It’s a Newlywed New Year with Adult Film Stars Johnny (aka Deacon) & Ricky Donovan

Summary

Podcast Summary: "It’s a Newlywed New Year with Adult Film Stars Johnny (aka Deacon) & Ricky Donovan"

Podcast: Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz
Host: Tom Schwartz
Date: January 6, 2026
Location: Chongqing, China (recorded New Year’s Eve)

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Tom Schwartz sits down in Chongqing, China with newlywed adult film stars Johnny (aka Deacon) and Ricky Donovan to celebrate their recent marriage and discuss life, love, and work in the adult entertainment industry. The conversation explores the realities and misconceptions around being a "porn star," balancing relationships, destigmatization, the business side of adult entertainment, and the day-to-day challenges (and perks) of their profession. The tone is warm, candid, and often humorous, with an emphasis on humanizing adult performers and highlighting the positives in the current state of the industry.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Travel, New Beginnings & Setting the Scene

• Chongqing as a Backdrop: Tom describes Chongqing’s vibrant energy, food culture, and “sensory overload,” setting a celebratory, open-minded tone for the episode.
  • “Chongqing, we're gonna drink some baiju. What is baijiu? Only the world's most consumed spirit by volume that you've probably never heard of.” [02:04]
• Celebrating the Newlyweds: Johnny and Ricky are 30 days past their Hawaii wedding, riding high in their honeymoon phase.
  • “It feels so great. It's like a rejuvenation of a relationship... like a new chapter.” – Ricky [15:30]

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2. De-stigmatizing the Adult Entertainment Industry

• Positive Shift: The trio discusses how social attitudes have become more positive, with greater acceptance and self-advocacy among performers.
  • “I love how de-stigmatized the industry is as a whole...I feel like it's a better time than ever to be a porn star.” – Tom [17:47]
• Performer Empowerment: Johnny highlights how performers now control their brands and personal safety, earning more via their own platforms.
  • “People are now in charge of their own careers and advocating for their own safety and health in the industry.” – Johnny [18:03]

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3. The Business Side: Branding, Merch, and OnlyFans

• Owning Content & Merch: The importance of owning your own content and considering merchandise; studios typically own studio-filmed scenes, but not personal site content.
  • “I own all my own content for OnlyFans...The studios film, you sign a contract saying they own that completely outright and you don't make royalties off any of that.” – Johnny [19:48, 19:59]
• Income Streams: Studio day rates have dropped (now ~$1,000 for new models, used to be $2,000–$2,500), making personal branding and supplementary work critical.
  • “From what I'm seeing, it seems like the average starting is like people are making about a thousand a day.” – Johnny [28:19]
• Merit or Marketing?: Social media presence heavily influences booking and popularity. The rise of 'gay baiters' (straight guys playing to gay male audiences) is noted.
  • “Studios would book them just because they had those followers...It shifted in 2020.” – Johnny [27:04]

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4. Performing: The Physical and Emotional Demands

• Athletic Demands: Performers are likened to athletes, with detailed regimens (weightlifting, HIIT, yoga, sports) to maintain stamina and looks.
  • “For me, it takes about five days...real heavy lifting...then HIIT days...yoga four times a week to keep myself limber. And I'm a cyclist, a snowboarder, and I play soccer.” – Johnny [31:06]
• Performance Aids: Most rely on legal or prescription supplements (Viagra, Cialis, injections like Trimix/Bimix) to maintain performance, though some young performers abstain.
  • “Most guys do at least like a supplement...and some sites will have Viagra and Cialis on-site so you can take those if you want...a lot of guys don't like Viagra, ‘cause it stuffs you up...” – Johnny [32:24]
  • “A lot of times guys will do Trimix or Bimix. Those two are both an injection...You have a solid boner for three to four hours...There’s an antidote.” – Johnny [33:17, 33:52]
• Chemistry and Consent: Generally, performers meet their scene partners on set. Some companies allow input or veto power. Pre-scene 'chemistry reads' are rare but ideal.
  • “I would prefer to have some chemistry with the person before...but it's not realistic.” – Johnny [35:11]

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5. A Day In the Life: On Set Realities

• Routine & Prep: Early-morning workouts ("pump routines"), stretching, personal hygiene (“polite douche”), and then a standard call time.
  • “First thing in the morning, I have a pump routine...a whole arm workout and then an ab or a whole core workout...” – Johnny [35:21]
• Filming Structure: Photos (safe & explicit) first, sex scenes next, then acting/B-roll last; film days can last 6–8 hours, with the actual sex 2–3 hours.
• Choreography vs. Improv: Less creative choreography today—many scenes default to the same sequence, with some models seeking more variety and fun.
  • “Some people kind of lose the creativity...film is more—porn is leaning towards more like, trying to get it done as quickly as possible.” – Ricky [38:41–38:43]

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6. Addressing Taboos: Bodies, Boundaries, and 'Finishing'

• Size Matters (Sometimes): Studios have minimum size preferences (“under 6 inches,” less likely to get work), especially for top roles, but there’s room for variety.
  • “Most studios won't bring on a new model who is under 6 inches...to be a top you have to be at least 7 inches.” – Johnny [26:24]
• If You Can't Finish: Productions are patient, wait hours; if still unsuccessful, they’ll “fake it” with cutaways.
  • “I'd say after...almost three hours of trying to come before they'll be like, let's fake it.” – Johnny [40:18]
• Respecting Boundaries: Consent is paramount, with detailed on-camera consent forms, discussion of safe words (usually “pineapple” or “donut”), and even gestures for scenes where speaking isn’t possible.
  • “You talk about safe words. And not only a safe word, but a safe gesture, because sometimes your mouth is full...” – Johnny [43:28]
  • “Usually it's pineapple or donut...clap loud three times if you can't speak.” – Johnny [43:33]

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7. Modern Adult Industry: Safety, Testing, and Community

• Stringent Testing: Full STD panels (including newer infections), every 14 days maximum, with multi-site testing (throat, urine, rectal). Modern porn is considered safer than ever for performers.
  • “Everybody has to be tested 14 days...full panel...they’re very thorough.” – Johnny [41:55]
• Community & Collaboration: The industry fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and supportive collaboration. The best part for Johnny is “the people I work with...everybody is...passionate, creative-minded, entrepreneurial.” [24:02]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Career Titles:
  “At first we said adult entertainer until I started winning awards, and then I said, I’m a porn star.” – Johnny [16:48]

• On Awards:
  “The Avian Awards...it’s pretty much like the Oscars for porn.” – Tom [17:05]

• On Acting in Porn:
  “I want there to be a scenario, even if it's cheesy and they're not doing a good job acting it. Like I need to know that...that's the player and that's the coach, and this is why they're in the locker room.” – Johnny [20:42]

• On Preparation:
  “First thing in the morning, I always try to get—I call it a pump routine. “ – Johnny [35:21]

• On Industry Evolution:
  “You’re the CEO of your own business…and now it’s about creating your own brand.” – Tom [18:41]

• On Size Standards:
  “Most studios won’t...bring on a new model who is under 6 inches.” – Johnny [26:24]

• On On-Set Support:
  “They'll do pretty much anything to make the models happy.” – Johnny [41:38]

• On Consent:
  “You have to be on camera with the whole crew and the model going over all the things you're okay with, all the things you're not okay with.” – Johnny [42:31]

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Cultural & Travel Nuggets

• Chongqing:
  Highest population of any city in the world (~35 million), famed for hot pot and sensory overload. Tom gushes about its affordability and vibrancy.
  • “Chongqing is a food mecca. If you like spicy food, hot pots, this is your promised land.” [02:03]
• Baijiu:
  The most-consumed spirit in the world by volume; Tom and guests toast with it in celebration.
  • “Baiju, you guys.” [45:05]

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• [02:03] – Tom introduces Chongqing; initial reflections on porn industry and adult entertainers
• [14:53] – Start of the main interview with Johnny & Ricky
• [15:26] – Newlywed honeymoon phase, wedding in Hawaii
• [16:48] – Discussing titles: “porn star” vs. “adult entertainer”
• [17:47] – Current acceptance and destigmatization of the industry
• [18:03] – The empowered performer; business self-ownership
• [19:48] – Who owns the content? Merch talk
• [26:24] – Industry standards for performers
• [31:06] – Training and prep (athletic regimen)
• [32:24 – 33:58] – Performance enhancers and injecions
• [35:21] – Walkthrough of a typical shoot day ("Day in the Life")
• [41:55] – Discussion of testing and health protocols
• [43:28] – Consent, safe words, and gestures
• [44:48] – Chongqing as the world's largest city
• [45:05] – Baijiu appreciation, toast to the newlyweds

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Final Thoughts

Tom emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, humanizing people in the adult business, and challenging both stereotypes and the idea that their relationships are somehow less genuine. The episode is light-hearted, intelligent, sometimes raucously funny, and throughout, incredibly candid.

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This summary captures the main themes, insights, and most memorable lines from a lively and illuminating conversation celebrating love, authenticity, and the complexity of modern adult entertainment.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign. For your weekly retox with Tom Schwartz.

[B]

Hi, guys. Happy New Year. I just checked in to my hotel. I think it's the Alila in Shanghai. I've only been here 20 minutes and I'm already in heaven. I'm gonna pour a little glass of warm green tea, Okay? Wow. We got a doozy for you today. We're decompressing from New Year's Eve in Chongqing, which is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to in my life. It is utterly gorgeous. A food mecca. If you like spicy food, hot pots. This. This is your promised land. And, man, I love China. And. Sorry, I'm blissed out a little bit. I don't mean to flex on you guys. I missed you. I missed you. Should we just get into it? It's gonna be a good episode. So today we're lucky to get to sit down with my friends, who are fucking lovely. They're in a very unique profession. Well, one of them's retired, but. Johnny, is it a profession everyone knows exists? Many pretend they never use the plot as optional. Wardrobe minimal. What am I talking about here, guys? Yes, porn. We get to sit down today with an adult film star. A porn star. Bona fide porn star.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

We're in China. I did this interview New Year's Eve, so the vibes were very high. Chongqing, we're gonna drink some baiju. What is baijiu? Only the world's most consumed spirit by volume that you've probably never heard of. Baiju, deeply embedded in Chinese culture in Chongqing. Oh, my God. This is the beginning of my love for Chongqing. I plan on coming back here again and again. Have you ever heard of Chongqing? Depending on the metrics, it might be the biggest city in the world that you're not familiar with. Population 34 million. So, yeah, man, this is, like, one of my favorite interviews. Honestly, my friends, who are just so cool in such a unique line of work. It's a fascinating world. You guys, I'm going to ask you, what if your significant other said, you know what? I think I'm gonna start an OnlyFans. I think I'm gonna do porn. How would you react? I feel like for 99% of the people out there, absolute deal breaker. I don't know. It's not like a moral high ground. I don't know. I'm thinking about myself. I just wouldn't. I don't know if I could handle it. I'm not even a jealous guy, but that would, like, break me. So I have a lot of respect for what they do. And you're gonna learn what it takes to be successful in this industry and also maintain a healthy, happy, respectful relationship, okay? Yeah, man. I want you to let go of any preconceived notions you have about someone who might makes a living in this business, okay? It's like acting or professional gambling. It's a hard way to make an easy living, okay? But like, make no mistake, porn stars, adult film actors are entertainers, athletes, entrepreneurs, creatives. But above everything else, they are human, okay? They are beautiful humans with layers. They're complex. And you know what? If you're a pro, you have a high emotional intelligence, you have to have that. You have to be a well balanced human being, I think, to be successful in that business. Because of course, there's many pitfalls. There is a dark side for shizzle, but today we're shining a positive light on the current state of the business. Also, you know what? It's their honeymoon, so we're trying to keep the vibes high. I'm not trying to unpack any trauma, okay? Diane Sawyer mode off bmn. If you're not sound, mind, body, soul, the biz can definitely do some damage. But if you're disciplined, you're regimented, you're savvy about the economics of sex, and you're smart, you communicate well with your significant other, you're well endowed. We'll talk about that later. But yeah, you set boundaries and there's always consent that you can flourish. I know, man, I know. I'm fascinated too. Someone's got to do it, right? You guys, I know you watch porn, okay, show me your Google search injury. I know you're in private mode, so show me your. Your Google search history. Okay, I got you. Okay. Someone's got to do it. Not many people can. Again, like we talked about, very few people have the physical prowess, the confidence, the. The bravado to execute. Okay? 9:00am Call time. Van Nuys. It's cold. You've never been in this house before. It's a Tuesday, okay? And you have to be hot and sexy in limber for like an hour and a half, okay? Hit all your marks, your cues, and then you go home and maintain a happy, healthy marriage. I think, like one in a billion can execute this well. Johnny does just that. And, man, it's a pity I didn't do video in this episode. Looking for a cinematographer, by the way. But Chongqing is a beautiful city. Mountain City, the 5D city. It's like walking around navigating, it almost feels like an obstacle course. And the terrain here is breathtaking also. Affordability, you guys. Affordability. Oh, my God. You get so much value for your money here. And as far as I'm concerned, the cheaper the food, the better. The more expensive, the blander. Okay, I got 10 grilled garlic oysters in the market for 21. That's like less than $3. Okay. And they were 10 out of 10 in LA. At the hippest noob bar in Los Feliz, that would have been $45 easy. I had the best crab wonton soup of my Life for like, $4 US okay. Chongqing is a food mecca. If you like spicy food, hot pots, this is your promised land. Okay. By the way, I was robbed of a lot of that experience because I had a gum infection and just eating, like, sponge cake felt like eating an apple with no teeth. But I'm not gonna complain. By the way, first time flying 16 hours in economy. I know I'm not bougie. I don't. I fly first class sometimes I dabble. Okay. But I'm not spoiled. But I've never flown 16 hours in economy, and it wasn't that bad. I think my flight for one way was 850 bucks. Okay. The food looked scary. It looked like something you would see in, like, the back rooms in a cafeteria. I didn't eat it. I wasn't hungry. I had one glass of wine. I sat there. I watched a lot of movies. My ass felt like I got, like, a slate or granite bbl. Yeah, it. I was kind of near the bathroom, which doesn't bother me, but I'm telling you guys, people are doing fucking calisthenics, and I applaud you, but they're doing calisthenics the whole flight. Like, overtly manically full routines. 30 minutes, flapping. Okay. Flailing. Sometimes. Like, it felt like those scenes where zombies are trapped in a confined space, just bouncing around. Yeah. I could feel their presence. I thought, they're gonna eat my brains. Anyways, if you're Claustrophobic, forget it. 16 hours. The guy in the middle seat next to me was a fucking champ, by the way. He might have been attempting that raw dog trend where you. You don't watch any movies or read or play games or podcast. You know what I'm talking about. By the way, shout out to the og the best to ever do it.

[A]

You want something to read?

[D]

No.

[A]

Are you going to take a nap or.

[E]

No.

[A]

You just going to sit there staring at the back of the seat.

[B]

Okay. David Putty style. Anyways, I missed you guys so much. Sorry for the little break. It wasn't for lack of discipline. I just, I. I have been sick as hell. Okay, what's going on with whatever this.

[A]

Is the aggressive new flu strain being called the super flu.

[D]

That's never a good sign.

[B]

Yeah, it's never a good sign. I've been sick for, like, off and on for, like, four weeks. Whatever. No complaining. Okay? I don't want to start the new year complaining, but yeah, man, this is a special episode. Again, I am so grateful. Johnny and Ricky, honeymoon phase. Fresh off their wedding, A little peek into what it's like to be an adult film star. And yeah, you guys, takeaways. You don't know anything about the business. We're gonna humanize it. Shine a positive light, please. Travel more if you can. I know it's a luxury. It's not easy. You have kids, sick, loved ones, financial restraints. But I'm telling you, my God, if you can get to Chongqing, it's amazing. I love China. Whatever you think you know about China, if you've never been here, you don't know anything. It's fucking amazing. So, yeah, listen, I feel a little guilty, too. You know what I mean? I want to be starting the year off, grinding it out for 60 days, work harder than have you ever worked in your life to set yourself on the right trajectory. Yeah, I like that. But also travel. I don't know. We're not promised tomorrow. I do like the hustle, grind culture mindset, but, like, we're not promised tomorrow. It could all end tomorrow. And yeah, man, traveling does expire. It does expand your mind, body, soul, gives you wisdom. It gives you a fresh perspective on life. And I know, again, it's a luxury. But you guys, thanks for joining me on this little journey. Okay, again, looking for a cinematographer out there, you guys, to start the video component soon. I love you. Thanks for joining me. Another episode of Detox Retox. All right, time to shut the fuck up. 11 minutes in. Okay, let's get into it. We're gonna pick up with Johnny, Ricky, New Year's Eve, Chongqing, sipping some baiju, some of the good stuff. All right, love you guys. Listen, I'm gonna be honest here. I don't know if I'm fully on board with dry January. I mean, I get it, I respect it. Strong way to start the year. But I go through a post holiday comedown that just kind of bums me out. For me, it's like a Transition month. Do you guys actually feel rested and restored January 2, ready to carpe diem? I don't know. I need a full month to mourn the holidays passing. No more Mariah. Back to two scoops instead of three. Like, I need a little something to help me get through the post holiday blues. Enter into cloud. My go to favor for January are their new THC sodas. They're delicious. Same calm experience, but there's no alcohol. So if you are doing January, I think you're okay here. I know. Also, it's my favorite month to sleep as much as possible. Not like in a Garfield Dakota Johnson, I can't function without 10 hours of sleep way. But like in a restorative, soothing way. January is a transition month. By the way, I love the Bliss THC gummies. So good. They have 5 milligrams of THC Delta 9, by the way. All federally legal hemp THC, all DEA certified, tested and shipped discreetly to your door. But yeah, the sleep gummies. There's a little gaba, a little melatonin, a little L theanine. Like, I don't feel groggy after these, which is nice. So, yeah, check it out. Indicloud. If you're 21 or older, you're ready to start the year off peaceful. Visit Indicloud Co and use the code RETOX for 25% off plus free shipping. That's IndeCloud Co code RETOX25OFF, free shipping. And the best way to start 2026 without a hangover. Let's go.

[C]

Guys.

[B]

We're recording.

[C]

I don't know what.

[B]

I'm freaking out.

[C]

I don't know what to ask. I have so many questions. We're in Chongqing right now, and it's day two. It's New Year's Eve. The vibes are high. Immaculate. Are you guys loving it so far?

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

Yeah, it's been a lot of fun.

[C]

Hong Kong, your first time?

[D]

Hong Kong was one of my favorite cities. That was amazing. Just experiencing such Chinese, such thick Chinese culture. But, like, having the English, like, overlaying everything was really nice.

[C]

Yes. And you guys are fresh off your wedding. You are in full honeymoon phase. How's it feeling right now?

[E]

We're actually 30 days past our wedding.

[B]

That's a month.

[E]

Yeah. It feels so great. It's like a. Like what's called rejuvenation of a relationship. Feels like a new chapter.

[C]

Yes. And you got married in Hawaii.

[D]

Yeah. I feel like we're gonna be on our honeymoon for the next, like, year. At least 10 years.

[E]

10 years of a honeymoon.

[C]

Permanent honeymoon phase is the goal. Yes.

[E]

Yes.

[C]

But this is amazing. I feel so good right now. I'm loving Chongqing, and I'm so happy. I want to sit down with you guys for just, like, a second. I appreciate your time and your energy. This is a sacred moment.

[E]

Thank you for having us.

[C]

And Very sacred. We're drinking a little baiju. This is. This is like, a ceremonial grade one. You want to do a little sip, Johnny?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay.

[D]

Cheers.

[C]

Vicki, you're not drinking right now, right?

[E]

Drinking? No. I'm actually two years sober, counting.

[C]

We're with the Donovans, and two years sober. Taking a break right now. Props on that, by the way.

[E]

Thank you.

[C]

Okay, you guys, can we. So, like, there's a scene in Vanderpump Rules. I'm semi famous for my dick not working.

[D]

Oh, my God.

[C]

Unfortunately, it does work.

[E]

Happens to the best of us.

[C]

But in your particular line of work, it has to work, right?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Or you don't work.

[D]

Exactly. That's a good way to put it. I actually have a shirt that says, porn stars work hard. You can't work soft.

[C]

What is the preferred title or nomenclature? Is it porn star? Adult film actor?

[D]

I went by adult. What was it? At first we said adult entertainer until I started winning awards, and then I said, I'm a porn star.

[B]

Whoa.

[C]

Okay. You elevated, by the way, not to put you on the spot, but the Avian Awards are coming up late January. You're nominated for seven awards.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Can I high five you? Oh, my God. That is awesome. So for people who don't know it, it's pretty much like the Oscars for porns, right? Yeah, for porn.

[D]

Exactly.

[C]

Yeah. Is it awesome?

[D]

Yeah, it's fun. Like, who doesn't love a red carpet moment, first of all? But it's just, like, everybody in the industry, all the hottest people, getting together for a night of fun and partying. And there's usually an exhibit that happens before where you can sign autographs and fans can come. So seeing the fans and interacting and networking with studio execs and stuff is super fun.

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

It's so fun to see how fans really want to interact with you. Like, I've had some pick me up, and I've had them, like, carry me on their back and stuff. It's so much fun.

[D]

They get excited.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I feel.

[C]

I love how de. Stigmatized the industry is as a whole. I know it still has, like, some underlying stigma. We can. We can talk about that later or Just not at all. But I love how positive it is right now. Yes. As a whole, I feel like it's a better time than ever to be a porn star.

[D]

I think so. In some ways, you know, in the. In the sense that people are now in charge of their own careers and advocating for their own safety and health in the industry. Yes, it's definitely the best in terms of money making power. I think it is better and not as good in the sense that people are making more money individually on their only fans and their fan sites. But the studio work is not paying as well as it used to because of that. So being an industry porn star doesn't have the glitz and glamour that it did when I started. So now it's about creating your own brand. And if you can do that, then you have staying power.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

And it is a business. You're the CEO of your own. Of your own business. Yes. Yeah, exactly. And like, do you do merch? Do you have representation or.

[D]

Yeah, actually, merch is a good point. I really should do merch. One thing that a lot of porn stars do early in their career is like the. They'll make flesh. Yeah, Flesh Jack. Or a dildo. Or both. Like a dildo. The shape of your dick. Flesh Jack. The mold of your asshole.

[C]

Oh, I'm familiar. I've never done it myself, but a lot of my friends actually have as like a gift to their girlfriends, which was not greatly received.

[E]

You want less of me, but more of that.

[D]

That would not be the best gift to your girlfriend outfit. But the studios tried to get us to do it, but they were going to make a lot of money off of it and we were going to make pennies if that. So we just were like, no, if that. If the time comes to want to do that, then we will do it on our own without somebody taking Pennsylvania power in that. But I think shirts would be a good. Or maybe underwear and things like that. There's definitely merch options that I think I should probably be looking into.

[C]

Wait, do you own your own content or. It depends.

[D]

Yeah, I own all my own content for only fans and just for fans and stuff that I create.

[C]

Where can we find you on Only.

[D]

Fans OnlyFans.com Johnny Donovan Real.

[B]

Let's go.

[D]

And. But no, the stuff that the studios film, you sign a contract saying that they own that completely outright and you don't make royalties off of any of that.

[C]

I was going to ask. There's no back end deals, really.

[E]

No, you just sell. They pay a price for your Time that at the shoot, and that's it.

[C]

So it's pretty much like reality tv. Oh, we're essentially porn stars. We don't get residuals or anything. I am part of the street. Yeah, you get a nice rate and everything, but you don't get residuals. Like, I am part of the Screen Actors Guild, which is not to flex on you guys.

[D]

I.

[B]

Watch out.

[C]

I want to ask you about acting later. I'm a terrible actor. That's why I'm on reality tv. But wait, I'll just ask you now.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Like, do you enjoy scenes that are more straight to business, or do you like the story arc?

[D]

I actually prefer the story arc. And that was me before getting into porn. I would watch stuff with a story. Yeah, I've always loved the story aspect. And for me, like, the mental getting into it. Like, I want there to be a scenario, even if it's cheesy and they're not doing a good job acting it. Like, I need to know that the. That, like, that's the player and that's the coach, and this is why they're in the locker room. And yeah, I like that. I don't want it to be just straight to sex, because that's what they call it when it's straight to sex or. Or a feature. Features are when you. There's acting and scenes and stuff like that. The first five years of my career, I did exclusively straight to Sex because I was on this site called Sean Cody. I was exclusive with them, and so that's all they did. But then I slowly started branching out to other sites, and the more. More involved the script got and the more involved the scenario got, the more fun I was having. So that's actually what's kept me in the industry, because I started with straight to Sex, and I got bored with it after five years. But then when I started being able to act and get into the scene and just have fun and see that product come to life afterwards, it made it just more fun and more enjoyable. So I seek that out now.

[C]

Totally. There's another guy in the show whose name I won't mention, who's famous for loving storylines in porn. Who's on the show? One of my dear friends. You guys can probably figure it out. But, like, do you. Do you take, like, you remember we were riffing the other night? Like, the.

[B]

The.

[C]

When you do the scenes, the storylines, it's kind of done with a wink. I mean, the acting's good, but it's like, it's done with a self Aware wink, isn't it? A little bit.

[D]

Like, what do you mean? Like, this is all cheese. This is all, like, camp and we're just going to get down to business after. After this.

[C]

Exactly.

[D]

Yeah. I'd say some studios do it different than others. Like, for men dot com. That is like, the whole thing as a wink for disruptive. I think for, like, part a lot, a large portion of it. They want you to, like, wonder, like, is this going to get to porn? Yeah.

[E]

Disruptive media.

[D]

Is that what you're talking about? Disruptive media? Is that what. Yeah.

[B]

Wait.

[C]

In terms of its cinematic prowess or, like, theatrical nature, can I ask you what your favorite film you ever did is just off the top of your head?

[D]

I think, honestly, it's. I'm gonna say this one because it's probably one of the most recent ones I did, but it is. When I was doing it, I was even thinking, like, this is one of the most fun films I've ever done. It's called Ghosted, and that one is with, With Falcon or Next Door Film. No, not. What is it? Naked Sword. It was a naked sword film that just released, like, two months ago. And in it, I'm a ghost in a house with my husband, who's also a ghost, and somebody moves into our house, and then, like, we're just, like, tormenting him and everything. And then he's. The guy in the house is, like, sleeping with all the people that come into his house. So we're like, oh, man, he's such a slut. But I, I, I kind of fall and fall for the guy, and my partner sees that and he gets upset about it. But then we bring him into our relationship as a throuple by killing him and making him a ghost as well.

[C]

I am so invested. Watch party at TomTom.

[D]

You just skip all the sex scenes, you know?

[C]

Watch Party at Tom.

[D]

Watch the acting part.

[C]

All right. We're doing watch parties for all your films. The Complete Library Tuesdays at TomTom. Wait, can I ask you. I got a stock question. Like, what, Personally speaking, what are your favorite parts of working in the industry and your least favorite parts?

[D]

My favorite part of working in the industry is the people I work with because everybody who does it is so passive, passionate about what they do. And, and a lot of times people do have other jobs, but it's a job that they're passionate about. Like, they. People have a, a freedom of income, you know, that allows them to do things that they really love. So even if porn isn't their, like, full passion they love it enough to be able to do it. And then they're living in their passion outside of that because it could be art or something that doesn't pay as well until you make it. And so you just, you just are interacting with really creative minded people, people, entrepreneurial minded people. And everybody's really easygoing and that wants to work together. And that, that spirit of wanting to work together is just. It creates collaboration that just, I think is so much more enjoyable to be around.

[C]

Yeah, I love that.

[D]

And then the least favorite.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[D]

Would be bottoming.

[C]

No, I was gonna. That was my first guess.

[D]

No.

[C]

Okay, well, thank you for sharing that. Thank you for being so candid about it. I appreciate that so much.

[B]

This episode of Detox Retox is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. You chose to hit play on this podcast today. Smart choice. Progressive loves to help people make smart choices. That's why they offer this tool called Auto Quote Explorer that allows you to compare your progressive car insurance quote with rates of other companies so you save time on the research and can enjoy the savings when you choose the best rate for you. Give it a try after this [e-mail] progressive cash to insurance company and affiliates not available in all states or situations. Prices may vary.

[C]

Can I talk a little bit about, like, the economics of it? So, like, say, Schwartz. Me. I just referred to myself and Douglass and you guys take me through it. Say it. All right. Vanderpump Rules is over. I don't know what to do. I'm freaking out. I'm gonna be a porn star and you are my mentor and you would have crushed it.

[D]

Johnny, right after Vanderpump Rules.

[C]

Wait, what if.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Do you have to have. Do you have to be. Let's just say, hypothetically speaking, I'm asking for a friend. You have a slightly. If you have an average member, can you still thrive and be successful?

[D]

Yeah, you can. There is a limit. Like you. Most studios won't do. Want me to talk inches?

[C]

Thank you.

[D]

Most studios won't bring on a. A new model who is under 6 inches. Yeah. And I think. I think 5.5 is the average in America. So I'd say average maybe not, but six inches is, you know, doable and usually like to be a top. I think you have to be at least 7 inches. They don't say that, but they want somebody with a little bit bigger.

[C]

So.

[D]

Yeah. Does that answer the question?

[C]

It does.

[B]

It does.

[C]

Is it kind of. Is it like, how important is social media in this day and age? Is it A meritocracy. The best rise to the top or. Or is is it the. The best in terms of their social media game? Rise to the top in this day and age?

[D]

Yeah, I'd say when we started in 2017, onlyfans and just for fans and all the fan sites hadn't come out yet. They came out the year after that. And at that time they, the studios made the models. Like, they promoted them to the size that they were. Like your social media following became large because the studios promoted you. Then after, I'd say it took till about 2020 when they really started promoting influencers. And then, so then guys, we call them gay baiters, like straight guys who are on social media who know that their target audience is gay men and they kind of play to that. Even though they're gay, they're straight. A lot of those guys would have like, you know, hundreds of thousands of followers and so studios would, would book them just because they had those followers. So I think 2020 was when it shifted and they started like really putting clout into people's followers instead of like just building somebody up to have those followers.

[C]

Okay, so you've talked me into it. Mentor. It's my first, my first, like, I'm just starting now. Like for someone, I guess I'm. I'm not going to say I'm famous, but I kind of recognizable for someone who's not. And they just want to get into it. Like what's. You're just starting out, say, but you're, you know, you're well endowed. What, what's like the average day rate for a newbie?

[D]

That's hard to say because all the studios pay different. It seems like, it seems like what I'm seeing because this is not for me because I started at an earlier time and I've negotiated my rates throughout my entire career. But from what I'm seeing, it seems like the average starting is like people are making about a thousand a day.

[B]

That's not bad.

[C]

I was in the guest 500.

[E]

It used to be around.

[D]

Well, that was an exclusive, exclusive studio that we found. But the other ones, I'd say they were like more like 2000 2500. That was like more common when we first started, but now it's like gone down quite a bit.

[C]

So there's not many people who can make a living solely on being an adult film star.

[D]

I don't think so. You'd have to. It has to promote something else about you that you're making money off of. Like a lot of Guys also would be, like, personal trainers or stylists or things that, like, people are already seeing them because of these things, and they, like, think, oh, how do I get that guy's body? So then, oh, now I have online training, and you can buy my online training. And there's different things that people have. Have done. Escorting on the side, because you have a lot of fans. So your fans want to, like, meet you in person, which, like, they're.

[C]

They're kind of like. What's the word I'm looking for When a fan sees you, are they kind of sheepish? They're like, hey, I.

[E]

Can I tell them about Disneyland?

[D]

Well, I think sometimes they are. Sometimes they're really. If they're really sheepish, they don't usually say anything. They just stare. And you know, the stare. You're like, oh, that guy knows me from something because he's not looking at me like, oh, that guy's cute. He's looking at me like he's seen a plethora of films about me.

[C]

Although I will say in your defense, you both are very handsome. So he could just be admiring your looks.

[D]

Could be. But then. But there's a.

[C]

There's a. Sorry. There's a twinkle in the eye. There's a knowing glance.

[D]

A knowing glance. Thank you. That's it. I've seen you spread eagles, but they. The ones that come up to you are really nice, and they're more outgoing because they, like, they were able to come up to you and they are usually like, they want a picture and they always say, I love your work, or I'm a huge fan. And I think that's really polite and nice and a great way to introduce yourself to somebody that you're. That you've been watching. I don't think it's nice when people just stare. I think that's a little weird. And. Or when they grab or, like, come up and they have immediate, like, they're immediately a little too close.

[C]

Violate your boundaries. Have you ever been, like, accosted or, like, grabbed?

[D]

Yeah, definitely. Especially in clubs. Like, if fans recognize us in nightclubs, whether we're hosting an event or go. Go dancing or whatever, they just get way too handsy.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Because they're drunk to too and all that.

[C]

But in my. In my opinion, you are. You're performers. You're. You're an athlete. Yes. Like, can we talk about your regimen a little bit?

[D]

Yeah, yeah.

[C]

Just, like, briefly.

[D]

Yeah. So when I started, I. I had an insane body because I was a personal trainer and group Fitness instructor. And so I had to kind of, kind of had to keep up, upkeep that even though I don't do that as full time anymore. So for me it takes about five days, four. Four days of like real heavy lifting, like hypertrophy pushing. So it's like a chest day or a pushing day, depending on what phase I'm in the year. And then like back day, you know, like normal split days and stuff. But then in between those I also have hit days. So like two to three hit days where I'm doing like 45 minutes of high intensity interval training. And on those days I try to optimize that training by taking essential amino acids and, and fasting a little bit in the morning and doing anything I can to optimize the hormones. And then I also just do yoga like four times a week to keep myself limber. And I'm a cyclist, a snowboarder and I play soccer. So just keeping up with all those activities and just being active in my life I think helps the most.

[C]

You're a professional athlete, seriously, as far as I'm concerned, I mean the demands you have to make.

[D]

Meat.

[C]

How common is it for performers? Does everyone use performance enhancing drugs for muscles or boners? For boners over boners?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Well, because both, honestly. But yeah, I only really met two performers that. Or maybe three that did not use anything, but they were like 19, 20 years old. Most guys do at least like a supplement that you would get at like a sex shop, you know, like a drink. I don't want to say the brand names, but a drink or a gel or a pill and then other. And some sites that you work with will have like Viagra and Cialis on, on site so that you can take those if you want. But a lot of guys don't like Viagra. Cause it stuffs you up and then you like feel like crap the whole time you're like performing.

[C]

Yeah, it's not that I've ever taken it.

[D]

And then there's.

[E]

But I.

[C]

No, I, I don't like it. It's scary, it dehydrates you, headaches and it's like you can't get rid of it. It's like I like the ones that give you the option to be aroused if you need it.

[D]

Yeah, that's the supplements more so.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

But then there's also like I was mentioning earlier, there's straight to sex and then there's features. And the features include a lot of acting and sometimes being upside down or things that push your blood to different parts of your body. So the supplements just don't quite cut it. And you're, like, going for, like, you know, 20 minutes or like, maybe even just five minutes without any actual sexual arousal. But they need you to have a boner the whole time. And so those. A lot of times guys will do Trimix or Bimix. Those two are both an injection that you inject into your. Into your shaft. Directly into your shaft, directly into your shaft. And at like an inch above the base of your shaft.

[C]

My penis is recoiling just thinking about. We talked about this before, but it doesn't hurt that. But you get used to it, I imagine.

[D]

Yeah, you just get used to. I'm deathly afraid of needles, and I do it to myself sometimes. So it's, it's, it's doable, but it's the very smallest amount of liquid. It's a really quick thing. And then you have a solid boner for three, three to four hours. And you can make it go away. There's an antidote. So when you're done, you just make it go away. Do you.

[C]

Before you do a scene with someone, are there or do you meet with them to do a chemistry read or like, hang out a little bit or. Sometimes. Do you ever show up on set and you're meeting someone? The first. First time?

[D]

Yeah, it's usually that you usually meet person. Somebody for the first time on set. They'll. Some sites will send me an email with a whole rundown of the. Of the script and who's going to be on set, like, everything. And then it'll include the. The models. And one site that I work with, kink.com, they actually will ask. They. They'll say, Johnny is going to be doing these acts with this performer if Johnny's comfortable with this performer. And then otherwise we'll find somebody else. And so they have some, Some offer that other ones, like I've had people tell me, oh, hey, we want to shoot you with this person. And I just straight. I don't, I don't feel comfortable with that person. And they'll say, oh, okay. And then I just don't get the shoot. So every site's a little different with how they handle that. Um, I would prefer to, like, have some chemistry with the person before going into it, but it's just not ideal. It's not realistic.

[C]

Can we do A Day in the Life real quick?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay. You're shooting today. You wake up. What's the first thing you do?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

First thing in the morning. I Always try to get. I call it a. I have a pump routine. So I do. Maybe I should call it my Vanderpump routine. I do a whole arm workout and then an ab or a whole core workout. So those two together take about 45 minutes and then end it with like 5 to 10 minutes of hit cardio. Like wind sprints on the treadmill. Not the treadmill, but, you know, like the assault treadmill that you move with your own legs. Do something like that. And then stretch. Stretching is crucial. Just making sure I'm limber for the day. And then scenes are like, usually have to be. Your call time is usually like 9 or 10am so I do that like at 7am Then I go home or to the hotel, if I'm at the hotel. And then douche. I call it a polite douche because I don't douche my. Like, if I'm topping, I don't need to be cleaned out. But like, I like to just be.

[C]

Light, just to feel extra fresh. If you're going to be performing.

[D]

Yeah. Somebody's mouth's going to be down there. I don't want them being around anything. And so there's that part. Then you get to set and it's like an hour or so of kind of like you meet the person and you're hanging out with like the crew while they're getting the lights set up and the cameras and everything. And they're. The director will talk to you about what you're going to do today and go over the script, make sure everybody read everything. And then you start filming probably about an hour after you're there. So like maybe 11 o', clock, start filming. It's always photos first and like NSFW photos. So safe or safe for work photos and not safe for work photos. We do both. And then to make it as viable.

[C]

As commercially viable as possible. Okay, cool.

[D]

And then a lot of people will just get the sex out of the way, do all the sex and then do all of the B roll or. Or like acting after. Because people. If we do all the acting and everything first, people will get tired and then the sex doesn't look as great and people are just kind of like burnt out for the day already. Because a set will. I mean, it'll take about six to eight hours for a whole film. But you know, you're only having sex for like two to three of those hours.

[C]

How many people are on set?

[D]

Like, so I'd say most sets are like you and the model. Two other people. It's Like a director and a pa but the bigger ones, like the features, they have a whole AV guide. They have like, somebody running all the audio and the. And the sound. And then they have a PA and they have a director and a producer.

[B]

Wow.

[D]

It'll be you and the model.

[B]

That's insane.

[D]

Or however many models are on the set.

[C]

How much of it is choreographed versus improvised? Do you leave any room for improvisation?

[E]

It used to be more. It used to. When we were exclusive with Sean Cody, we had a lot more leeway with what we wanted to do with, like, the creation of the film. And so we did a lot more of, like, choreography. Choreography and like, talking about it beforehand. But now I don't think it. It's like that anymore.

[D]

It seems like what a lot of people do now is just like, okay, what's going to be easy for everybody? And it's always the first same three positions. Everybody's like, oh, let's do doggy, and then do a writing and then slide into missionary to come. Because everybody can come in missionary.

[C]

Don't knock missionary.

[E]

Let's do the Superman and let's do the pile driver and let's do a reverse cowgirl. Like, I want to do it all.

[D]

Do a little wheelbarrow or something. It's nice to just change things up once in a while. But, yeah, I think some people kind of lose the creativity.

[C]

Yeah.

[E]

Especially now.

[D]

Right.

[E]

Right now I feel like film is more. Or porn is leaning towards more, like trying to get it done as quickly as possible.

[C]

Rinse and repeat. Yeah, just knock it out.

[D]

Because I think a lot of models coming from the Only Fans world who started there and then are now working with the studios because it. Because they found out that the studios promote you to. To the people who are going to buy porn. So people who started with OnlyFans were now going to the studios to do it. But they're used to Only Fans content, which takes like 20 minutes.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

And so they don't want to be on a set that long, especially to make what you're gonna make. It's not as much as you think it's gonna be. So they. They're making the scenes a lot shorter and just easier for everybody.

[C]

Is OnlyFans the most lucrative route at this moment in time?

[D]

At this moment, yeah, for sure. I mean, I say that. I say fan sites because, you know, some people make it big on OnlyFans. Some people are big on Just for fans. Some people are big on Raw Fuck Club. There's like, all kinds of different sites.

[C]

What's that one? I'm blushing.

[D]

RFC Raw Fuck Club.

[C]

Okay, you guys, I'm learning so much. Wait, before we move on from this topic, A Day in the Life. What if you can't finish? Obviously, you can get hard and you can do your job. You're a pro. But what if you're supposed to finish and you can't?

[D]

Usually they just kill you. It's. It's. They'll give you a lot of time. Like, they are really patient. And they'll always say, you know, this is why we're here. We're here for you. Like, we need you. You have to, you know, we need you to come. Like, we know how that can be hard sometimes. So they. Everybody wants it to. To be like, they want to cater to the person who needs to come and, like. And not make them feel pressured or anything. But, like, underneath that, there's like, everybody's pressuring you, like, you gotta come.

[C]

So I'm picturing their director just tapping his watch like this.

[D]

I'd say after. It probably takes like, two, maybe almost three hours of trying to come before they'll be like, let's fake it.

[C]

Oh, you can fake it.

[D]

You kinda can.

[C]

And you do a cutaway shot of the fake ejaculates. Yeah.

[D]

So, like, they'll either do a fake. Usually a lot of times it's fake. Fake internals. Because, like, okay, it was in there.

[B]

And.

[D]

Yeah, but there's ways to do, like, visible cum shots too. Like, they'll put. I don't know. There's. There's ways I don't want to give away.

[C]

Don't give away all the trade secrets. Wait. Okay, last thing on this. What if you show up and you're just having a bad case of the Mondays, and you're like, I don't feel like having sex today. I know you're a pro, but, like, does that ever happen? And you're like, I can't do this today.

[D]

That hasn't really happened to me. But if it does and you really just feel down, like, you can always not do the scene. Like, nobody's gonna force you to do it. You won't get paid. But some sites will pay the other model just for being there. Like, the other model will still get half the pay just because they came and they were supposed to film. But, like, it's not. It's out of their control that this person canceled. But, you know, the people that you work with are just so understanding, and they've been in the industry a long time usually, and they've worked with all kinds of different people. They're really good at talking, talking you down from ledges and getting you to just feel, like, okay. And, like, a lot of empathy. Yeah. And doing what they need to. To make you put you into a more sexy mindset.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

They'll do pretty much anything to make the models happy.

[C]

So you. Yeah. You have a very high emotional intelligence, you guys. Yes. You have to. Right. And you have to be respectful of boundaries. There's obviously, it's consent driven. It's like in. In. In. In stringent testing on, like, STDs, all that stuff, Right?

[D]

Yeah, definitely. Like, the. You have to. Everybody has to be tested 14 days or at least 14 days before filming. So it could be seven days before filming, but at least. Or like 14 is the longest amount of time before filming that you can get tested. And they do a full panel of, like, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, you know, hiv, everything. But also one called my micro something. It's a M Gen, is what they call it. It's a newer one that's, like, super, super vague. Like, they're testing for, like, the smallest little possible infections now.

[C]

So they're thorough.

[D]

Yeah, they're very thorough. And then they also test every site, like throat, urine, and rectal.

[C]

Wow.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay. So, yeah, I think it. Is it safe to say it's a better time than ever to be a porn star?

[D]

Definitely the safest. I mean, people. There was a time, I think in what, the early 2000s, when everything went to condoms. I don't know what happened in the late 90s, but they had to stop doing raw porn until, like, just a couple years before we started. So I think they had to, like, work out all those kinks in order to get it to be all raw again so that they didn't have to use condoms. So that's why they've started implementing all that. And there's so many other things too. Like, you have to. There's a whole consent form that everybody fills out. And, like, you have to be on camera with the whole crew and the model going over all the things you're okay with, all the things you're not okay with. You talk about safe words. And not only a safe word, but a safe gesture, because sometimes your mouth is full, and so you have to, like, make a. A gesture with your hands.

[C]

Do you mind sharing your safe word?

[B]

Or is that.

[D]

Oh, usually it's pineapple or donut.

[C]

Why is pineapple always the go to safe word?

[D]

Sometimes it's Donut. And it's usually clap loud three times if you can't speak.

[B]

Okay.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

You guys, I don't want to take up any more time. I could talk to you for hours. This has been awesome. I wanted to say congratulations on your wedding.

[D]

Thank you.

[C]

You're such a beautiful couple, and I'm so happy to be in your orbit, sharing this moment with you in China. We're in the mainland. By the way, did you guys know Chongqing is the biggest city in the world?

[E]

We did not know that.

[C]

I found it out this morning.

[D]

So for perspective, by, like, population or land mass?

[B]

Population. So.

[C]

So for listeners, LA's population is like 3.8 million. Chongqing's population is like 35 million.

[B]

Whoa.

[C]

It's the biggest city in the world.

[B]

You'Ve never heard of?

[D]

Seriously? I know, because when I told people from China that I was going, people who live in the US who are from China, I told them I was going to Chongqing for the New Year's. Well, I tell them I'm going to Chongqing, and they'd say, why are you going to Chongqing? I'm like, well, for the New Year's. Like, oh, I guess they have cool drone shows, but I'm like, this is actually really cool.

[E]

There's so much to see that everywhere you look is like sensory overload.

[B]

And it's spicy.

[C]

I'm still sweating out. You guys have seen me perspiring over here. I'm sweaty. Because everything at our lunch was really hot. Yeah, it was really hot.

[D]

Yeah, everything. I think Chongqing is known for spicy hot pot, right?

[C]

It is. Yeah.

[D]

It was really spicy.

[C]

I've learned so much. Also, Baiju, or this is. I, I. Apparently, it's per volume, the highest drunken.

[B]

Spirit in the world. Oh.

[D]

Does it have, like, a really high alcohol content?

[C]

No, no, it's just like, they. People drink more of this than any other alcohol, and I've never heard of it until now.

[B]

Baiju, you guys.

[D]

Wow. Can we get it in the States?

[B]

I don't know.

[D]

Dang. We gotta buy a bunch while we're here.

[B]

Here.

[C]

Should we take a little shot of Baiju?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

And thank you, guys.

[B]

Thank you so much for your time.

[D]

Yeah, of course.

[C]

So do you think my future is promising?

[D]

Yeah, I think you should. I, I, I'll, I'll get you some connections. We'll have you come to the GNS with us this year, and you can meet all the directors and see who wants to film you.

[C]

Oh, I'm planning on coming.

[E]

And we have ways you can make it work.

[C]

Cheers, guys.

[B]

Oh, that's good. Thank you.

[A]

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Hi, I'm Adam Rippon, and this is Intrusive Thoughts, the podcast where I finally say the stuff out loud that's been living rent free in my head for years. From dumb decisions to awkward moments I probably should have kept to myself. Nothing's off limits. Yes, I'm talking about the time I lost my phone mid flight and still haven't truly emotionally recovered from that. There might be too many sound effects. I've been told to chill. Will I? Unclear. But if you've ever laid awake at night cringing at something you said five years ago, congratulations, you found your people. Intrusive Thoughts with Adam Rippon is available now wherever you get your podcasts.