What would you learn if you sat down with every person you’ve ever loved—and listened?
On this sex positive episode, Miriam Katz joins Jennifer Norman to share the story behind her podcast, Ex Appeal, where she courageously interviews every former romantic partner, from her very first fifth-grade date to one-night stands and significant loves. Miriam highlights how approaching our past without shame—whether in private, but especially out loud—opens the way for both closure and reconnection. She shares the surprising power that comes from hearing the other side of a story, owning your complicated truths, and making peace with the chapters that shaped you.
This episode dials up vulnerability, playfulness, and the courage to be seen—even when the conversation isn’t easy. It's also a reminder that our most awkward, intimate, and even brief relationships are worthy of honor because they teach us who we are at our most sensitive.
We also discuss Miriam Katz's work as a public speaking coach, highlighting how embracing your unique story (mistakes and all) can transform how you show up in every aspect of your life.
If you’ve ever longed for closure, deeper self-compassion, or to build more honest connections in your world, this conversation is for you.
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Miriam's Links:
Ex Appeal Podcast https://www.exappealpodcast.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theexappealpodcast
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@exappeal
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@exappeal
Website https://www.miriamkatz.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-katz-b53ba828b/
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to The Human Beauty Movement Podcast: Turning Curiosity Into Courage
00:49 - Meet Miriam Katz: Creator of Ex Appeal & Her Daring Love Experiment
01:29 - Interviewing Every Ex: What Sparked Miriam’s Radical Podcast Journey
02:58 - The Weight of Past Relationships & the Drive to Heal
04:40 - Creating Space for Sadness: The Road Trip Inspiration Behind Ex Appeal
05:39 - Vulnerability, Humor & Intimacy: Lessons from Talking to Exes
07:02 - Why Recording Conversations Unlocks Deeper Truths
08:51 - The Fear & Surprise of Contacting Former Loves
10:15 - From a 5th Grade Date to Performers & Rabbis: Miriam’s Eclectic Ex List
12:17 - Embracing Complexity: Seeing Ourselves Honestly In Relationships
14:14 - Growth, Closure & Connection: Healing Old Wounds Through Conversation
15:57 - Reconnecting With Significant Exes After Years Apart
17:22 - Making the List: Remembering Every Past Flame
20:12 - Are There Through Lines? Insights & Surprises from Miriam’s Romantic Past
21:35 - Strippers, Cult Leaders, & One-Night Stands: Big Characters, Big Lessons
23:01 - Revisiting Each Story—From Hookup to Healing Discussion
24:13 - Honoring Every Moment: Bringing Humanity Back to Hookup Culture
25:27 - The Unexpected Gifts: Appreciation, Love, and Saying Goodbye
27:27 - When Closure Means Moving On: Gaining Clarity with Exes
29:07 - Power Dynamics, Responsibility & Learning From Past Mistakes
30:36 - How These Conversations Shape Miriam’s Future Relationships
31:05 - Miriam’s Partner Reacts: Supporting The Ex Appeal Project
31:51 - What Interviewing All Her Exes Taught Miriam About Love
32:23 - Expanding the Definition: Different Ways to Love and Connect
33:38 - Why Connection & Gratitude Matter More Than Ever
34:33 - The Power of Sitting Together: Honoring Stories In Person
35:01 - Dealing With Critics: Why Miriam Embraces Being Polarizing
37:00 - Listeners’ Transformations: Eye-Opening Lessons About Intimacy
38:05 - Shifting Perspective: From Sex Addiction to Intimacy Disorders
39:21 - How Inner Child Work & Playful Communication Empower Authentic Speaking
41:19 - Vulnerability on Stage: Bridging Podcasting & Public Speaking
42:34 - Top Tips for Overcoming Public Speaking Fear & Owning Your Story
43:46 - Why Imperfection Connects Us: Miriam’s Practical Performance Rituals
44:28 - Turning Nerves Into Power: Performance Advice for Real Life
45:52 - The Three Truths: Miriam’s Beautiful Philosophy on Love and Humanity
46:36 - Where to Find Ex Appeal & Miriam’s Public Speaking Coaching
47:18 - Reflections: What Have Past Relationships Taught You?
48:39 - Join the Movement: Keep Making Room for Your Own Humanity
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