Cam and KarenLee Poter

Cam and KarenLee Poter are the mother/son duo behind the podcast Sex Talk With My Mom. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Kindly introduce yourselves, and tell us about Sex Talk With My Mom.
KLP: Hi! I’m KarenLee Poter, a podcaster, YouTuber, Tik Toker, and author encouraging people to be confident and express themselves. 

Cam: I’m Cam Poter, a 31-yr-old comedian, founder of the sex-positive podcast network, Pleasure Podcasts, and co-host of the podcast Sex Talk With My Mom.

My “sexually-liberated” mom has never had a problem sharing about sex and relationships – two subjects I’ve never fully grasped. Realizing our differences, my mom and I decided to team up to create Sex Talk With My Mom. For the past five years, we’ve had a weekly sex talk that often devolves into a discussion of all the things most people would not want to talk about with their parents. Our aim is to help listeners open up these uncomfortable conversations and offer a laugh along the way.

Cam, do you remember getting the sex talk? How did your mom talk about sex with you when you were younger?
Cam: How could I forget it? It still happens every week. When I was younger, my mom did not mince her words when it came to sex. She’s always been a huge advocate for me having safe, consensual sex. I think this drove me away from having any of it.

How has your podcast made you closer?
KLP: We can talk about any subject and that definitely makes for a close, honest relationship.

Cam: It was never easy for me to talk about anal with my mother. Now it is. Joking aside, our time together has really given me an understanding for how my mom perceives the world. I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to spend my days alongside such a courageous, fun-loving, and optimistic human. At this point, we can finish each other’s sentences (or cut them off).

You both are midwestern, like me, and have fantastic midwestern accents. What is your relationship to your voices?
KLP: Very proud of the Mike Ditka twang

Cam: What accent? 

What do people you date think about the fact that you have a sex podcast?
KLP: I’ve been with my BF for 12 years, he’s numb to it. 😂

Cam: Most people like that I’m close with my mom and not afraid to speak honestly about my personal life...as long as it does not involve them. They also like that the podcast has made me a sex bomb. (jk)

If you (together or individually) were going to start a new podcast, don't worry about the logistics or whether or not anyone would like it, what would it be?
KLP: I’d love to motivate older women to step out of their comfort zones and talk about life, tv, music, astrology and of course SEX. (Required reading: “A Cougar’s Guide To Getting Your Ass Back Out There” & “F*ck Games, Date Cougars,” By KarenLee Poter.)

Cam: A deep dive into the spiritual experiences and practices of the world’s leading meditators, mystics, and seekers.

Tell us about Pleasure Podcasts.
Cam: Pleasure Podcasts is my family of incredible sex podcasters! We’re ten shows with the common goal of opening the conversation around sex and enhancing listeners’ pleasure. Our hosts range from sex educators and therapists to adult filmmakers and storytellers, so we have something for everyone! Also, if your readers are excited about working at the intersection of sex and podcasting, we’re expanding Pleasure Podcasts’ Ad Sales team! Anyone can apply through this job listing!

What's your favorite thing about making the show?
KLP: Laughing uncontrollably - it happens a lot. Also, having a positive impact on our listeners’ lives is definitely one of my favs 

Cam: Oof – I’ll give you the top three: 1) Meeting a smart, sweet, and thoughtful community of Sneaky Freaks from around the world who want to go on this journey with us every week; 2) Exploring uncomfortable topics with the insightful and hilarious guests we bring on the show; 3) LOL-ing all the time with my mama!

What's the most challenging thing about making the show?
KLP: Since Cam handles most of the production, I do a lot of the social media posts. I inevitably screw up something and it’s consistently frustrating.

Cam: The workload: Pre-production, recording, editing, publishing, show notes, marketing, ahhhhh!

What has the show taught you about yourselves?
KLP: Be Honest and fearless. Definitely don’t worry about what your parents' think.

Cam: There are many sides to me, and it’s my choice as to which parts of my personality I’d like to emphasize or expose.

What has the show taught you about the world?
KLP: It’s actually very friendly. I rarely hear any negativity and I believe that most people are wanting to connect.

Cam: We can be scared to discuss topics that we grew up thinking were off-limits or shameful, but when we do talk about them, we can begin to accept ourselves and others for what we value and believe.

What are your listeners like?
KLP: We call our listeners “Sneaky Freaks.” They can be early 20s to late 60s. Some identify with me and some Cam. There’s something for everyone.

Cam: The fricken best! They’re quirky, smart, super thoughtful Sneaky Freaks!

Is it hard to be so open about sex on a podcast? Do you ever share things that you regret?
KLP: Since 2012, I’ve hosted a YouTube channel that started out with a mission to help women get back into dating, and ended up appealing to 18-35 yr old horny guys. Sex is a very big topic with that demographic. I interviewed porn stars, sexologists, and the topics could range from penis size to Cougars (which I redefined to be Confident, Older, Unique, Genuine & Racy women). I rarely regret saying things but it happens from time to time and I hear about it from either Cam or our listeners. We edit them if it may cause pain or hurt someone. We err on the side of caution without being disingenuous.

Cam: While it’s definitely gotten easier to discuss my personal life on the show, I still encounter beliefs and stories that I’m afraid to share. Occasionally, I’ll share something that I regret, but usually we do a good job sniffing those moments out in the edit.

Can you give us some other podcast recommendations?
KLP: I’m into the honesty and openness of Good Moms, Bad Choices and Pod Save America. 

Cam: The Ezra Klein Show is my JAM. I also love Throughline when I’ve overdone news podcasts and need my dose of history. I also find Presidential, a podcast about presidents, surprisingly soothing.

What would your late husband / dad think about the show? Was he as funny as you two are?
KLP: I think he would be proud, but he’d probably never come on since he was an introvert. He WAS WAY FUNNIER THAN BOTH OF US!

Cam: He was much funnier than us, but more private. If he were around today, he’d probably be very supportive and want no involvement.

What does your family think about the show?
KLP: Sometimes they’re uncomfortable but they get a kick out of it. They’ve been on a few times as guests. Cam’s brother and my bf both were on an episode where we made replicas of penises and vaginas. That’s an incredibly funny episode.

Cam: They’re very supportive! They’re often recommending topics or guests to us. They’ve even come on the podcast for a couple episodes.

Is there anything I didn't ask you about that you'd like to talk about? 
KLP: You asked compelling questions! Oh, one more thing… We’re in the process of making an animated version of our show. Stay tuned!

Cam: The #1 thing I’ve learned from this podcast: By vulnerably opening up to people, you give them the opportunity to accept or reject you. I believe this is the key to intimacy.

Thanks, you two!