Dr. Tara is redefining modern intimacy, bridging TV, academia, and social media to spark real conversations about love.

When it comes to love, sex, and everything in between, Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn is leading the conversation. As a Love, Intimacy & Relationships Expert, college professor, and star of the hit reality series Celebs Go Dating, Dr. Tara is bringing clarity and compassion to the messiness of modern romance. This summer, she returns to TV screens with her blend of humour, insight, and fearless honesty, guiding a new cast of celebrity singles through the emotional rollercoaster of dating in the spotlight.

 

Off-screen, Dr. Tara is just as influential. Her podcast Luvbites by Dr. Tara is a must-listen for anyone craving raw, real talk about intimacy and connection. With over two million followers across Instagram and TikTok, she’s built a global community that’s eager to challenge outdated taboos and embrace sex-positive empowerment.

 

Her work doesn’t stop with viral soundbites. As a professor at Cal State Fullerton and author of Sexual Communication: Research in Action, Dr. Tara is shaping the academic and cultural conversation around sexual wellness. Her online Sex Academy takes this mission even further, offering expert-led lessons on everything from pleasure to consent.

 

We caught up with Dr. Tara to talk about her journey into entertainment, hosting Celebs Go Dating and the biggest misconceptions of love that we need to debunk.

You’ve seamlessly bridged academia and entertainment, how did your journey from college professor to TV personality and influencer unfold?

The bridge started when I earnt early tenure and promotion for my professor position. I started to think about what would be a fun and challenging thing to do next. My students and friends encouraged me to start a podcast and social media, and I have trust in Gen Z, so I did! The rest is history. I’ve built and am still building one of the largest sex positive communities online, called Luvbites. A few years ago, Celebs Go Dating casting director reached out I’m now filming my third series with them. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and it’s only the beginning! My first popular book, How Do You Like It?, and my first lube line are coming out later this year!

What’s been the most surprising part of working with celebrities on Celebs Go Dating?

That celebrities have the same struggles as everybody else and that these human-based issues are the same across the globe. Struggles such as low self-esteem, lack of dating confidence, lack of conversational competence, and people pleasing tendencies are all universal problems. Celebs have them too!

You’ve built a community of over two million online, how do you decide what messages or topics to spotlight for such a diverse audience?

I have three different approaches for content consideration. Pain points, trends, and general sex education. Pain points come from questions I get from all my followers: students, clients, and friends. Trends come from social media and what’s hot on the internet. I teach sex education in class at the university, which I think the masses need to know because it will improve their lives.

As a columnist for Women’s Health, how do you balance science-based advice with relatability for readers?

I try to make sure that I cite a few peer-reviewed articles in each column, but write them in my own words because I am known for being personable, unhinged, and funny. I don’t ever want to lose that essence.

Is there a myth or misconception about love that you find yourself constantly debunking, both on your podcast and in your writing?

Yes, the biggest misconception about love I constantly debunk is, “If they love me, they should know how to treat me and know how to communicate with me in every scenario of life.” That’s absolute bullshit! A relationship is a constant lesson. You need to openly teach your partner how to treat you the way you most prefer and feel loved by. They can’t read your mind. Take ownership of your own happiness and pleasure.

Your book Sexual Communication: Research in Action is used in classrooms and by professionals alike. What was your biggest goal in writing it?

Providing a foundation of knowledge on sexual communication to everybody regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, relationship status, or socio-economic status. Things that everyone would benefit from knowing. This textbook is not an in-depth analysis but a survey of many important topics within the realm of sexual communication research.

How has teaching at Cal State Fullerton shaped your views on Gen Z’s approach to relationships and intimacy?

So much! My students teach me a lot every semester. Hearing their stories and perspectives helps me understand Gen Z on a much deeper level. Honestly, sometimes I feel like I identify as a Gen Z more than a millennial! My approach is dynamic and ever-evolving. I’m always open-minded to new ideas, curious, and willing to learn from people who have interesting things to say. Gen Z has taught me that there are so many ways to love and that technology can be a good thing in terms of bringing people together.

You’re a strong voice for sex positivity. What does a truly sex-positive society look like to you, and how close – or far – are we from it?

A true sex positive society would be educated, informed, open-minded, explorative, kink friendly, communicative, relationally expansive (not heteronormative), honest and loving. People wouldn’t judge themselves or others.

What trends are you seeing among Gen Z that make you hopeful for the future of intimacy and communication?

Relational and sexual fluidity and open-mindedness. I would say Gen Z is the most open-minded generation. People can be whoever they want to be, date whoever they want to date, and have sex however they like (within ethical realms, of course).

If you could give every couple in the world one piece of advice to deepen intimacy, what would it be?

Work on your own sexual empowerment. When you are sexually empowered, other aspects of sex and intimacy become much easier to engage in and prioritise.