Shannon “Boody” Boodram is a certified sexologist who teaches sex education and health through social media, with her biggest platform being YouTube where she focuses on the topics of sex, love, relationships and occasionally beauty videos. She is a host on MTV’s “Guide To,” an author, has her own show with Fullscreen and created her own vibrator necklace.
Apart from her main channel, where her videos range from “How to Bring Damaged Curls Back,” to “The Truth About Female Orgasm,” her second channel, called “The Examined Life,” follows her and her partner Jared Brady, a talented artist himself, on their journey through life and being a couple. Unlike the YouTube couples that we’re all used to seeing — perfect everyday vlogs and unimaginable getaway vacations, all with a vibe that seems less than authentic that has become “relationship goals” — they talk about the things other couples on YouTube won’t.
For most, a simple “Girlfriend/Boyfriend Tag” video is enough to let their viewers get to know their relationship on a personal level, and although no YouTuber is required to share anything more than that, Shannon and Jared go in depth into the aspects of their relationship that anyone would have questions about. They talk about sex, disclose their open relationship, how much alone time they require and why it’s important, how social media plays a role in relationship or if you should let it and getting tested with your partner; all in a style that “mixes vlogging with podcasting” that feels as if you are sitting down with them and in on the discussion.
“The Examined Life” is an important channel that provides real and informative knowledge and tips on how to stay healthy in your relationship and in sex, and also exposes viewers to an open relationship which society deems as taboo. This channel can help those who feel ashamed for their preference in relationships be more confident in how they choose to love since these types of relationships aren’t publicized as much, and can help others come to term with what they like or dislike about relationships through watching the open discussions Shan and Jared have, along with occasional featured guests.
In the United States today, “24 states and the District of Columbia require public schools teach sex education (21 of which mandate sex education and HIV education). 33 states and the District of Columbia require students receive instruction about HIV/AIDS. 20 states require that if provided, sex and/or HIV education must be medically, factually or technically accurate. (NCSL.ORG)
Shan and Jared’s channel is important because it offers a different perspective on relationships in a fun way since both their personalities are enjoyable to watch, and also allows for education on sex that is still very much needed in today’s youth. It lets viewers know that their relationships don’t have to be what the norm is, and that not all relationships are as glamorous as those they see on YouTube and that it’s perfectly okay, too.
