Three ICs Walk Into a Podcast | Chala Hunter Talks "Heated Rivalry", Queer Joy & The Craft of Intimacy

This one’s a BIG ONE.

Ariel and Morgan sit down with intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter, the creative force behind the intimacy work in Heated Rivalry, for a deep dive into how some of the most talked-about scenes on TV actually get made.

From the early days of learning the job during the #MeToo shift to stepping onto a set packed with hockey vibes, choreography, and high emotional stakes, Chala pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build intimacy that feels grounded, safe, and electric. 

They get into it all:

• How she found her way into intimacy coordination when the field was still being defined
• Why she prioritizes trust, play, and actor agency over rigid choreography
• How Heated Rivalry balanced tenderness, heat, and authenticity without losing its heart
• Why representation doesn’t have to feel “authentic to everyone” to still be meaningful
• And what happens when three intimacy coordinators get together and the nerding starts before the mics are even warm

It’s insightful, funny, incredibly revealing, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craft from someone doing the work at the highest level.

This one feels like a milestone episode.

Want to watch along? Our reaction covers Episode 4: Rose (Time Code: 21:07 - 24:29), Episode 6: The Cottage (Time Codes: 20:15 - 22:37 & 32:34-33:27). We cut around the clips, so it won’t sync perfectly, but you’ll absolutely get the point.

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CREDITS — Heated Rivalry

Director: Jacob Tierney
Executive Producer: Brendan Brady
Source Material: Based on the novel Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
Intimacy Coordinator (Interview Guest): Chala Hunter
Actors (featured in discussed scenes): Hudson Williams; Connor Storrie
© Crave / Canadian Production Partners. All rights reserved.

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