Dr Tara on Intimacy, Ethical Non-Monogamy & AI Partners | The Pieces with Bimini
International sexologist and professor Dr. Tara well known as the relationship expert on Celebs Go Dating joins queer cultural icon Bimini on The Pieces podcast for an unapologetically sex-positive conversation that spans first-date sex, ethical non-monogamy, censorship, and how Gen Z’s fluidity is reshaping modern relationships. Check out the episode on YouTube and Spotify.
The episode blends humour with hard-hitting insights, offering listeners practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to approach intimacy. Together, Dr. Tara and Bimini dismantle shame-based narratives and highlight the importance of curiosity, consent, and education in building healthier connections.
On the subject of first-date sex, Dr. Tara draws a distinction between the “sexual restraint model” (waiting a certain number of dates) and the “sexual compatibility model,” which favours exploring chemistry early. She sides firmly with compatibility, noting:
“The ‘wait three dates’ rule is arbitrary. If there’s real connection, exploring compatibility early can save everyone time and unlock honesty from day one.”
Dr. Tara also clarifies the landscape of non-monogamous practices, from ethical non-monogamy (the umbrella term grounded in consent and communication), to open relationships, to polyamory in its many forms. She emphasises that clear definitions help individuals find what works for them without judgement.
Technology is another topic the pair tackle head-on. Dr. Tara reframes porn, dating apps, and even AI companions as potential tools for intimacy:
“Tech is like any substance you can abuse it or use it intentionally. AI companions, porn, and apps can actually support couples, provided it’s mindful, consensual, and aligned with your values.”
The discussion also touches on censorship, with Dr. Tara highlighting how platform restrictions often silence credible sex education while amplifying harmful rhetoric. Both stress the importance of following sex-positive educators and accessing reliable resources to reduce shame and empower individuals.
Perhaps most importantly, the conversation normalises the reality of mismatched desire. For Dr. Tara, communication is the only solution:
“There is no sexual liberation without communication. Education reduces uncertainty, and once uncertainty drops, confidence and consent rise. That’s the pathway to better sex and better relationships.”
Bimini sums up the spirit of the episode perfectly:
“So many of us were taught shame before we were taught pleasure. Conversations like this help people replace secrecy with consent, curiosity, and joy.”
The episode comes as the current series of Celebs Go Dating heads towards its finale, which airs this week.