New Sexual Experiences
00:10:22 - Exploring Sex Toys Together
00:14:14 - Preparing for Future Relationships
00:17:15 - Discovering Female Sensuality
00:19:00 - Exploring Sensuality and Intimacy
00:22:02 - Overcoming Shame in Relationships
00:25:58 - Exploring Female Sexuality and Orgasms
00:28:40 - Exploring Sexual Boundaries and Preferences
00:30:47 - Exploring New Experiences Together
00:32:23 - Open Communication in Relationships
00:34:20 - Unexpected Honey Experience
00:35:59 - Importance of Communication in Relationships

Summary: Cleanvoice

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Season 5, Episode 613: An Orgasm a Day Keeps the Hunger at Bay, A Cheating Story, Her Refuge, written and narrated by podcast host, author, and narrator Ruan Willow. When Seeing Her Lover is a Refuge to Feeling Alive Again. Erotica fiction where Dana is a lonely woman who is withering away with a thirst for way more than her husband is willing to give her, and when he doesn't even bother to remotely give her what she needs, nor what she deserves, she finds someone who will. Enter Chef George. He makes her feel alive, helps her explore her sexuality, and not only accepts, but glorifies the sexy sexual being that she is. How could something that feels this right be wrong? The answer is...it can't be.

Enjoy this story of about complicated taboo relationships, sexuality, seeking one's needs, the search for feeling alive again, and the forbidden love of a secret lover.

Entertainment arts can come in the form of an erotic romance short story, providing tales that stretch our minds, help us process life, and give us different perspectives to consider, all through the art of storytelling. This can greatly impact our lives.

Takeaways to ponder:

Does this story trigger you? Why? Why not?

Do you identify with any of the characters?

Why do people cheat?

Would you ever decide on trying ethical nonmonogamy in your relationship?

Life is messy, complicated, and convoluted, but ignoring your sexuality surely ends in disaster, low quality of life, and unfulfillment. Don't ignore your sexuality/sexual health/sexual wellness, or that of your partner, that's one of the keys to a successful relationship and a happier life.

Ruan's upcoming release: A Why Choose Dark Romance Novel

Spring Break and Stranded at a Cabin with 8 Men https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/springbreakstrandedcabineightmen

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Ep 612: MMMMMF Excerpt and Embracing Diversity in Fiction: The Healing Power of Sex-Positive Storytelling with Author Emily S. Hurricane. Excerpt from "Choke Hold" written by Emily S. Hurricane, narrated by Ruan Willow.

Guest Bio:

Emily is an east-coast Canadian thirtysomething mom of two gremlins. Her lumbersexual husband doesn’t actually work in lumber anymore, but he still wears the plaid and the beard. As well as authoring, she’s a freelance editor and ghostwriter.

Her books range in genre from Romance and Erotica to Horror and Science Fiction, and everything in between.

When she’s not writing and/or momming, she’s sipping espresso, crocheting, and listening to audiobooks.

You can find Emily and her collected works at emilyshurricane.com

Image painted by Clayton Chandler

Links: Website: www.emilyshurricane.com

Patreon: www.patreon.com/eshurricane

Erotica Substack: hurricaneafterdark.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/eshurricane

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmilySHurricane

X: www.x.com/eshurricane

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@eshurricane

Summary:

Dive into the world of genre-bending storytelling with Canadian author Emily, who fearlessly explores everything from romance to horror, with a special focus on the transformative power of erotic fiction.

Emily opens up about her journey from fan fiction to becoming a multi-genre author, sharing how her diverse reading tastes influence her writing. She candidly discusses navigating the challenges of content censorship while maintaining artistic integrity in the evolving landscape of indie publishing.

The conversation delves into the importance of sex-positive storytelling and the healing potential of erotic literature. Emily's refreshing perspective on writing across genres, coupled with her experiences on various publishing platforms, offers valuable insights for both readers and aspiring authors.

Highlighting the significance of consent and inclusivity in her work, Emily demonstrates how modern erotica can empower readers while breaking down traditional barriers in publishing.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing diverse storytelling, including erotica, smut, spicy short fiction, can serve as a powerful tool for healing and personal empowerment.
• Censorship in traditional publishing is pushing authors to seek creative freedom through platforms like Patreon.
• Inclusivity and open discussions about consent and relationships are essential components in writing and sharing sex-positive narratives.

Don't yuck another's yum!

Shownotes made with the assistance of Cleanvoice ai

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Pulling this hot little narrative scene from the exclusive level to the main podcast so all can enjoy it! Erotic audio, erotic storytelling with a power play role play scenario. Let's get hot with erotic romance! Let's go!

My Daddy Dom dominates me in the morning. It's a tale of dominance and submission which leads to mind-blowing pleasure for us both. Take the ride with us and ride the journey to high climaxing and deliciousness of moaning pleasure sounds. "Helluva way to start the day."

Find more of Ruan's work in the form of erotic books and erotic NSFW audiobooks. Ruan narrates her books and that of other erotic authors. See all the available books here: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/

Enjoy! I take requests at ruanwillow@gmail.com for topics/stories for this exclusive level of the podcast. Send me your request today and I'll do it!

Have a super sexy day...don't forget to come today!

Love ya,
Ruan

Sexual health is a part of your mental health, don't ignore it! Use your body to make natural feel good hormones through climaxing. It's important for your relationship to yourself and those you share your intimate life with to do so. Consider this your 'permission' to indulge in self care... that is if you need permission.. ;) Marinate in your sexuality today and every day! It's so healthy for you! This is a sex-positive podcast because sex IS positive! Consent is sexy! Caring for yourself is positive and sexy.

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FREE erotica and erotic romance stories today through 5/21/25 https://storyoriginapp.com/to/swdynfr

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Ep 609: Behind the Mic: Navigating the World of Erotica and Romance Audiobook Narration with Jeremy Bartelt. The art of seduction and storytelling are essential to erotic audio.

Guest Bio: Jeremy Bartelt is a Sioux City, Iowa based audio engineer, music/audiobook producer, voice artist, sound designer, and composer. He brings a lifetime of classical music study (bass trombone, piano, voice) to his over 25 years of audio engineering and teaching. Learn more: http://2219sound.com/

Summary:

Join Ruan Willow as she dives deep into the world of audiobooks with special guest Jeremy Bartelt, an accomplished narrator and producer of romance and erotica. Jeremy shares his unique journey from music studios to the realm of audiobooks, revealing the challenges and triumphs of narrating steamy scenes and managing the intricacies of sound production. Discover how he navigates the solitary life of an audiobook narrator, the art of character voice development, and the fascinating dynamics of working with authors to bring their stories to life.
From the technical aspects to the creative process behind narrating intimate scenes, Jeremy opens up about the realities of his craft. He also discusses the importance of understanding the author's vision and the nuances of writing for audiobooks, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring narrators and writers alike.

Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with laughter, insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at the audiobook industry!

Timeline:
00:00 - Jeremy Bartelt does narration of audiobooks, romance and erotica
05:34 - He started working in music studios in Chicago and then moved to Minneapolis
10:16 - It takes a long time to edit audio.
13:53 - Almost every time I narrate for myself or others I find errors
18:35 - It's harder to distinguish personalities in audiobooks
18:56 - How did you approach narrating sex scenes in your audiobooks
23:22 - You have to be everything in an audiobook. Like if you're in a play or a movie or a show
25:23 - I hate accents. Yeah, I Don't like them either
29:07 - People have a strong reaction to audiobooks
33:44 - When you're editing audiobooks, you're being hypersensitive
37:32 - It had to be that scene. Like, it couldn't be something else
44:36 - Some authors cannot afford audiobooks
50:53 - You mentioned getting into character for sex scenes. How does the character do it
52:21 - Do you have a favorite genre that you like to narrate
59:20 - Are you expanding into other areas of your career beyond
01:02:01 - Where do you fall in character development versus do we jump right in
01:06:52 - The music side will never leave me.
01:08:52 - So if an erotica author wanted to hire you would they find you on acx
01:15:32 - Dialogue tags can be crucial in an audiobook
01:19:39 - Your publisher is Four Horsemen Publications. What particular genres do they publish

made with the assistance of headliner ai

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Season 5, Episode 608: Wingless Hunger, Chapter 1, Open Door Spicy Romantasy, Naked in the Forest. Gabreilla was naked in the forest when she smelled a man nearby. She used all her sex appeal and her beautiful siren singing voice to draw him in...as a siren-fairy-human, she had special abilities. But what she needed most was his cock. Written by author, podcaster, and narrator Ruan Willow. Enjoy this audio erotica excerpt, focusing on erotic romance.

Book Blurb:

Gabriella can smell men. Which is a good thing since she desperately needs men. It’s not every fairy who also has siren in her, which allows her to use her irresistible singing voice to draw them nearer. Since she can’t leave her invisible cage, this is a very useful talent, especially when it comes to drawing men to her area of the forest. Most men will do, however, they only stay for little while.

When she senses Leif hiking down the path, she experiences the usual growth in her size, which is imperative because if he can’t see her, none of the good stuff will happen. He's different than the other men were, he might just be the solution she seeks. But then there’s also the other paralyzing problem of trying to attain her freedom. All she desires is a happier, less lonely life once again, human sized.

Tropes:
*Open Door, HEA Spicy Romantasy.
*Lust First.
*Forced proximity.
*Shrinking woman, growing woman.
*She needs a hero.
*He's a cinnamon roll.
*The miracle they seek, they don't know all the rules.
*Open sexuality and intimate sexual relationships

Wingless Hunger is a novella, book 1 of 4 in the Arching Hunger series. Get the audiobook: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/winglesshungeraudiobook

Get Deception's Snare, the full novel: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/deceptionssnare

Join for $3.00 a month for access to the full audiobook and ALL the backlog episodes that are padlocked. How do you subscribe? Read below:

Subscription Process:
Join now for access to all the padlocked episodes! Many people have reached out to me about how to access the padlocked episodes once they've signed up, unfortunately I can't respond to fan mail, but I can put some information here. After subscribing, you should have received an email with your Personal RSS Feed. Then take that RSS Feed and subscribe to it through your favorite listening app. Check out this article for those steps .

If you have troubles, you can also email support@buzzsprout.com for further assistance.

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I Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge

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