julie: nothing to feel shameful about
We can’t make positive change alone—and this belief is at the heart of why we’ve adored connecting with Julie Lou Nielsen, founder of The Female Effect Podcast. Julie is the kind of person who champions others, uplifts those around her, and works tirelessly to move the world forward. She takes complex topics, like sex wellness, and presents them to her audience in a way that feels natural, honest, and unafraid to tackle the tough conversations.
But Julie’s journey hasn’t always been straightforward—she once struggled to find the language for her own desires and intimacy. Through her podcast and the incredible people she’s met along the way, she’s grown, opening her eyes to the transformative importance of sex and pleasure. We hope you’ll listen to her podcast, which you can find here, and make sure to follow her right here.
Hi Julie, could you start by giving us all a bit of insight into who you are and how you're feeling at the moment?
My name is Julie, I’m the host and founder of The Female Effect Podcast. It’s a space that tells the stories of women who are making a positive mark on the world and creating beautiful ripple effects for all other women to mirror themselves in. I want to bring women and our stories together, as there’s a certain magical energy when women come together as allies. That’s the effect I refer to.
Right now me and my partner are expecting our first child - a little boy who’s thriving and growing in my belly. So in all its chaos I’m trying to navigate being a founder and preparing for the most live changing event of my life. It’s a lot, but I’m sure it will all work out just fine
What role has intimacy played in your personal journey, both in relationships and in the way you navigate the world?
At times, I’ve felt resistance, whether from societal norms or my own doubts, but the more I’ve explored, the more I’ve realized how deeply intimacy is tied to self-understanding, confidence, and overall well-being.
It’s played a huge part in shaping how I communicate, how I love, and how I show up in my relationships. Now, as I step into motherhood, I think even more about how I want to pass on a sense of openness and ease around intimacy, because it’s such a fundamental part of being human.
Your podcast, The Female Effect, explores deep and often vulnerable topics. How has discussing intimacy and taboos shaped your own sense of freedom?
In many ways, The Female Effect has given me the language, confidence, and ease to talk about intimacy, pleasure, the body, and my own connection to it all. Through the open and honest conversations I’ve been lucky to have—especially with women who bring so much wisdom on topics like intimate health, pleasure, self-care, and the female biology—I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how our relationship with ourselves and our bodies directly impacts our mental well-being. Naturally, that’s shaped my own sense of freedom, exploration, and connection to my sexuality.
Why do you think certain aspects of intimacy are still considered taboo, even in today's more open society
Female pleasure, and anything that challenges the dominant patriarchal view of sex as purely reproductive or centered on male satisfaction, has been suppressed for so long. Even pop culture has reinforced these ideas for decades, shaping the way so many of us perceive intimacy without even realizing it. Only now are we starting to see a shift, with pop culture and the market diversifying the way intimacy is represented. But I think sadly it’ll still take generations before we fully break free from these stigmas.
Have you ever felt resistance—either internally or from others—when opening up about these topics? How do you move through that?
For sure - especially at the start of my podcasting journey. I was so nervous and constantly second-guessing myself whenever I released episodes about intimacy, pleasure, or sexuality. But once I threw myself into it and kept learning, I became fascinated by the fact that we don’t talk about this more. And even more so by how it’s still considered “controversial” by so many people and companies.
What’s wild is that in many ancient cultures, pleasure and sex were deeply ingrained parts of life. Who decided sex should be taboo? And when? (Which is exactly why I love sitre and the amazing women behind it.)
How has your sense of intimacy changed throughout your life?
In my early life, I think I was a quite free kid—I’ve always hugged and been close to my parents, siblings, and friends. Touch was a big part of how I showed affection. But as I moved into my teenage years, intimacy and romance became harder to navigate, which distorted that lightness around intimacy a bit. Now, as an adult and soon-to-be mom, I think a lot about how I’ll guide my son in navigating intimacy in a natural way throughout his life.
What are some of the most surprising or eye-opening insights you've gained along the way?
That there’s nothing wrong with me. My desire and pleasure are natural, and they’re deeply connected to my overall mental and physical health. They’re not something to feel shame about.
And also, realizing just how much of what we’ve been taught about pleasure has been shaped by men, with men in mind, not the other way around.
How do you personally create a safe space for conversations that might feel vulnerable or uncomfortable?
I’m still working on this 100%. But being gentle, encouraging and nonjudgmental goes the longest way. Be wise enough to know when you are projecting your own limiting beliefs or internalized stigma onto your partner, and catch yourself in the act before you do.
Many people struggle to open up to their partners about intimacy. What is one tip you would give someone who wants to start that conversation but doesn't know how?
I love this question. I have these conversations all the time because so many people still struggle with this—including me at times. If you’re in a relationship and either feel further along in your explorative journey or still find it hard to break free from stereotypes, the key is to decide to be open-minded. You can’t have open, non-judgmental conversations with your partner if you’re not ready to approach them with curiosity and patience. Creating a safe space is everything, and from there, it’s about allowing yourself to take your time. Our sexual needs and desires aren’t static, they evolve over time, and that’s completely okay. Be gentle with yourself and your partner in that process.
shop sitre
sitre’s sex wellness products bring an honest, inclusive and mindful take on intimacy.