Bawdy Storytelling – Episode 64: ‘Hostel Takeover’ (Cerulean) Podcast Date: March 7, 2019 | Host: Dixie De La Tour

Episode Overview

In this episode of Bawdy Storytelling, host Dixie De La Tour introduces a first-time storyteller, Cerulean, known for her wit and for founding the Naked Book Club. Titled "Hostel Takeover," Cerulean’s story takes listeners on a journey through a chance sexual encounter in a Seattle hostel, exploring themes of pleasure, self-discovery, intimacy, and the importance of consent. The episode is rich with Bawdy’s signature warmth, humor, and unfiltered storytelling, providing a heartfelt and authentic look into the complexities of sex and connection.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Importance of Consent and Community (00:08–02:00)

• Dixie De La Tour opens with a passionate reminder about consent, reinforcing Bawdy’s sex-positive ethics.
• She explains the podcast’s inclusion of live audience applause to:
  • Celebrate bravery in sharing taboo stories
  • Foster community for listeners in cities without live shows
  • Encourage listeners to one day share their story
• Quote (Dixie):
  “I want people to know that… there exists a place where we not only tell our stories in front of other people, [but] those people enthusiastically respond for the bravery… and more importantly, for the fact that we're talking about something we're told we're not supposed to talk about.” (01:32)

2. A Personal Anecdote: Recognition in Public (02:00–06:24)

• Dixie shares an amusing story of being recognized by a fan while eating crab in a restaurant:
  • She describes feeling “a little sheepish” when approached while covered in garlic butter.
  • The moment underscores the value and joy of community recognition, even in awkward situations.

3. Meet the Storyteller: Cerulean (06:25–06:41)

• First-time Bawdy storyteller
• Described as quirky and funny, Cerulean loves “both platonic touch and hedonistic fucking.”

The Main Story: "Hostel Takeover" by Cerulean

Story Begins at [06:41]

The Setting

• Cerulean, an introverted spreadsheet analyst, is invited to a friend’s wedding in Seattle.
• She extends her stay for solo exploration after her friend’s parents gift her a stay at a fancy hotel.
• For the last night, she moves to a hostel (the Green Tortoise), finding her reservation in a mixed-gender dorm instead of all-women’s.

The Encounter

• Enter “Scott” – described as an “Adam Levine who went down the yoga path.”
  • Instant physical attraction: “When he walks in, the first thought in my head was like, wow, you're really good looking. And it's the first time I ever felt that… I see that in movies, no idea, don't understand. He walks in, I get it.” (08:10)
• Scott suggests joining a hostel pub crawl, which neither of them actually want to attend.
• They leave together to a cozy bar with globe decor, bonding over travel dreams.

Sexual Connection & Emotional Vulnerability (09:45–15:50)

• Mutual attraction leads to a private return to the dim hostel dorm—mindful to be discreet as roommates sleep.
• An intimate sexual encounter follows, described with vulnerability and focus on sensation and pleasure:
  • Cerulean delights in giving oral sex: "Like it's a thing that works for me… I love feeling my mouth on the head of their cock. Running my tongue between that space between the tip and the shaft. Like, it just feels so good to me." (12:52)
  • Scott enthusiastically reciprocates, but when things escalate:
    • Cerulean confesses she cannot orgasm with partners, referencing a past toxic relationship where she was made to feel “broken.”
    • Scott responds with patience and kindness:
      Quote: “No, he's wrong. There's nothing wrong with you … I have a policy. If our partners don't come, I don't come.” (14:44)
  • They fall asleep cuddled together, focusing on embodied connection rather than a goal-oriented climax.

Takeaways and Aftermath (16:05–16:55)

• Scott sends a thoughtful email after their brief encounter, calling Cerulean the "highlight of my trip."
• Cerulean reflects that even though they never speak again, the experience “changed my life” by redefining sex beyond orgasm:
  • “He made me know that sex was more about than just the orgasm. Sex is about pleasure. It's about sensation. It's about getting to be close with someone, no matter how briefly.” (16:53)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Consent Introduction:
  • Dixie: “Consent. Consent. Consent. Consent. Let's make sure that anybody within earshot of this podcast is on board to hear dirty stories, because boundaries and shit.” (00:08)
• On Encountering Scott:
  • Cerulean: “Imagine Adam Levine. But instead of becoming a rock star, he went down the yoga path…” (07:54)
• On Sexual Experience:
  • Cerulean: “Enthusiasm can help a lot.” (13:51)
• On Vulnerability:
  • Cerulean: "I can't come with partners… My first sex partner convinced me that I was broken… but I still think something's wrong with me." (14:34)
• On Affirmation:
  • Scott (reported by Cerulean): “No, he's wrong. There's nothing wrong with you.” (14:44)
• On the True Meaning of Sex:
  • Cerulean: “Sex is about pleasure. It's about sensation. It's about getting to be close with someone, no matter how briefly.” (16:53)

Other Creative/Memorable Elements

• The episode is bookended and interspersed with bawdy, empowering musical numbers, including “My Vagina Is Eight Miles Wide” in the intro (00:32), and "Fancy Things" by The Weepies at the end (17:01–19:14).
• Dixie’s candid, humorous asides set the tone and encourage a communal, shame-free environment.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Consent Reminder & Intro: 00:08–01:07
• Dixie on Audience Applause and Community: 01:20–02:00
• Personal Recognition Story: 02:00–06:24
• About Cerulean: 06:25–06:41
• Cerulean’s Story Begins: 06:41
• Meeting Scott & The Pub Crawl: 07:54–09:45
• Bar Conversation/First Kiss: 09:14–10:00
• Sexual Encounter: 12:00–15:50
• Aftermath & Reflection: 16:05–16:55
• Song “Fancy Things”: 17:01–19:14

Closing Thoughts

This episode exemplifies Bawdy Storytelling’s brilliance—mixing sex-positivity, humor, heart, and real talk. Listeners are invited to reimagine sex as an act of affirmation and connection, not just physical release. Cerulean’s story is a testament to the transformative power of authentic intimacy and the importance of self-acceptance.

For those seeking relatable, liberating tales told with warmth and wit, “Hostel Takeover” is a must-listen in the Bawdy Storytelling archive.

End of summary.