Dr. Finlayson-Fife's Podcast Archive

Neurodiversity brings a unique set of strengths—and challenges—to intimate relationships. In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife responds to listener questions about how traits associated with autism and ADHD shape the dynamics of marriage. Drawing from her own life and work, she explores what it means to love someone whose brain works differently than yours—and how couples can create more peace, closeness, and partnership across those differences. * Please excuse the poor audio quality—the recording was not great, but the content more than makes up for it, so we are publishing anyway!

Many men carry inherited messages about masculinity and sexuality that quietly undermine their peace with themselves—and interfere with their ability to show up with strength and clarity in their marriages. In this powerful conversation with Rhonda Farr, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife challenges those inherited ideas and reframes strength—not as certainty or control—but as the courage to look honestly at yourself. The courage to tolerate feedback, consider your impact, and use discomfort as a catalyst for growth.

In this Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins Greg and Amy Langford of the Undressing Intimacy podcast to talk about the painful reality of being at an important crossroads in your relationship.

In this new episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Kurt Francom of the Leading Saints podcast to talk about how church leaders can best support their congregation in matters of sexuality—not by avoiding the topic or using fear-based messaging, but by offering a more hopeful, honest, and empowering vision of the gift that our God-given sexuality can be in our lives.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer answers questions from our Facebook Group about the role of fantasy in long-term relationships. She explores why fantasy often feels taboo, and how—when grounded in morality and friendship—it can become a meaningful tool for strengthening intimacy and deepening connection.

The lack of discussion about the Divine Feminine has negatively shaped our culture and limited our understanding of what it means to be female. In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife breaks down the cultural misconception that femininity is equivalent to weakness and offers a beautiful perspective on the strength of feminine intelligence and the powerful role that strong femininity plays in healthy relationships, communities, and societies.

David has been battling a pornography compulsion for much of his life. He's read the books, listened to the podcasts, joined the groups, and tried every program he could find. But despite his best efforts, his behavior continues. The repeated use—and the cycle of disclosure that follows—has taken a toll on their marriage. David is upfront when he slips—but this is in the form of turning to Alexa for forgiveness and reassurance. When Alexa distances following his disclosure, he often grows impatient. In this episode of Room for Two, Dr. Finlayson-Fife works with David and Alexa to better understand what's keeping them stuck. She offers David a new perspective—that he would benefit from acknowledging the part of him that wants the escape of pornography, and that until he confronts that reality, genuine change will remain out of reach. Subscribe to Room for Two to listen to the FULL episode (and the rest of the David and Alexa series)

In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife uses questions from her audience to unpack why so many of us struggle to feel ease and desire in our sexual relationship—and what we can do to can create a more soulful and passionate connection with our partner.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Amy Watkins Jensen of Women on the Stand to discuss how women can engage in meaningful and honest conversations about their experiences in the Church and how daring to do so is what will allow us to create more honest and inclusive faith communities.

In this powerful Q&A discussion, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife explores the complexities of "duty sex" including what drives it and the detrimental impact it has on relationships. She discusses the powerful meanings we attach to sex, and how these meanings can either undermine desire by creating a sense of obligation or foster connection through choice and mutual desire. She offers insight into how both higher and lower-desire partners can step away from patterns of pressure and compliance and cultivate a more fulfilling sexual relationship built on mutual desire, authentic connection, and a sense of being truly chosen.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins Tanya Hale of the Intentional Living Podcast to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs about women's sexuality. They discuss the ways these messages undermine women's sense of self and self-respect and explore how integrating sexuality and spirituality allows women to reclaim desire, develop deeper self-trust, and cultivate more equal, fulfilling relationships.

Dan and Marie recently woke up to the fact that even though their marriage was peaceful and good, it wasn't as honest as they had believed it to be, and they wanted to create something better. So they got to work – listened to podcasts, worked through courses, and even attended a couples' workshop. Their efforts to bring more honesty and authenticity to the marriage paid off and they caught occasional glimpses of what their relationship was really capable of, but... old habits die hard, and despite the progress, they often find themselves slipping into their familiar pattern of trying to manage how they are seen and experienced, which leaves their sexual engagement feeling lackluster and “vanilla.” In this episode of Room for Two, Dr. Jennifer works with Dan and Marie to help them better understand what their intimate relationship is exposing about their relational dynamic, and how honesty and authenticity will open the door for them to create the spark and passion that they long for.

In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife answers questions about female arousal and orgasm. She discusses the impact of societal and personal beliefs on women's sexual experiences, the connection between emotional freedom and sexual well-being, and offers practical advice for overcoming common challenges women face such as performance anxiety, self-judgment, and the aftermath of sexual trauma.

In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Taylor Chambers to discuss how we can turn challenges related to pornography into opportunities for personal and relational growth. They explore the systemic issues that contribute to porn use. the impact that unwanted porn use has on marriages, and how we can use conflict and crisis in our relationships as opportunities to learn more about ourselves and create meaningful, lasting change.

In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins Dr. Mallorie Cracroft of the Uplift for Her podcast to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that women face during midlife. They dive into the physical, emotional, and relational shifts that happen as we age and how these changes can impact our sense of who we are. They also explore how women can live with more authenticity and self-acceptance, and how doing so paves the way for richer experiences, even (especially!) in later years.

When couples are in an erotic, thriving marriage, it's not about new sex positions, it's about creating a relationship where there is a sense of aliveness and authenticity. And nothing creates this type of energy in a relationship more than intimacy--really knowing your spouse and being known by them in return.

In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins host EmyLee McIntyre of the Limitless Female podcast to discuss how we can keep the spark in our marriages ALIVE amidst the responsibilities and drudgery of adulthood, and how sexuality doesn't just belong in the margins of our lives, but can be woven into the day to day in the way we connect with and relate to ourselves and our partner. This episode isn't just about getting the spark back, it's about transforming how you see and experience intimacy in your marriage.

During this 2024 Restore presentation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife shares valuable insights on how parents can foster an ongoing, healthy, and honest dialogue with their children about sex and how doing so will empower them to make informed, confident, and integrity-driven choices around sexuality. For a deeper exploration on these topics, enroll in Dr. Finlayson-Fife's recently updated How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex course!

In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins the hosts of Saints Unscripted for an important discussion about modesty. They talk about the impact that cultural misunderstandings have caused and how we can rethink about what it means to be modest and teach our children how to preserve the gift of their sexuality not out of fear, but out of respect and appreciation for the miraculous gift of it.

Navigating the aftermath of a disclosure or discovery of intimate deception (including emotional or physical infidelity, pornography use, financial deception, etc.) is a painful and complicated process. In this Q&A session, Dr. Finlayson-Fife addresses audience questions about emotional and sexual infidelity and gives guidance on what is required for couples to rebuild trust and connection after there has been a breach of trust in the marriage.

In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Tina Gosney of the "Coaching Your Family Relationships" podcast to discuss some of the challenges that parents face when their child steps away from family faith traditions and how parents can best support and love their children, even when their worldviews diverge.

In this special Christmas edition Q&A, Dr. Finlayson-Fife took questions from her audience about difficult family dynamics, communication difficulties, and other relational difficulties that tend to come to the fore during the holidays.

In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Ashlyn Mitchell of the This Is Ashlynn podcast to discuss the obstacles and anxieties that many women face as they move forward in the aftermath of betrayal and what resources are available to them as they do the difficult work of understanding and reclaiming their relationship to themselves and their sexuality.

During this Q&A Discussion, Dr. Jennifer addresses questions from her audience about various issues related to low sexual desire (particularly in men). She highlights the importance of understanding the biological, psychological, and relational factors that impact sexual desire and offers input on how couples can address their sexual anxieties and improve their sexual dynamic.

In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Christi Davis [host of the “Liking the People You Love” podcast] to explore how parents can support teens through their turbulent transition into adulthood. They discuss how parents can create thoughtful, value-based guidelines around sexuality—particularly on topics like modesty and masturbation—that prioritize the child's well-being. And how parents can foster their teen's ability to make self-directed decisions driven by their highest values rather than fear, shame, or conformity.

In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife answers audience questions about the impact of sexual trauma on relationships and well-being. She explores the body's self-protective response, the impact on our sense of self, and how those who have experienced trauma can move toward healing.

In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Jen Banks and Sarah Ziroll of The Best Birth Podcast to discusses the impact that pregnancy and postpartum can have on sexual desire and intimacy. This period of intense emotional and physical transition can often be challenging, but Dr. Finlayson-Fife teaches how with self-regulation, compassion, and understanding couples can actually use this period as an opportunity to grow closer together.

During this hopeful discussion, Dr. Finlayson-Fife addressed questions from her audience about faith development, how to find peace when our thinking doesn't align with our group, and how our understanding of faith and relationship to spirituality can change over the course of a lifetime.

This week, we are rereleasing one of our most popular episodes of all time! In the episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Steve and James of the Unashamed Unafraid Podcast for a deep dive into the complexities of relationships, particularly those in which there has been dishonesty or infidelity.

Dr. Finlayson-Fife was invited by Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG) to speak on how we can maintain hope and foster healthy relationships during a time of deep political polarization. In the presentation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife discusses how we can bridge divides with those who think differently by showing genuine care, listening with humility, and seeking to understand others' experiences, using their perspectives to broaden our own.

When we get married, most of us imagine a life full of connection and companionship. But when you feel overlooked, unchosen, or disappointed by how your spouse shows up emotionally or sexually, marriage can start to feel lonely and isolating. In this hour-long Q&A session, Dr. Finlayson-Fife answers questions from those feeling unchosen, isolated, and disconnected in their most important relationship.

In this NEW episode Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Dan Purcell of the Get Your Marriage On! podcast to answer the question of what it means to really cherish a spouse. Dr. Finlayson-Fife's answer leads to a beautiful discussion on the importance of gratitude, what love is and what it is not, and the impact that deliberate cherishing has in our lives and in our relationships. The episode offers practical advice on how to live in gratitude, be more present in relationships, and navigate conflicts with integrity and love.

In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Rachel Nielsen of the 3 in 30 podcast to discuss three actionable takeaways to help couples become better partners and strengthen their marriages. The discussion covers the importance of self-confrontation, the importance of remaining kind and constructive when facing disappointments and differences, and the vital role that sexuality plays in a marital partnership.

In this powerful Q&A session, Dr. Finlayson-Fife took questions from her audience about indecision / straddling. The discussion that followed was a beautiful exploration of vulnerability, fear, finitude, and the importance of claiming our choices in life and in marriage.

We've got a lot of incredible events on the calendar, click HERE to learn more (and SAVE $200 on the Art of Desire Retreat w/code DESIRE)! In this episode (originally published in 2022), Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Kattie Mount to discuss the different types of events she offers, and why these events can be so transformative, even for those who have already taken the online courses. If you've been curious about what it is like to attend one of Dr. Jennifer's in-person events, you don't want to miss this episode of Marriage on a Tightrope!

**LABOR DAY SALE - ALL COURSES B1G150% OFF** In this NEW episode of Moving Thru Momlife, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins host Lindsey Taylor to discuss how women can stay connected to their bodies, desires, and sexuality throughout every age and stage of motherhood.

In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Andee Martineau of the Connect Method Parenting Podcast to share valuable insights on how parents can foster an ongoing, healthy, and honest dialogue with their children and how doing so will empower them to make informed, confident, and integrity-driven choices about their desires and sexuality. For a deeper exploration on these topics, enroll in Dr. Finlayson-Fife's recently updated How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex course!

You can't change what you can't see. And Dr. Finlayson-Fife's Art of Desire course was created to help women SEE and understand the cultural messaging that has shaped their relationships to themselves, their sexuality, and to God in both positive and negative ways. In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Kattie Mount of the Marriage on a Tightrope Podcast to discuss the upcoming Safely Gathered Retreat, where she will be addressing some of the limiting messages that many women have received and offering a new and expansive perspective, one that invites them to create a stronger, more sustaining relationship with themselves, their desires, and their sexuality.

During the presentation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife explores the connection between spirituality and sexuality, and explains how eros energy (the root of romantic love) invites us to transcend ourselves and grow in our spiritual and relational capacity, even in the face of disappointment and uncertainty.

In this episode of Room for Two, Dr. Finlayson-Fife helps Jack and Diane explore and better understand their sexual dynamic. They discuss Diane's initial excitement about sex, how their honeymoon's brief difficulties fractured her perception of her sexual self, and how her initial self criticism has continued to impact their sexual dynamic. Dr. Finlayson-Fife helps Diane see that despite her recent growth, her continued focus on pleasing Jack is standing in the way of her actually loving him. Dr. Finlayson-Fife teaches that the key to moving forward is for Diane to decide who she wants to be in her life and marriage, independent of the expectations of others.

Learning that your spouse has been keeping important truths from you is extraordinarily disruptive. It can be difficult for couples to know how to navigate forward in the aftermath of a disclosure or discovery of this type of deception. During this Q&A session, Dr. Finlayson-Fife addressed questions from her audience on the topic of intimate deception (including emotional or physical infidelity, pornography use, financial deception, etc.). If you are interested in learning more about this topic, consider purchasing Dr. Finlayson-Fife's newest mini-course Understanding Intimate Deception.

In this new episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Heidi Benjaminson of the Confidence Coaching podcast to discuss mind mapping in parent-child relationships. They explore what our kids are mapping about us, how these mapped messages influence their perceptions and behaviors, and what we can do if course correction is needed.

During this Q&A discussion, Dr. Jennifer discusses the complexities of men's sexuality, particularly within the context of LDS cultural dynamics. The discussion, driven by questions submitted by our Facebook Group members, highlights the pressures and expectations men face, the importance of seeing men's sexuality as a positive force rather than a problematic one, and how couples can create real intimacy in their marriages.

In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife takes questions from her Facebook Group members on the nuanced and delicate topic of loss of attraction in marriage. In the discussion, Dr. Finlayson-Fife discusses how habituation, boredom, and resentment can undermine attraction, and how gratitude, appreciation, and novelty can foster it.

In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins Dr. Julie Hanks to discuss her dissertation research, the ways that church culture has shaped women's sexuality, and how women can create a healthier relationship with desire, embodiment, and sexuality.

In this NEW episode of Navigating the Spectrum, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Michelle Portlock to discuss her personal experience with parenting a neurodivergent child. The discussion covers the importance of compassion (for yourself, your spouse, your child, and your circumstances), and thoughts about how parents can work together to reduce anxiety / stress, improve communication, and foster a nurturing, supportive relationship with each other and their child(ren).

In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Finlayson-Fife uses questions from her Facebook Group members to drive an important discussion about emotional infidelity. During the conversation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife explains why emotional affairs are so compelling, the impact they have on relationships, and how those who have experienced emotional infidelity can navigate forward wisely.

In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife discusses with Crystal (@theparenting coach) how parents can help their children navigate the complicated online world. She discusses the key to empowering teens to make wise decisions lies in facilitating our children's self-authoring – of thinking about the lives they want to create and assessing whether their actions are in line with the person they hope to become.

In this powerful discussion, Dr. Finlayson-Fife teases out the difference between regret, resentment, and remorse and offers clarity on what these unpleasant emotions can teach us about ourselves and the way we are showing up in our lives and relationships.

In this NEW conversation with Crystal of The Parenting Coach Podcast, Dr. Finlayson-Fife discusses how we can create healthier, more collaborative partnerships even when our partner is not invested in creating positive change.

TJ and Ashley's story is a familiar one for many. Their marriage started out happily enough. They were young college students and enjoyed each other a lot during their first few years together. But things changed when TJ started graduate school during an economic downturn. TJ felt a tremendous amount of anxiety about his financial future, given the dim prospects for most students at the time. Competition was fierce and in TJ's determination to ensure his family's economic stability, he dedicated himself to his studies, leaving little time or emotional bandwidth for anything else, including Ashley.