Sex hotlines became a thing in the 1980s, only within 100 years of the invention of the telephone. After paying a premium rate, customers could access sexual content just by calling phone numbers. While it later involved actually being able to speak to sex workers and engage in phone sex, some of these first hotlines only featured recordings of dirty messages that adult actresses recorded – messages you could pay to listen to by the minute.
Fast forward to 2024, where it seems like the multi-billion dollar internet porn industry is where people turn to all-things-sex, Grammy-award-winning singer Christina Aguilera is bringing it back to the basics. In 2023, she cofounded the women-owned Playground, a sexual wellness company aimed at centering women’s pleasure. She released a few lubricants, all differing based on varying libidos. Now, she’s launched a sex hotline aimed at providing sexual wellness info to anyone who calls.
And because I was curious (and also because I wanted the experience of trying out a sex hotline), I decided to give her hotline a call at 1-888-PLY-GRND.
At first, I was a little nervous at the prospect of potentially talking to a real person, but thankfully, as soon as I dialed, a super-breathy recording of Christina said, “Welcome to the Playground Pillow Talk hotline. This is your operator, Christina, here to guide you on your journey to bliss in the bedroom and beyond. For adults only.”
Then she gave options: dial 1 for Christina’s favorite personal intimacy tips, dial 2 to enter for a chance to win a live callback from Christina HERSELF (!!), dial 3 to hear what “Pillow Talk” means to her, dial 4 for an exclusive caller discount on Playground products, and 5 to leave a voicemail with your own tips.
I felt inclined to dial one and heard Christina (even more breathy and sensual now) talk about how to ask for what you want, how to share your fantasies with your partner, and how to express yourself in the moment when it comes to sex. Here is what Christina Aguilera taught me about sex.
✅ Don’t just focus on the “private parts”
She said that there was so much more to the body, giving advice to stimulate the nipples, the neck, and other erogenous zones. As a sex writer, I approve this message.
✅ Communicate your desire
XTina said the best way to make sure you’re having an “unforgettable” time with your partner is to be on the same page. AKA communicate how eager you two are to go at each other.
✅ Tailor your dirty talk to your partner
When it comes to “dirrty” talk, Christina emphasized the importance of checking in with your partner. What would they like to hear in bed? What would they prefer to skip? Dirty talk can be super sexy, but it has to be tailored to your partner.
While it was pretty much advice that I’ve heard and even given others myself as a sex writer, I know that not everyone is as comfortable speaking about sex as I am. Considering that, this hotline is a really great way to get people to feel more comfortable about talking about (and through) sex.
But the idea of potentially talking to Christina Aguilera about having sex? I think I’d pass out.
