Podcasts about Emotional intimacy

Send us Fan MailBuild on purpose with discipline and consistency! Break free from the "hard" of marriage and actually like each other again.  Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

Send us a text & leave your email address if you want a reply!Leah Piper and Dr. Willow Brown open up the mailbox in this candid listener Q&A episode, tackling the real questions you've been too nervous to ask out loud. From healing sexual trauma in a relationship and rebuilding emotional intimacy after a rough patch, to navigating the polyamory conversation and letting go of body image shame in the bedroom. This episode goes deep, fast, and leaves nothing on the table. If you've ever felt alone with a question about your sex life or relationship, this one is for you.KEY TAKEAWAYS→ Healing sexual trauma in relationships is possible — somatic practices like Tantra and IFS can be more effective than cognitive-only therapy, and your partner can be one of your most powerful healers→ Rebuilding emotional intimacy after a rough patch starts small: consistent micro-rituals, gratitude, 20-second hugs, and intentional touch rebuild oxytocin and trust faster than big gestures→ If you're curious about ethical non-monogamy or polyamory, lead with curiosity before desire — ask your partner what they think and feel before making it a request, and get any agreements in writing→ Sexual boundaries are self-care, not selfishness — knowing whether yours are a request or a requirement helps you communicate them clearly and without guilt→ Feeling sexy is an inside job: drop the mirror, close your eyes, breathe into your body, and let sensation lead — pleasure has nothing to do with size, shape, or age→ The four pillars of deep intimacy — vulnerability, presence, trust, and attunement — apply whether you're healing, reconnecting, or just trying to feel more alive in your relationshipGot a question for Leah and Willow? Submit it for a future listener Q&A episode at: support@sexreimagined.com LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEBSITE: https://www.sexreimagined.com/blog/how-to-heal-sexual-trauma-in-relationships LAST 10x LONGER. If you suffer from premature ejaculation, you are not alone, master 5 techniques to cure this stressful & embarrassing issue once and for all. Save 20% Coupon: PODCAST20.  THE MALE GSPOT & PROSTATE MASTERCLASS. This is for you if… You've heard of epic anal orgasms, & you wonder if it's possible for you too. Save 20% Coupon PODCAST20.  AWAKEN AROUSAL OIL LUBRICANT | Reach new levels of intimacy with our arousal oil, formulated for the female body. Once applied, this topical oil works with your body to enhance sensation and "o's," helping you reach states of euphoric pleasure.Support the showFREEBIE- Introduction to Tantric Kissing Video and WorkbookSxR WebsiteDr. Willow's WebsiteLeah's Website 

Hi friend! When was the last time you asked your spouse a question that made them pause and feel truly seen? In this episode, we're diving into 5 endearing, heartfelt questions you can ask your spouse to spark deeper connection, emotional intimacy, and meaningful conversation in your marriage. Whether you've been married for 5 months or 5 years, these questions will help you go beyond surface talk and truly show your spouse that you see them, hear them, and care deeply about who they are and what they're going through. Grab a pen (or hit save!)—because these questions might just open the door to some of the most powerful conversations you've had in a while. ............................................................................................................................

Send us Fan MailGrab the new free guide: https://chelsey.coach/hlwreset Recognize when your body is speaking and what it's saying... this is the PATTERN.And then what to do with the info as INFO, not authority. Anchor into Truth, biblical Truth. This is how we regulate and respond; disrupt patterns and walk in freedom and healing! Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

Israeli children are still running to shelters. The hostages are home, but the wars keep coming. And somewhere underneath it all — the October 7th trauma, the Iran strikes, the hostages, the endless sirens — something is being passed down to the next generation, whether we mean to or not. This week, Yonit sits down with Dr. Galit Atlas, psychoanalyst and author of Emotional Inheritance, to ask the questions most of us are afraid to answer: what does prolonged, unprocessed national trauma do to a people? How do Jewish rituals of memory — Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day — help or harm? And is there actually hope on the other side of all this? Dr. Atlas's new book, Come Closer: Childhood Wounds, Adult Love and the Secrets of Emotional Intimacy, is out in September.

You have friends… so why do you still feel lonely? Friendships are more important than ever in adulthood, but they become increasingly hard to make and maintain. But we're in a real loneliness epidemic where most adults feel unseen, alone, and disconnected *even though* they have lots of connections in their lives. The real reason no one's talking about? The “depth gap” that keeps us from being truly vulnerable and connected. Because the problem isn't always that we need more friends… it's that we don't feel known by the people in our lives. In this episode, we're diving into the psychology of modern friendship with psychologist Dr. Elisabeth Crain. From attachment styles and friendship patterns to reciprocity, resentment, and friendship breakups, this interview is a roadmap for healthier, more fulfilling friendships. Tune in to hear: • Why adult friendships are harder to build and maintain  • The "Depth Gap" and why loneliness is often a quality issue, not a quantity issue • How fear of vulnerability and rejection impact intimacy • Attachment styles in friendships • Understanding your friendship blueprint and relationship patterns • Fast-burn versus slow-burn friendships… why pacing matters • Managing reciprocity, imbalance and resentment • The importance of healthy criticism • Tuning into your body's reaction to people  • The art of discernment in picking the right friendships • Why friendships fracture in adulthood Follow Dr. Elisabeth Crain: https://www.drelisabethcrain.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.elisabeth.crain  Subscribe to my Substack:teachmehowtoadult.substack.comFollow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Send us Fan MailWhat if intimacy isn't gone…just buried under years of pain, fear, resentment, disappointment, betrayal, or self-protection?In this episode, Chelsey shares 10 practical ways to restore intimacy God's way—not through pressure, pretending, or rushing healing, but through surrender, safety, grief, openness, and intentionally moving toward one another again.Because God's design for intimacy was never simply physical.It was always:to be fully known…and fully loved. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

The couples who drift apart are rarely the ones fighting the most, they are the ones who simply stopped being curious. In this episode, Christa unpacks the love maps research and then hands you the exact questions each Enneagram type secretly longs to be asked, the kind of conversation starters made for a porch swing, a long summer drive, or those quiet few minutes at the end of the day. She also walks through the part that matters most, what to do after you ask, and the difference between hearing an answer and truly staying for it. Plus there is a free grab-and-go resource so you can take these questions straight to your next date night. Emotional intimacy is the foundation that every other kind of intimacy is built on, and this episode is where the whole summer begins. Listen with your love here! Listen on YouTube! Show notes: Get your E + M Love Map Questions Freebie here! Stay tuned for our Summer Intensives, Awakening Intimacy (track 1) and Awakening Adventure (track 2) beginning the week of July 13! Scroll down on our podcast page to find episodes on intimacy ⁠here!⁠ https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com/pod Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You love each other. You communicate. You trust each other. You're best friends. So why does the spark feel different? Why can a relationship feel safe, connected, and stable… yet still feel flat, predictable, or disconnected sexually?   In this episode of Reignite: Love, Sex & Truth for Conscious Couples, Kim & Roberto explore one of the biggest misconceptions about long-term relationships: Emotional intimacy is essential… but it's not enough on its own to sustain passion. They unpack the missing ingredient many couples overlook, why roommate energy slowly replaces attraction, and how to create both emotional safety and erotic aliveness in a conscious partnership.   What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why emotional intimacy matters deeply… and why it still won't create lasting passion on its own How predictability, routine, and "best friend energy" can slowly erode attraction What polarity really means (and why it has nothing to do with toxic relationship dynamics) How over-functioning, resentment, and parenting your partner destroy desire Why safety without polarity creates friendship… and polarity without safety creates unhealthy chemistry The importance of maintaining your own individuality, confidence, playfulness, and aliveness inside a relationship The formula for sustainable passion: emotional safety + polarity + presence + play   You do not have to choose between love and desire. Between emotional safety and erotic connection. Between trust and attraction. The healthiest relationships create both. Because emotional intimacy creates safety. Polarity creates a spark. And together…they create the kind of passion that continues growing long after the honeymoon phase is over.

What if the biggest problem in your marriage isn't the argument… but the way you argue? In this episode of Married AF, we celebrate a huge milestone, 500,000 downloads, and then dive straight into one of the most important relationship communication conversations we've ever had: why so many couples are trying to win arguments instead of understanding each other.We break down the hidden communication habits quietly damaging marriages, emotional intimacy, dating relationships, friendships, and even faith conversations. From shutting down emotionally to mentally preparing your comeback while your spouse is still talking, we unpack why modern conflict resolution feels more exhausting than productive and what healthy communication actually looks like.We also walk through five practical tools for better marriage communication and healthier relationships:How to stop treating conversations like competitionsWhy undistracted presence changes everythingThe power of asking better questionsHow to find common ground even during disagreementWhy grace and truth matter in every hard conversationIf you're struggling with marital issues, emotional disconnect, intimacy challenges, recurring fights, or feeling unheard in your relationship, this episode offers practical marriage advice and support you can actually use. Whether you're newly married, dating, navigating relationship challenges, or simply trying to communicate better with the people you love, this conversation will challenge the way you think about conflict, happiness, love, and connection.This episode is packed with:Marriage adviceRelationship communicationConflict resolution toolsChristian marriage coachingEmotional intimacy insightsCommunication strategiesDating and newlywed adviceBiblical perspectives on relationships and ChristianityPractical support for healthier marriagesBecause sometimes the strongest marriages aren't the ones that never fight… they're the ones that learn how to fight without destroying each other.

Join the Sober Girls Mastermind, our private community.2sobergirls.com/sober-girls-mastermindModern sobriety — where you don't just stop drinking, you upgrade your life.Inside you'll find weekly live calls with Michaela + Erinn, a private community with daily group chat support, trainings, tools and replays, and real conversations on sobriety, mindset, and becoming your next-level self.$88/monthCancel anytime.Start with our free course:The Sober Girl Blueprinthttps://www.2sobergirls.comConnect with us. DM us anytime with questions, coaching inquiries, or episode ideas.@2sobergirlspodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The goal is not to be 100% authentic all the time.That's unattainable. If you think that's the goal, you'll spend your life feeling like you're failing every time you people-please, shut down, react, perform, avoid conflict, seek approval, or slip back into old patterns.That's not failure. That's being human.I share about how authenticity isn't a final destination where you suddenly become fully healed, fully self-expressed, fully “you” all the time. It's noticing. It's awareness. It's catching yourself in the moments where you're not being true to yourself and getting curious instead of judgmental.Why did I just abandon myself there?Why did I shrink?Why did I say yes when I meant no?What was I trying to protect?That's the work.Becoming honest, aware, and willing to come back to yourself over and over again.This episode is a reminder that you are not failing because you still have moments where your ego, fear, conditioning, or old patterns take over.The magic is in noticing and choosing to return.IN PERSON EXPERIENCES, MelbourneOne-day retreat in Balnarring - June 12th, 2026Sunday Meds - June 21st, 20261:1 COACHINGOne-time 75 minute coaching call - secure your spot hereRead my book, Authentic - coming home to your true self - AUS, EUR, USAWrite into us - let us know what you want to hearWelleCo - use code KAT15 for 15% off welleco.com.auwww.katjohn.com.auSupport the show

May 22, 2026 Emotional Intimacy by Dr. Farid Holakouee

Amy Edwards and I start this episode discussing the most Austin way possible to meet someone… at a pussy casting workshop.

In this episode, Steve and I talk about something I think a lot of couples quietly go through: when the load of life becomes so heavy that it starts impacting the relationship.Not because love is gone or because anyone's doing something terribly wrong.But because one person is overloaded, stretched thin, carrying too much and the relationship starts feeling the weight of it too.I share honestly about missing Steve recently, even while living in the same house. Missing the connection, the fun, the softness, the smooshiness of us. And how easy it can be, when one person is overwhelmed, for the other person to take it personally and create even more tension in the dynamic.Because when your needs aren't being met, it hurts. But sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is recognise that your partner is drowning under the weight of life, and stop making their overwhelm about your rejection.We also speak about how unsustainable it is to carry too much for too long. Because if the overloaded person doesn't deload, eventually something gives. Their health. Their nervous system. Their joy. The relationship.This is a conversation about perspective, compassion, communication, and recognising when life is simply asking too much of someone for too long.Support the show

We often talk about the important of both emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy and how they go hand in hand. But which comes first? For many men, they need the physical connection to become more emotionally connected to their wife. And for most women, they need to be emotionally connected before desiring the physical connection. So which comes first?We took a poll and asked the following questions: "Could your marriage use more emotional intimacy?"53% said Absolutely YES! 30% said they need a little bit more - That means 83% of wives polled said they need more emotional intimacy in their marriage!Then we asked: "Do you agree that strong emotional intimacy comes 1st (Before sexual intimacy?) 94% said YES!So 83% of wives want more emotional intimacy and 94% said it should come 1st, before sexual intimacy! We hope the husbands are hearing this.In this podcast episode we talk with marriage therapist Austin Ellis about why strong emotional intimacy is the key to having good sexual intimacy. If you are a spouse that is frustrated with your intimate life, or want more emotional intimacy in your relationship, then this episode is for you!If you haven't already, go check out the Ultimate Intimacy App in the app stores, or at ultimateintimacy.com to find "Ultimate Intimacy" in your marriage. It's FREE to download and so much fun! Find out why close to 1M people have downloaded the app and give it such high ratings and reviews!Check out the new UandI App we just released after a year in development.WANT AMAZING PRODUCTS TO SPICE THINGS UP? YES PLEASE... CLICK HEREFollow us on Instagram @ultimateintimacyapp for app updates, polls, giveaways, daily marriage quotes and more.If you have any feedback, comments or topics you would like to hear on future episodes, reach out to us at amy@ultimateintimacy.com and let us know! We greatly appreciate your feedback and please leave us a review.Enjoy the podcast or have some feedback for us? Shoot us a message!

In this episode, Nick and Amy dive into a simple but powerful question: are couples wishing more for a better marriage instead of actually doing the things that build one? After surveying married couples, the answers revealed something surprisingly consistent about what people feel is missing in their relationships.Husbands and wives shared a desire for more emotional connection, quality time, appreciation, less screen distraction, and feeling more prioritized. These aren't complicated needs—they're the everyday things that often get lost in the busyness of work, kids, and life responsibilities.What stood out most is that many of these desires aren't out of reach. They don't require a different spouse or a different season of life. They come down to small, intentional choices—how we communicate, how we show up, and what we prioritize when life gets full.In today's conversation, Nick and Amy go through real survey responses and talk about what they actually look like in marriage. If you've ever found yourself wishing things felt different, this episode is meant to help you shift from wishing to doing in your own relationship.If you haven't already, go check out the Ultimate Intimacy App in the app stores, or at ultimateintimacy.com to find "Ultimate Intimacy" in your marriage. It's FREE to download and so much fun! Find out why close to 1M people have downloaded the app and give it such high ratings and reviews!Check out the new UandI App we just released after a year in development.WANT AMAZING PRODUCTS TO SPICE THINGS UP? YES PLEASE... CLICK HEREFollow us on Instagram @ultimateintimacyapp for app updates, polls, giveaways, daily marriage quotes and more.If you have any feedback, comments or topics you would like to hear on future episodes, reach out to us at amy@ultimateintimacy.com and let us know! We greatly appreciate your feedback and please leave us a review.Enjoy the podcast or have some feedback for us? Shoot us a message!

In this fiery episode, Dr. Canary breaks down the psychological roots of emotional intimacy—what it really looks like when it's strong, even without physical contact. Plus, she reveals how attachment styles shape your relationship happiness, and why rushing into new romance without healing is a recipe for disaster.

In this episode of The Stepmom Side Podcast, Alicia is joined by Monica Tanner to talk about how to reignite connection and intimacy in blended families, why stepfamily myths can damage marriages, and what couples can do to create a stronger, healthier relationship.They dive into one of the most controversial but important ideas in blended family life: why the couple relationship has to be the priority. Monica explains what that actually looks like in real life, how to support your partner without making it a competition with the kids, and why children benefit from seeing a healthy relationship modeled in the home.One of the most powerful parts of this episode is Monica's explanation of repair in relationships. She breaks down what repair means, how couples can come back together after conflict, and why healthy relationships are not conflict-free—they are built through harmony, disharmony, and repair.If you are a stepmom feeling disconnected in your marriage, exhausted by blended family stress, or unsure how to rebuild closeness with your partner, this episode will remind you that healthy relationships are built, not found.In this episode:How to rebuild connection and intimacy in blended familiesThe myth that kids should always come before the marriageWhat it means to make the relationship the priority without neglecting the childrenWhy stepfamily structure and united parenting matterConnect with Monica:www.monicatanner.comOn InstagramOn YouTubeSupport the showRegister here for StepmomCon Want a specific topic covered? Let me know here.After you listen to this, tag me on Instagram @aliciakrasko and let me know what you think!Get all the FREE RESOURCES here.Want to learn more about The Stepmom Side community? Here's where you get all the info. Looking forward to connecting with you on the inside.All things Alicia visit www.aliciakrasko.comGet on the list,  get behind the scene info on Stepmom life, and tips delivered to your inbox.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2969: Dr. Kathy McMahon unpacks how emotional distance in marriage often stems from mismatched attachment styles and misunderstood needs rather than a lack of love. Through Camilla and Paul's story, she reveals how couples can get stuck in painful cycles, and how empathy, communication, and intentional effort can rebuild closeness. Understanding these dynamics can help transform disconnection into a stronger, more secure bond. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.couplestherapyinc.com/emotional-distance-in-marriage/ Quotes to ponder: "Often the traits that draw you to your partner are the very same traits that upset you." "The real issue wasn't that Camilla needed more active attention, and Paul needed more time alone. Instead, both partners needed more empathy and understanding of these needs." "When one partner is failing to notice the signs of emotional longing and desire to connect, it can cause a cascading impact of marital deterioration. The lonely partner becomes angry and withdraws." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailProblems with physical intimacy got you thinking it's the biggest issue when it's merely an indicator check engine light for lack in the other 2 areas of intimacy. Chelsey unpacks the 3 types of intimacy in this episode, what they are, how they are superficial right now, and how to increase them by focusing on practical daily disciplines. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."Ready for a next step? If this episode stirred something deeper and you're ready to move from insight into surrender, I created a short guided experience called From Awareness to Surrender.This mini course includes three short teachings, a guided exercise, and a prayer recorded over you to help you stop cycling and start responding differently—rooted in surrender, not striving.

It doesn't start with cheating or big fights. Most relationships don't break from one moment—they break from a thousand small ones. The missed conversations, the lack of time, the quiet resentment that never gets addressed.In this episode, Nesha G and Moelethal unpack the real reasons couples grow apart and why it often feels like it “just happened.” From surface-level communication to emotional disconnect, they walk through the subtle patterns that slowly create distance between partners.They also shift the focus toward solutions—what it actually looks like to grow together instead of apart. From intentional time to shared vision, from healthy conflict to daily choices that rebuild connection, this conversation offers practical insight rooted in real experience.Send us Fan MailSupport the show Thanks for rocking with us! Don't forget to follow Life After I Do so you never miss an episode. Got a relationship situation you want us to weigh in on? Hit us at https://beacons.ai/laidpodcast — we just might talk about it in a future episode. 

Send us Fan MailEver feel like you're the only one carrying the intimacy in your relationship?Like you're the one reaching, thinking about it, wondering why it's not happening…while your spouse feels distant or hard to read?Or maybe you're on the other side—feeling pressure, expectation, and not fully understanding why it feels so hard to respond.In this episode, we slow things down and look beneath the surface of what's really going on.Because this isn't just about sex.It's about what's happening underneath it.In This Episode:Why initiation isn't the real issueWhat the “pursuer” may actually be longing forThe hidden weight the “withdrawer” may be carryingHow we create meaning based on our own insecuritiesWhy emotional safety must come before physical intimacyWhat it looks like to begin again—togetherTimestamps:00:00 Feeling Alone in Intimacy00:40 Why Initiation Isn't It03:03 The Pursuer's Deeper Need04:51 The Withdrawer's Hidden Weight06:30 Stories We Tell Ourselves07:45 Build Safety Before Sex09:24 Dig Up the Roots10:10 Starting Over Together11:14 Breaking Pursuer Roles12:22 Next Steps and Coaching12:53 Closing and OutroNext Step:If you're realizing there's more underneath your dynamic than you've been able to sort through on your own…You don't have to navigate it alone.

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wanted your spouse… but held back?Or reached for them… and their response stayed with you longer than you expected?What looks like a simple moment often carries something much deeper—questions about being wanted, being seen, and what it all means.In this episode, we explore why reaching for your spouse can feel so emotionally loaded in long-term marriage, and how to begin shifting out of patterns of rejection, pressure, and quiet resentment.You'll learn:Why intimacy can start to feel heavy instead of invitingHow “not tonight” turns into something more personalWhat happens when sex begins to feel like a testThe cycle that slowly leads couples to stop reaching for each otherHow differentiation helps you stay grounded and connectedAnd a simple way to respond differently the next time this moment happens.If this resonates with you, I'd truly love to hear your experience. You can reach out via email or Instagram—I'm getting more and more curious about how women are navigating this in their marriages.And if you're ready for support as you begin shifting these patterns, you're invited to book a Courageous Love Conversation—a space to slow down, reflect, and begin creating something different.Follow, rate, and share this episode with someone who might need it.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipDoes communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what's true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving.Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now!Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage.More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings....

In this episode, a 23-year-old woman questions whether her relationship is quietly drifting into something more like roommates than partners. After four years together and a year of living together, her boyfriend says their sex life “sucks”—despite being intimate multiple times a week. While he focuses on physical intimacy, she feels overwhelmed by financial pressure, work stress, and the emotional distance growing between them. As she carries most of the responsibilities and longs for simple connection.

If you're craving real closeness, this episode on friendships is for you. Because feeling lonely isn't really about not having people in your life,  it's about not feeling known. And that's where emotional intimacy and real connection begin. Many people wonder, “Why do I feel so lonely even though I have friends?” or struggle with the quiet ache of feeling lonely even with friends. In this conversation, we're exploring why adult friendship can feel surprisingly complicated, and why making friends as an adult often requires skills we were never taught. My guest, Barnet Bain, is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and teacher whose new book, How to Be a Friend (in an Unfriendly World), grew out of a Columbia University course he created for psychologists. Together, we're talking about the real reason adult friendships can feel hard, why so many people struggle with how to make friends as an adult, and the powerful friendship skills that help create emotional intimacy and lasting connection. You'll hear why feeling lonely even with friends is more common than you might think, how our modern world can unintentionally make adult friendship harder to sustain, and why building meaningful relationships is less about finding the right people and more about developing the inner skills that make connection possible. As you listen, I'd love for you to reflect on this: if you've been wondering why do I feel lonely even though I have friends, what might change if you shifted the focus from finding better friends… to becoming the kind of friend who creates deeper connections? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why You Feel Lonely Even With Friends 04:44 The Friendship Skills No One Teaches Us 08:38 What Healthy Adult Friendship Really Requires 19:02 Why the World Feels More Disconnected 28:11 Friendship as a Practice (And Why It Matters) 34:48 Why Trying to Fix People Blocks Emotional Intimacy 44:16 How to Make Friends as an Adult 50:09 How to Build and Maintain Real Friendships 53:39 The Power of Being Fully Present If this conversation resonates and you're realizing how much you want deeper, more meaningful relationships in your life, you don't have to figure it out alone. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team at Growing Self. It's a private, supportive space where you can talk about what's been going on in your relationships and what you'd like to feel different. From there, we'll help you get matched with the right counselor or coach so you can build stronger connections and feel more supported in your life. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.comStrawberry.me — Career coaching that helps you gain clarity, build a strategic plan, and take confident steps toward the career you want with expert support. Get 50% off your first coaching session at strawberry.me/LHS.

Send us a text & leave your email address if you want a reply!Most of us grew up with a very specific picture of what love is supposed to look like. One person. One structure. One finish line. And yet, so many people are quietly miserable chasing it. Today's guest has a different question: what if you got to design this from scratch? Simone Milasas is an Australian author, global facilitator of Access Consciousness, Host of the Choice, Change, Action Podcast, creator of the "Relationship Done Different" classes, and the woman behind the book Relationship, Are You Sure You Want One? She has lived a joyful, unapologetic, non-traditional relationship life for decades. And she is here to help you stop settling for the relationship you were handed and start creating one that actually fits. Simone invites listeners to get radically honest about what they truly desire  and start choosing that instead.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSEmotional intimacy starts as an inside job. You cannot sustainably offer to someone else what you have not yet built with yourself.The relationship structure that works is the one that is workable for your actual life, not the one you inherited from your family, your culture, or a rom-com.Allowance is not passive. It is an active choice to stop wasting energy trying to change someone and redirect it toward appreciating what they genuinely bring.Asking for what you want in bed, in life, and in partnership is not high-maintenance. It is often, as Simone puts it, the thing that turns most people on.Completing a relationship is not a failure. It can be an act of profound gratitude, trust, and honor — for both people.When you feel triggered by your partner, ask yourself: which of the five elements am I not bringing right now?LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEBSITEROOTED IN DESIRE. A Journey Back to Your Feminine Essence If you're a heart-centered woman ready to embody your femininity, awaken your sacred sexuality, and fall deeply in love with yourself, this immersion is for you. Register: https://www.sexreimagined.com/rooted-in-desire THE MALE GSPOT & PROSTATE MASTERCLASS. This is for you if… You've heard of epic anal orgasms, & you wonder if it's possible for you too. Save 20% Coupon PODCAST20. Support the show FREEBIE- Introduction to Tantric Kissing Video and Workbook SxR Website Dr. Willow's Website Leah's Website

On today's show, I discuss the difference between erotic intensity and emotional intimacy in BDSM and lifestyle dynamics. Scenes can feel incredibly powerful and deeply connecting, but the emotional charge of a moment is not always the same as relational depth. We explore why scenes feel so bonding, where people sometimes confuse intensity with intimacy, and what it looks like when both come together in a healthy dynamic.Continue the discussion on Fetlife: @Enhanced-MindDon't forget to hit the follow button and rate my show 5 stars so others may find it. What to be on the show or have an idea for an upcoming episode?Email me at TheKinkPerspective@gmail.comFind me on Substack - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enhanced-Mind's Substack | Chris C. | Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are looking for a therapist that is knowledgeable about the lifestyle, or just a therapist in general, please feel free to reach out through my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://enhanced-mind.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I have a book out, Tangled Desires: Exploring the Intersection of BDSM and Psychology. Can find it where you purchase most of your ebooks. Print version out now!#Psychology #Intensity #Intimacy

In this powerful episode of the Ultimate Intimacy Podcast, Nick and Amy are again joined by therapist Austin Ellis to discuss part 2 of the previous podcast 449: Emotional and sexual intimacy go hand in hand. They discuss why so many couples struggle to maintain emotional and sexual intimacy after marriage. The conversation focuses on how life changes, unmet expectations, and lack of communication skills can create disconnection between partners. Austin shares practical insights on how couples can rebuild intimacy by developing new relational tools rather than relying on the conditions that existed when they first fell in love.The discussion explores how emotional, sexual, spiritual, intellectual, financial, and recreational intimacy all play a role in a healthy marriage. They talk about how selfishness, entitlement, pride, fear, and shame often replace connection when couples stop intentionally investing in their relationship. They also emphasize that marriage requires daily commitment, vulnerability, and a willingness to understand your spouse's needs, wants, and emotional experiences.Austin provides therapeutic perspective on how couples can move from conflict and disconnection to unity by improving communication, building emotional safety, and choosing love over fear-based reactions. The episode also highlights how trauma, betrayal, and unresolved emotional wounds can impact intimacy—but that healing and hope are possible with the right tools and support.Ultimately, this episode encourages couples to view marriage as a lifelong journey of growth, teamwork, and intentional connection, showing that ultimate intimacy is built through consistent effort, love, and commitment to each other.If you haven't already, go check out the Ultimate Intimacy App in the app stores, or at ultimateintimacy.com to find "Ultimate Intimacy" in your marriage. It's FREE to download and so much fun! Find out why close to 1M people have downloaded the app and give it such high ratings and reviews!Check out the new UandI App we just released after a year in development.WANT AMAZING PRODUCTS TO SPICE THINGS UP? YES PLEASE... CLICK HEREFollow us on Instagram @ultimateintimacyapp for app updates, polls, giveaways, daily marriage quotes and more.If you have any feedback, comments or topics you would like to hear on future episodes, reach out to us at amy@ultimateintimacy.com and let us know! We greatly appreciate your feedback and please leave us a review.Enjoy the podcast or have some feedback for us? Shoot us a message!

If you're avoiding boundaries because you don't want to seem selfish, this will flip the script. Healthy boundaries can create more emotional intimacy, reduce unhealthy feelings, and stop the burnout and stress spiral. So many kind, caring people get stuck in a pattern of saying yes when they really mean no. They're not weak, and they're not doing anything “wrong.” They're often afraid of conflict, afraid of disappointing someone, or afraid of losing a relationship. And that fear can pull you into the people pleasing cycle: over-giving, exhaustion, resentment, and eventually that sharp “No” that comes out of nowhere and leaves everyone feeling hurt. In this episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast, we're talking about how to set boundaries in a way that protects your relationships instead of damaging them. You'll learn what healthy boundaries in relationships actually look like, why boundaries are not about controlling anyone else's behavior, and how to set a boundary with clarity and kindness — even when someone else has big feelings about it. If you've been wondering how to stop people pleasing, or you're trying to figure out what are healthy boundaries in a relationship, this is a practical place to start. As you listen, notice where you've been making your needs smaller to keep the peace, and what might change if your boundaries became an act of love for both of you. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Boundaries Protect Relationships 04:26 Why Setting Boundaries Feels So Hard 06:45 The People-Pleasing Cycle 11:19 The Paradox: Boundaries Create Intimacy 15:53 Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Communication 18:10 The Real Secret to Healthy Boundaries 27:36 Requests vs Boundaries 36:40 How to Start Practicing Boundaries 39:06 The 3-Step Boundary Process 45:46 What Their Reaction Tells You About The Relationship 50:36 Resources and Next Steps If this episode is hitting close to home, maybe you're recognizing people pleasing patterns, or noticing how hard it's been to set boundaries in a relationship, I want to offer you something that can make this easier. You can book your free consultation with Growing Self as a kind of “first step” for yourself. It's private, secure, and only takes a couple of minutes. You'll answer three quick questions so we can help you find the right support and match you with the best counselor or coach for what you're working on. If you're practicing setting healthy boundaries in relationships, you don't have to do it alone. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month's sponsors of Love, Happiness, and Success: Shopify: The all-in-one platform to build and grow your online business. Explore exclusive listener discounts at shopify.com/lhs Working Genius founder Patrick Lencioni is on a mission to create self understanding and connection by helping people understand their genius and that of others. Listen to our conversation, then discover your strengths and get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com Strawberry.me — Career coaching that helps you gain clarity, build a strategic plan, and take confident steps toward the career you want with expert support. Get 50% off your first coaching session at strawberry.me/LHS

Send Gemma a messageIn this episode of Healing for Love, I respond to a thoughtful question from a listener who describes a relationship that is supportive and stable - yet something important is missing.Her partner is kind, affectionate, and easy to live with. But when it comes to emotional conversations, he rarely initiates them. Over time, she has begun to feel emotionally alone in the relationship.This is a surprisingly common dynamic.Many people find themselves in relationships where their partner cares deeply but struggles with emotional expression or emotional dialogue. The question then becomes: is this simply a difference in style, or does it signal something deeper about compatibility and emotional needs?In this episode, I explore how to think about this situation from both perspectives.We discuss:Why emotional intimacy matters in long term relationshipsThe difference between low emotional dialogue and true emotional neglectHow early experiences can shape someone's emotional styleThe role schemas can play in how we interpret our needs in relationshipsWhy feeling like a “burden” when expressing needs is often an important clueHow to distinguish between lack of skill and lack of motivation in a partnerQuestions you can ask yourself to clarify what you truly need in a relationshipHow to communicate emotional needs in a constructive and specific waySometimes the most important shift is moving away from the question:“How do I change my partner?”And instead asking:“What kind of emotional life do I want to live in my relationship?”If you've ever found yourself wondering whether your emotional needs are “too much,” this episode will give you a thoughtful framework for understanding what's really going on.LinksFREE LIVE MASTERCLASS - 1ST APRILWhy You Keep Falling for Emotionally Unavailable Men - Even When You Know Better Support the show

Most men know they're "supposed to be vulnerable." Almost none of them know what that actually means in practice... what to say, how to say it, and why it works.In this episode, I break down what real vulnerability sounds like in a relationship and what it does to your partner when you show up that way.Then you'll hear directly from Danny, a guy who'd been with his wife for 24 years, ended up in a sexless marriage with her, and turned everything around in five months without ever hiring a coach.This is what doing the work actually looks like!Apply for 1:1 Coaching: https://stephanieganowski.typeform.com/to/Fm6LGfa9?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=1on1_coachingShow your woman some love right now: https://stephanieganowski.com/lp/texther.html

Episode #1106 Society often teaches men to suppress their feelings, leading to a life where connecting with their own heart feels impossible . Many men realize they have never truly touched their emotions, effectively living like the Tin Man before finding a path to groundedness . In this revisit episode, Doug Holt and advisor Chris explore how to identify and express emotions in a way that deepens romantic relationships . Doug argues that true strength lies in the courage to be vulnerable despite the risk of being misunderstood . We also dive into the difficult reality of rebuilding trust after trauma or infidelity . Doug discusses the pitfalls of becoming overly needy, which often pushes a partner further away . Instead, he explains why a man must see himself as the gift and understand his own self-worth independent of his partner's choices . By focusing on personal activation, a man stops being transactional and starts being authentically attractive . Whether you are struggling to find your emotional voice or trying to navigate a relationship where the heart has been closed off, this episode provides a roadmap for shifting from control to connection . Learn how to move past the thought process of not being good enough and step into the groundedness that feminine energy naturally responds to . If you are ready to stop guessing and start leading your family with clarity, take the next step by accessing our free training . This is designed for the man who is tired of the distance and ready to see exactly where his relationship stands . Visit https://fixmarriage.thepowerfulman.com/scales to get started.

In this episode of the Ultimate Intimacy Podcast, Nick and Amy are joined by Austin Ellis to talk about how emotional and sexual intimacy are deeply connected in marriage. They discuss how feeling emotionally safe, valued, and understood often creates a stronger desire for physical closeness, while healthy sexual intimacy can also strengthen emotional connection and help couples feel closer overall.The conversation also explores a common “stand off” many couples experience in marriage. One spouse may say they need more emotional connection before they feel desire for sexual intimacy, while the other spouse may feel that physical intimacy is what helps them feel emotionally connected. Austin shares that sexual passion in marriage is often fueled by strong emotional connection first, but that both spouses play an important role in building that bridge. When couples intentionally work on communication, appreciation, and spending meaningful time together, emotional closeness grows, which naturally increases desire and passion.Amy and Austin also talk about how this difference does not have to become a barrier in marriage. Instead, it can become an opportunity for growth when both spouses are willing to understand each other's needs and meet in the middle. When one spouse works to strengthen emotional safety and connection, and the other continues to show affection, pursuit, and patience, couples often find that the emotional and physical sides of intimacy begin to reinforce each other.Austin highlights the importance of vulnerability in this process. When spouses feel safe sharing their thoughts, needs, and feelings without fear of judgment, it builds trust and deepens the connection between them.This episode reminds couples that emotional and sexual intimacy truly go hand in hand. By nurturing connection, communicating openly, and making intentional efforts toward both emotional closeness and physical intimacy, couples can move past the stand off and build a stronger, more passionate, and more fulfilling marriage together.If you haven't already, go check out the Ultimate Intimacy App in the app stores, or at ultimateintimacy.com to find "Ultimate Intimacy" in your marriage. It's FREE to download and so much fun! Find out why close to 1M people have downloaded the app and give it such high ratings and reviews!Check out the new UandI App we just released after a year in development.WANT AMAZING PRODUCTS TO SPICE THINGS UP? YES PLEASE... CLICK HEREFollow us on Instagram @ultimateintimacyapp for app updates, polls, giveaways, daily marriage quotes and more.If you have any feedback, comments or topics you would like to hear on future episodes, reach out to us at amy@ultimateintimacy.com and let us know! We greatly appreciate your feedback and please leave us a review.Enjoy the podcast or have some feedback for us? Shoot us a message!

You're talking every day… but somehow you still feel distant.No big fights. No crisis. Just a quiet disconnect.In this episode, we're unpacking why emotional intimacy often fades in midlife marriage — and how small shifts in communication can rebuild connection quickly.You'll learn what emotional intimacy really looks like, why distraction creates drift, and three simple ways to feel closer again starting today.If you've been feeling more like roommates than partners, this conversation will help you reconnect — gently, intentionally, and without pressure.Press play and start rebuilding connection.If you'd like deeper support and honest conversations with women walking this same season, come join us inside my private Facebook group, Empty Nest Wives — Rebuilding Intimacy & Connection

Has app culture conditioned us to keep looking for “better”? Have you ever felt disposable after sex? Have you ever treated someone else as disposable? Does abundance make people easier to replace emotionally? If sex is easy for some gay men then why is it so hard to find and keep a lasting healthy relationship Has sex changed for us as we've grown older? The hosts discuss Is their a middle ground of hot gay sex and true meaningful connections? Hot Topic: Connor Storrie is definitely hot right now and we love it! Hot Topic: States like Idaho try and once again get rid of same sex marriage and Kansas tries to ban Trans from driving unless license says what sex you were born with... Hot Topic: Do you code switch? What is it and when is it good and when is it used to impress a date? Hot Topic: Sniffies new 'blue collar' line is reviewed Hot Topic: Would you rent the 'Heated Rivalry' cottage??? Visit: Studio.com/stevev for the website version and visit the app version: Studio.com/stevev/connect Follow Stevie on IG: @iam_stevev Follow Jeremy on IG: @jrosslopez Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Rate and Review us! Wanna drop a weekly or one time tip to TAGSPODCAST - Show your love for the show and support TAGS! Visit our website: tagspodcast.com Needs some advice for a sex or relationship conundrum? Ask TAGS! DM US ON IG or https://www.talkaboutgaysex.com/contact Follow Of a Certain Age on IG: @ofacertainagepod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you love your partner but your sexual intimacy is gone… you're not hopeless. You're normal. Let's talk about sex, intimacy, and the real skills that rebuild sexual connection in long-term love. Because emotional intimacy doesn't automatically create desire,  and you can deepen intimacy on purpose. If you've ever wondered, “Why don't I want sex anymore?” or felt the quiet ache of a lack of intimacy in marriage, you're not alone. Many couples care deeply about each other. They function well as teammates. And yet when it comes to intimacy in marriage, something feels distant or flat. Maybe you're in a marriage without intimacy and wondering how to improve sex life without forcing it. Maybe you're trying to figure out how to increase sexual desire, especially if your drive has faded. Or maybe you're the partner feeling rejected and unsure how to reconnect. The truth is that improving intimacy in marriage isn't about waiting for spontaneous chemistry to return. Sexual desire shifts in long-term relationships. Stress, exhaustion, resentment, hormonal changes, and the mental load of adult life all impact connection. When there is no intimacy in marriage, it often reflects burnout and disconnection,  not incompatibility. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Nicole McNichols, an internationally renowned human sexuality professor, author, and speaker whose course The Diversity of Human Sexuality is the most popular in the history of the University of Washington, enrolling over 4,000 students annually. Together, we unpack how to improve sexual intimacy using research-backed tools. We talk about how pleasure fuels desire, how to increase sexual desire in female partners and anyone experiencing low drive, and why improving intimacy in marriage requires intention, not magic. You'll learn how to improve sex life through small shifts in novelty, playfulness, and communication that make connection feel natural again. We also address resentment. If emotional safety has eroded over time, rebuilding sexual intimacy may need to start with repairing the friendship first. When couples strengthen communication and physical intimacy together, relationships often begin to feel alive again. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Sexual Intimacy Fades in Long-Term Relationships 03:34 How to Improve Sexual Intimacy With a Growth Mindset 08:52 Emotional Intimacy vs. Sexual Desire in Marriage 11:14 How Pleasure Increases Sexual Desire 18:17 How to Increase Sexual Desire (Responsive Desire Explained) 20:20 How to Improve Sex Life by Planning Intimacy 31:08 Rebuilding Attraction and Intimacy in Marriage 43:06 When Lack of Intimacy in Marriage Is About Resentment Rebuilding sexual connection can feel vulnerable. And sometimes the most powerful next step isn't trying harder,  it's getting support. If you'd like help improving intimacy in marriage or learning how to increase sexual desire in ways that feel safe and sustainable, you can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It's a private, secure space where you can share what's been happening and what you hope will feel different. You'll answer three quick questions so we can match you with the right expert. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it's a meaningful first step toward feeling closer, more connected, and more confident in your relationship. Let's find the right support for you. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month's sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com

In this week's episode of The Worth Loving Podcast, Keana W. Mitchell dives deep into one of the most common and painful relationship patterns: repeatedly attracting toxic partners. Through a trauma‑informed lens, Keana explores why these patterns form, how attachment wounds shape our attraction, and what it truly takes to break the cycle. Drawing on leading psychological research, she offers compassionate insight and practical steps to help you move toward healthier, emotionally safe relationships.Before unpacking this week's topic, Keana recaps last week's episode on Emotional Intimacy vs. Physical Intimacy, highlighting why emotional connection not physical intensity creates stronger, more secure bonds. This foundation sets the stage for understanding why so many people confuse intensity with love and how that confusion leads to unhealthy relationship choices.If you've ever felt stuck in a loop of choosing partners who drain you, confuse you, or make you question your worth, this episode will help you understand the deeper emotional patterns at play and guide you toward healing, clarity, and healthier love.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy we're drawn to familiar emotional patterns even when they're unhealthyHow attachment styles influence partner selection (Ainsworth, 1978; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007)The role of trauma, repetition compulsion, and nervous system conditioning (Freud, 1920; van der Kolk, 2014)Why intensity is often mistaken for love (Carnes, 1997)Signs you may be attracting toxic partnersHow to build emotional intimacy with yourselfHow to rewire your nervous system to recognize healthy love (Porges, 2011)Practical steps to break the cycle and move toward secure attachment (Siegel, 2012)Green flags to look for in emotionally safe partnersKey TakeawaysYou don't choose toxic partners because you're broken, you choose what feels familiar.Emotional intimacy not physical intensity is the foundation of secure connection.Healing your attachment wounds changes who you're attracted to and who you allow into your life.Healthy love feels steady, consistent, and safe not chaotic or confusing.You can absolutely break the cycle and move toward relationships that honor your worth.Referenced Psychologists & ResearchJohn Bowlby (Attachment Theory)Mary Ainsworth (Attachment Styles)Hazan & Shaver (Romantic Attachment)Dr. Sue Johnson (Emotional Bonding)Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (Trauma & the Body)Dr. Judith Herman (Trauma & Recovery)Dr. Patrick Carnes (Trauma Bonding)Dr. Kristin Neff (Self‑Compassion)Dr. Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory)Dr. Daniel Siegel (Attachment & Neurobiology)Dr. John Gottman (Relationship Stability)Listener Reflection QuestionsWhat relationship patterns have you noticed repeating in your life?How does your body respond to emotional safety vs. emotional intensity?Which green flags do you want to prioritize moving forward?What boundaries or self‑compassion practices can support your healing?

In this week's episode of The Worth Loving Podcast, Keana W. Mitchell dives deep into one of the most common and painful relationship patterns: repeatedly attracting toxic partners. Through a trauma‑informed lens, Keana explores why these patterns form, how attachment wounds shape our attraction, and what it truly takes to break the cycle. Drawing on leading psychological research, she offers compassionate insight and practical steps to help you move toward healthier, emotionally safe relationships.Before unpacking this week's topic, Keana recaps last week's episode on Emotional Intimacy vs. Physical Intimacy, highlighting why emotional connection not physical intensity creates stronger, more secure bonds. This foundation sets the stage for understanding why so many people confuse intensity with love and how that confusion leads to unhealthy relationship choices.If you've ever felt stuck in a loop of choosing partners who drain you, confuse you, or make you question your worth, this episode will help you understand the deeper emotional patterns at play and guide you toward healing, clarity, and healthier love.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy we're drawn to familiar emotional patterns even when they're unhealthyHow attachment styles influence partner selection (Ainsworth, 1978; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007)The role of trauma, repetition compulsion, and nervous system conditioning (Freud, 1920; van der Kolk, 2014)Why intensity is often mistaken for love (Carnes, 1997)Signs you may be attracting toxic partnersHow to build emotional intimacy with yourselfHow to rewire your nervous system to recognize healthy love (Porges, 2011)Practical steps to break the cycle and move toward secure attachment (Siegel, 2012)Green flags to look for in emotionally safe partnersKey TakeawaysYou don't choose toxic partners because you're broken, you choose what feels familiar.Emotional intimacy not physical intensity is the foundation of secure connection.Healing your attachment wounds changes who you're attracted to and who you allow into your life.Healthy love feels steady, consistent, and safe not chaotic or confusing.You can absolutely break the cycle and move toward relationships that honor your worth.Referenced Psychologists & ResearchJohn Bowlby (Attachment Theory)Mary Ainsworth (Attachment Styles)Hazan & Shaver (Romantic Attachment)Dr. Sue Johnson (Emotional Bonding)Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (Trauma & the Body)Dr. Judith Herman (Trauma & Recovery)Dr. Patrick Carnes (Trauma Bonding)Dr. Kristin Neff (Self‑Compassion)Dr. Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory)Dr. Daniel Siegel (Attachment & Neurobiology)Dr. John Gottman (Relationship Stability)Listener Reflection QuestionsWhat relationship patterns have you noticed repeating in your life?How does your body respond to emotional safety vs. emotional intensity?Which green flags do you want to prioritize moving forward?What boundaries or self‑compassion practices can support your healing?

Send a textIn this episode, Shane shares how emotional intimacy grows through the attachment lens of accessibility, reliability, and emotional engagement, inspired by Sue Johnson's ARE model. He explores the powerful idea that intimacy means “In-To-Me-I-See,” inviting couples, friends, and family members to move beyond surface conversations and courageously share their inner emotional world. Listeners will learn practical ways to deepen connection through slowing down conversations, speaking from personal experience, regulating emotions before engaging, and practicing small moments of turning toward one another. Shane also offers thoughtful guidance on when vulnerability builds closeness — and when emotional safety may be lacking — helping listeners pursue deeper relationships with wisdom, courage, and compassion.

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 This week's Q&A episode is here, and it's a powerful one. After diving deep into the difference between emotional intimacy and physical intimacy in our main episode, today we're answering your real, vulnerable, and thoughtful questions, the ones that came directly from the episode and the ones that came straight from your heart.This conversation is warm, honest, and trauma‑informed. We explore why certain patterns keep showing up, why emotional intimacy feels harder for some people, and how physical closeness can create emotional confusion. We also talk about what emotional safety actually looks like, how to build emotional intimacy when you've never seen it modeled, and how to recognize when a connection is grounded in something real versus something temporary.Whether you're dating, healing, or simply trying to understand yourself better, this episode gives you clarity, language, and compassion for your own experiences.✨ What We Cover in This EpisodeQuestions From the Main EpisodeHow to tell the difference between emotional intimacy and physical chemistryWhy physical intimacy can feel bonding even in unhealthy relationshipsWhat to do if you want to slow down physical intimacy but fear losing the connectionRelated Listener QuestionsWhy emotional shutdown happens when someone gets closeHow to build emotional intimacy when you've never seen it modeledWhy you may attract people who want physical intimacy but avoid emotional depthBroader Relationship QuestionsHow to recognize emotional safetyWhat early emotional intimacy looks like in datingWhether a relationship can survive without emotional intimacy

 This week on The Worth Loving Podcast, we're diving into a topic that so many people struggle with but rarely talk about honestly: the difference between emotional intimacy and physical intimacy, and which one actually creates deeper, healthier, more secure bonds.In this warm, trauma‑informed episode, Keana breaks down how emotional intimacy develops, why physical intimacy can feel bonding even when the relationship isn't emotionally safe, and how your past experiences shape the way you connect. We explore what real intimacy looks like, why pacing matters, and how to build relationships that feel steady instead of chaotic.This episode is grounded in research from leading psychologists like Dr. Sue Johnson, Dr. John Gottman, and attachment theory scholars all woven into a relatable, compassionate conversation that helps you understand your patterns without shame.✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode1. What Emotional Intimacy Really IsHow emotional intimacy develops slowly through trust, safety, and vulnerabilityWhy emotional responsiveness is the strongest predictor of long‑term relationship successHow trauma histories impact your ability to open up2. What Physical Intimacy Actually DoesWhy physical closeness can feel bonding even when the relationship isn't healthyHow oxytocin and nervous system responses create emotional confusionWhy physical intimacy can become a shortcut to closeness3. Which One Builds Stronger BondsWhy emotional intimacy is the foundation of secure relationshipsHow physical intimacy enhances connection only when emotional intimacy is presentWhat research reveals about long‑term relationship stability4. Why We Often Prioritize Physical Intimacy FirstCultural conditioningFear of vulnerabilityTrauma responses and attachment patternsWhy physical intimacy can feel easier than emotional intimacy5. How to Build Emotional Intimacy FirstPractical, trauma‑informed steps for creating emotional safetyHow to pace connection in a way that honors your nervous systemWhat mutual emotional intimacy looks like in real time6. Red Flags & Green FlagsSigns that emotional intimacy is missingSigns that emotional safety is presentHow to recognize when a relationship is grounded vs. unstable

What does emotional intimacy mean? It's the sharing of emotions in an accepting atmosphere.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/lovelanguageminuteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wish you had more emotional intimacy in your marriage? Not sure where to begin? Emotional intimacy is a core ingredient for couples because it nurtures your friendship and is often needed before physical intimacy can occur. In this new episode on the Dr. Wyatt Marriage Podcast I cover practical ideas to start building more emotional intimacy in your relationship this week.

In this episode of The Sabrina Zohar Show, Sabrina sits down with dating expert Damona Hoffman to unpack how fairy tales, rom-coms, and modern dating apps fuel obsession, fantasy, and anxious attachment. They break down why texting chemistry, dopamine loops, and “potential” keep people stuck in confusing dating dynamics—and how to shift from chasing sparks to choosing emotional safety, clarity, and real connection. If you're tired of mixed signals, hot-and-cold behavior, situationships, or questioning someone's attachment style, this conversation reframes dating through grounded psychology and nervous system awareness. You'll learn how to stop romanticizing unavailable partners, identify emotional unavailability early, and date with intention instead of fantasy—so you can build a healthy, secure relationship rooted in reality, not wishful thinking. Want to have your submission appear on a future show? Send in your stories, questions, or dating profiles to inthetrenches@sabrinazohar.com Get 'F the Fairy Tale' by Damona! If you're ready to slow down, trust your instincts, and break your old dating patterns, the Healthy Relationship Foundations Course walks you through it step-by-step  HERE! If you're serious about changing your dating patterns instead of repeating them, the Art of Going Slow course helps you unlearn urgency, regulate your nervous system, and build real connection without rushing, chasing, or abandoning yourself HERE! Get Ad free HERE!Want to work with Sabrina? HERE!Get merch for The Sabrina Zohar Show HERE!Don't forget to follow Sabrina and The Sabrina Zohar Show on Instagram and Sabrina on TikTok! Video now available on YOUTUBE! Please support our sponsors! As an exclusive offer, my listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast, or ground turkey in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/SABRINA Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SABRINA at https://www.oneskin.co/SABRINA #oneskinpod ============================= Chapters 00:00 – Dating Myths & Fairy Tale Fantasy 04:18 – Obsessing Over Potential vs Reality 08:12 – Texting, Dopamine & False Intimacy 13:05 – Good Morning Texts & Anxiety Loops 18:02 – Why Sparks Don't Equal Compatibility 23:11 – Emotional Unavailability Explained 28:07 – Mixed Signals & Hot-Cold Behavior 33:02 – Attachment Styles vs Real Behavior 38:06 – Emotional Intimacy & Secure Love 42:10 – Dating With Clarity, Not Fantasy Disclaimer: The Sabrina Zohar Show, formerly known as Do The Work, is not affiliated with A.Z & associates LLC in any capacity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sex After 50 doesn't have to decline — in fact, for many people, it gets better. In this episode of Ask a Sex Therapist, Heather is joined by Karen Bigman, a sex and relationship coach specializing in midlife and sex after 50, for an honest, funny, and deeply validating conversation about aging, desire, body changes, and intimacy. They explore why so many couples assume that low libido, painful sex, or loss of desire is just “part of getting older” — and why that belief is often what actually harms a sex life the most. From menopause and perimenopause to body image, shame, communication, and emotional intimacy, this episode reframes sex after 50 as something that can be playful, connected, and deeply satisfying. You'll hear practical insights about: Why sex drive changes with age — and why that doesn't mean sex is overHow menopause, hormones, and vaginal health affect desire and pleasureWhy mental foreplay, laughter, and connection matter more than performanceHow to talk about sex with a partner when it feels awkward or intimidatingLetting go of obligatory sex and rebuilding pleasure without pressure Why kissing, novelty, and communication are essential for long-term intimacy This conversation is especially helpful for: People navigating midlife, perimenopause, or menopauseCouples wondering how to keep sex fun and connected after 50Anyone struggling with desire discrepancy, body confidence, or sexual shamePeople curious about sex and agingPartners who want to better support each other through aging and change If you've ever wondered whether great sex is still possible later in life, this episode offers reassurance, science-backed insight, and permission to stop forcing what doesn't work — and start enjoying what does. Find out more about Karen Bigman, her podcast, courses and ARYA discount at: https://www.taboototruth.com/podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sex and Aging 04:03 Debunking Myths About Sex After 50 08:33 The Role of Hormones in Sexual Health 11:56 The Importance of Self-Compassion 14:21 Body Image and Self-Perception 17:16 Common Struggles in Sexuality After 50 21:13 The Necessity of Sex for Health 22:54 Dating and Communication in Later Life 23:33 Navigating Aging and Intimacy 24:28 Emotional Intimacy and Communication 25:48 The Art of Kissing 27:21 Exploring Playfulness in Relationships 28:32 Mental Foreplay and Connection 29:00 Kissing Techniques for Better Connection 31:17 Addressing Kissing Preferences 32:50 Overcoming Communication Barriers 34:29 Small Steps to Enhance Intimacy 36:00 The Importance of Novelty in Relationships 37:28 Quality Over Quantity in Sexual Relationships 39:12 Resources for Enhancing IntimacyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Want better connection with your spouse? One thing we hear a lot from couples is that they don't feel close to each other or that their relationship feels like it's missing some depth. That's why today we're re-airing this episode from Dr. Kim and Christina that talks all about emotional intimacy and gives you ideas of practical ways to deepen the emotional intimacy in your marriage.  We pray this episode is helpful to you and your marriage.  Episode highlights include:   What is emotional intimacy, and why does it matter?  Warning signs you need to grow in this area  Emotional intimacy killers to avoid   Tips to start working on this - alone, and together  Quotes from This Episode: "It is hard work knowing someone. You have to pay attention. It takes work to be intimate." - Christina Dodson  "Laziness and business are going to block your intimacy, so we have to fight against those things." - Dr. Kim Kimberling  "Give yourself opportunities to connect." - Dr. Kim Kimberling  "It adds value to my marriage for me to have a relationship with my friends, just like it benefits our marriage that he has guy friends." - Christina Dodson  "You could have had the best childhood in the world and you still have baggage because we're human. That's okay, and you can deal with that." - Christina Dodson  "You can't be emotionally intimate with your spouse if you aren't aware of your own emotions." - Christina Dodson    Mentioned in This Episode: Our 5 Days to Deeper Emotional Intimacy digital resource provides practical steps to understand and share your emotions, and to work together to grow your emotional intimacy…and it's our gift to you for your donation of any amount.  Your marriage can only be as healthy as the two of you are. The Bible says, "Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the Lord" (Lamentations 3:40). Our new Self Check-In Guide will help you do just that!  Print out this Feelings Chart and use it to help you talk about your emotions. Our Questions To Help Your Spouse Open Up resource is a simple way to help build the closeness between you and your spouse. Accountability is a biblical and helpful tool for growing in holiness.

When it comes to relationships, being comfortable is not necessarily the same as sharing emotional intimacy. But if you're in a long-term relationship, how do you maintain closeness over time? In this episode of Life Kit, psychologist James Cordova shares tips on how to build emotional intimacy into your daily life.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekitLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy