Faking It with Ariel and Morgan
Faking It with Ariel and Morgan is the podcast that strips down the mystery of Hollywood’s most private moments, and makes you laugh while doing it. Hosted by Intimacy Coordinators Ariel Leigh Cohen and Morgan Smith, each episode dives into the world of film sets, sex scenes, and all the awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly tender stories that come with them.
From behind-the-scenes Hollywood secrets to spicy movie moments, we’re here to answer the questions you didn’t even know you had: How do actors fake it? What really happens under the covers on set? And what the actors are really wearing?
Expect a mix of comedy, storytelling, and real talk about intimacy, relationships, filmmaking, and the art of pretending. If you’re into funny film podcasts, behind-the-scenes stories, acting tips, NSFW comedy, and Hollywood chaos, you’ve just found your new obsession.
Subscribe now and stay real, Fakers.
Faking It with Ariel and Morgan
Back Arches & Check-Ins | Why “Heated Rivalry” Gets Queer Sex Right
We heard you. LOUDLY.
In this very special holiday Bonus Episode, Ariel and Morgan dive headfirst into Heated Rivalry, the wildly requested gay hockey romance that dropped on November 28 and immediately set the internet on fire.
Based on Rachel Reid’s beloved romance novels, the series follows Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two elite professional hockey players whose rivalry turns into a secret, years-long love affair. What starts as a teenage hookup evolves into a deeply emotional, highly physical relationship that unfolds over nearly a decade, on and off the ice.
Ariel and Morgan break down multiple intimacy scenes from the first two episodes and unpack why Heated Rivalry feels so different from most male-male sex scenes on TV.
They get into it all:
- Why these sex scenes feel unusually realistic, tender, and embodied
- How athletic bodies move differently and why that matters for choreography
- The importance of aftercare, communication, and check-ins onscreen
- What the show gets right about first times, awkward moments, and learning each other’s bodies
- Why queer intimacy is so often shortened and how Heated Rivalry refuses to cut away
- The now-iconic back arch that has gay Twitter in a chokehold
This episode celebrates queer sex that’s messy, hot, funny, imperfect, and deeply human, and why representation like this actually matters. It’s all the spice, none of the filler, and a perfect way to close out the year before we return January 7th.
Give a Little Queer Holiday Love
Please consider supporting organizations that protect and uplift LGBTQ youth. A few of our favorites:
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Credits — Heated Rivalry
Creator / Director / Writer: Jacob Tierney
Producers: Bell Media / Crave (limited series)
Intimacy Coordinator: Chala Hunter
Actors (selected): Hudson Williams (Shane Hollander); Connor Dory (Ilya Rozanov).
© 2024 Bell Media / Crave. All rights reserved.
Based on the novels: Rachel Reid (Heated Rivalry (2009), The Long Game (2022))
🔗 Connect & Support the Show
👀 Watch the Video Version: See our reactions! The video podcast is available on Spotify and YouTube.
💌 Suggest a Scene & Get Bonuses: Join our Patreon to request movies for us to break down and access exclusive bonus episodes. patreon.com/FakingItThePod
📱 Follow Us for Chaos: Get behind-the-scenes content and updates on Instagram @FakingItThePod
🌐 Visit Our Website: Find all our links and more at FakingItThePod.com
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Stay real, Fakers 🫡
Legal Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are our own. This episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Nothing here is intended to defame, slander, or infringe upon any individual or entity. All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.
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