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What happens when illness, disability, and heartbreak completely change your relationship with intimacy?

In this episode, we share the deeply personal experiences that led us to dedicate our lives to helping people rebuild confidence, connection, and intimacy after body-altering surgery.

People often ask why we're so passionate about intimacy.

The truth is... neither of us planned to build careers around it.

Nicole's journey began after her ostomy surgery, when she struggled to find products that helped her feel confident during intimacy. That experience eventually led her to create innovative ostomy garments and become a leading advocate in the ostomy community.

Trina's path took an entirely different route through chronic illness, years without physical touch, work in the adult entertainment industry, intimacy surrogacy, and eventually coaching people living with disabilities and body-altering surgeries.

Together, we discuss:

• How our personal experiences shaped our missions
• Why intimacy is about far more than sex
• The hidden impact of touch starvation
• Body confidence after ostomy surgery
• Breaking stigma around disability and intimacy
• Why products alone aren't enough to heal body shame
• The importance of safe communities
• Our vision for creating products and resources that genuinely help people feel confident again

Whether you have an ostomy, live with a disability, are recovering from surgery, or simply want a deeper understanding of intimacy and human connection, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are never alone.

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📌 Connect With Us
Trina Ricketts – The Intimate Ostomate
Website: intimateostomate.com
Instagram: / intimateostomate
Youtube: / @intimateostomate
Books, guides, coaching & resources
Coaching • Books / Guides • Resources • Intimacy Advocacy

Nicole Richards - Ostomy Innovations
Website: ostomyinnovations222.com
Instagram: / ostomyinnovations
Youtube: / @ostomyinnovations222
Coaching • Wellness • Disability advocacy • Ostomy Clothing