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In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Marielle Melling of the Raising Healthy, Happy Teens Virtual Summit to discuss what sexual integrity is, why it matters for your teen's long-term wellbeing, and how parents can nurture it through every imperfect, evolving stage of the process.
In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Rhonda Farr to talk about men's difficulty with their own sexuality, why higher desire can mask a deeper insecurity, and how men can move from proving themselves through sex to actually blessing their marriage through it.
When one partner manages and the other rebels, desire dies. In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife works with a real couple to help them understand and address the parent/child dynamic that is infecting their relationship.
Dr. Finlayson-Fife answers real questions from mid-singles on sexuality, chastity, dating wisely, and growing through a life that didn't go as planned.
In this Q&A episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife takes questions from those navigating mixed-faith marriages, including how to share where you are without demanding your spouse follow, how to stay collaborative when your worldviews have diverged, and how to raise children when you no longer share the same spiritual framework. Because it is in going toward the hard conversations, not around them, that we grow, and that our marriages can too.
Jody Moore, del podcast *Better Than Happy*, entrevista a la Dra. Finlayson-Fife sobre el tema de la madurez espiritual. En la conversación abordan: - La importancia de la madurez espiritual y cómo alcanzarla.
What does obedience mean as we mature spiritually? Dr. Finlayson-Fife explores how our relationship with rules, conscience, and God evolves as we develop.
In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Monica Packer of About Progress to explore what joy actually requires of us, why eros love is at the heart of a marriage that stays alive, and what it means to stop trying to change your spouse and start asking who you want to be instead.
In this Mother's Day re-release, Dr. Finlayson-Fife reflects on important lessons she learned from her own mother including how to embrace life and how to love the people in it well.
Are you physically in your relationship but emotionally somewhere in the middle? Torn between choosing in fully or choosing out, yet stuck in painful limbo? In this episode, we explore Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's powerful insights on the losing strategy of indecision — that quiet, exhausting place of straddling that slowly erodes your happiness, self-respect, and connection.Drawing from her deep work with couples on intimacy and relationships, Dr. Finlayson-Fife explains why avoiding clear choice feels safer in the moment but becomes one of the most costly paths we can take. You'll hear honest stories, research-backed truths, and practical wisdom about confronting our human limits and learning to choose with greater clarity and courage.What You'll Learn:Why every decision (including not deciding) closes doors — and how facing that reality actually creates more meaning and joyThe fantasy of “keeping options open” and why it quietly destroys marriages and personal well-beingReal-life examples of straddling in dating, long-term marriage, and major life decisions like divorceHow to know when you've gathered enough information and when it's time to step fully in or outPractical ways to stop overthinking, calm the anxiety of indecision, and choose from your most honest selfWhat choosing in with integrity looks like — even when the marriage isn't perfect and intimacy has sufferedThe difference between a clear-eyed commitment and resentful limboFeaturing powerful ideas from Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks and Barry Schwartz's The Paradox of Choice, this episode offers a compassionate but clear-eyed look at one of the most common patterns that keeps people stuck.If you've ever felt trapped between yes and no, this conversation will help you understand what's really happening — and how moving out of the indecision trap can bring relief, clarity, and a more fulfilling life and relationship.Resources Mentioned:Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanThe Paradox of Choice by Barry SchwartzThat We Might Have Joy: Desire, Divinity & Intimate Love by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-FifeListen now and take an honest look at where you might be half-in, half-out — and what choosing differently could open up for you.Get in TouchWebsite: MasterYourMarriage.usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masteryourmarriageFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MasterYourMarriage/
In this NEW episode, Dan Purcell of the Get Your Marriage On Podcast asks Dr. Finlayson-Fife for her perspective on the difference between having sex and making love — and what couples can do to bring more soulfulness to their sexual relationship.
In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Tim and Aubrey Chaves of the Faith Matters podcast to explore the powerful ideas at the heart of That We Might Have Joy. We are re-airing this popular episode to bring attention to Dr. Finlayson-Fife's book discussion and signing in Boston on April 23rd.
In this live Q&A, Dr. Finlayson-Fife is joined by ADHD coach, educator, and advocate Kamden Hainsworth to explore what neurodiversity looks like inside intimate relationships. Together, they respond to listener questions about attention, overwhelm, responsibility, and connection—and what it really takes to build a strong, collaborative marriage when ADHD is part of the equation.
In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Holly J. Moore of the Made for Moore podcast to discuss how parents can approach conversations about sex and sexuality with their children in a way that is honest, ongoing, and shame-free. They explore why discomfort doesn't have to be a barrier, how to begin these conversations early and keep them going, and how offering values around sexuality — rather than fear or shame — empowers children to make informed, confident, and integrity-driven choices as they grow.
In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Kamden Hainsworth of the Busy Brained Saint podcast to talk about what it looks like for both partners in a neurodiverse marriage to show up as whole people — owning what is theirs, releasing what isn't, and finding more freedom than they expected on the other side.
In this episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife uses questions submitted by listeners to drive a discussion about how we can create transformation in ourselves and in our relationships.
What if joy in marriage isn't about chasing happiness, but embracing courage? Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's enlightening perspective reshapes our understanding of joy—not as mere happiness but as a deeper, more embodied openness to love and goodness, even amidst life's challenges. This kind of joy is interwoven with eros love—an expansive, soul-reaching connection that pushes us beyond our comfort zones and into a realm of growth and self-discovery. In my conversation with Dr. Finlayson-Fife, we explored how marriage becomes a fertile ground for joy—not by eliminating our differences but by choosing to love through them. By asking ourselves what we already know we need to do differently, we unlock the potential for profound personal growth and deeper marital intimacy, ultimately steering our relationships toward genuine joy. Past episode to listen to: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/why-joy-isn-t-the-same-as-happiness-and-how-to-reclaim-it-even-during-a-difficult-time-with-tanmeet-sethi Podcast Anni: (Still ongoing!) Celebrate 9 years of About Progress by submitting to our annual Favorite Things Giveaway! Simply leave a rating/review on Apple Podcasts. Favorite things + details on who won HERE. 1-on-1 COACHING ENROLLMENT OPEN NOW! BOOK A CURIOSITY CALL NOW to be considered for one of my limited spots for 1-on-1 coaching this Winter. Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Part 2 of Dr. Finlayson-Fife's conversation with Dr. Justin Coulson of the Happy Families Podcast, they discuss how couples can prioritize intimacy amidst the demands of parenting. Dr. Finlayson-Fife also tackles what to do when your child walks in on you during an intimate moment, offering age-appropriate language to help children make sense of what they saw without catastrophizing the experience.
If you've ever found yourself feeling resentful, irritated, or annoyed as a mom, wife, or friend, you don't want to miss this episode. Learning from Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife has helped me so much as a mom, through my divorce and into my now healthy, more mature marriage, my friendships, and my relationship with myself. I can not recommend her work highly enough. Please gift yourself a listen to today's episode. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and I talk about why resentment shows up in marriage and motherhood and how to use it as a path toward self-understanding and deeper connection. We explore how relationships are powerful containers for personal growth, what it really means to self-confront and take responsibility for your part, and how to move away from compliance and people-pleasing into honesty and emotional maturity. Dr. Finlayson-Fife shares her perspective on self-authoring, costly accommodation, and the difference between love and victim entitlement. Together we talk about how to feel more connected in your marriage, less resentful in your motherhood, and more grounded in who you truly are. If you've been longing for more peace and authenticity in your relationships, this conversation will help you take the first step. If you liked this show, you'll like these two: Resentment and Shame on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/233-resentment-feel-it-heres-the-greatest-tip/id1434429161?i=1000596420128 Resentment and Shame on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0kybmmxPsITmZxOflDBKBv?si=gQh8VJswShuK4N9V3AsxUA Resentment in Marriage and Motherhood on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/234-resentment-in-marriage/id1434429161?i=1000597499677 Resentment in Marriage and Motherhood on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6yuhlXIrz0fsPN4OQsha16?si=vSURTNyKSiWWKKxo6O40uw Get the full show notes here
If you've ever found yourself feeling resentful, irritated, or annoyed as a mom, wife, or friend, you don't want to miss this episode. Learning from Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife has helped me so much as a mom, through my divorce and into my now healthy, more mature marriage, my friendships, and my relationship with myself. I can not recommend her work highly enough. Please gift yourself a listen to today's episode. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and I talk about why resentment shows up in marriage and motherhood and how to use it as a path toward self-understanding and deeper connection. We explore how relationships are powerful containers for personal growth, what it really means to self-confront and take responsibility for your part, and how to move away from compliance and people-pleasing into honesty and emotional maturity. Dr. Finlayson-Fife shares her perspective on self-authoring, costly accommodation, and the difference between love and victim entitlement. Together we talk about how to feel more connected in your marriage, less resentful in your motherhood, and more grounded in who you truly are. If you've been longing for more peace and authenticity in your relationships, this conversation will help you take the first step. If you liked this show, you'll like these two: Resentment and Shame on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/233-resentment-feel-it-heres-the-greatest-tip/id1434429161?i=1000596420128 Resentment and Shame on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0kybmmxPsITmZxOflDBKBv?si=gQh8VJswShuK4N9V3AsxUA Resentment in Marriage and Motherhood on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/234-resentment-in-marriage/id1434429161?i=1000597499677 Resentment in Marriage and Motherhood on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6yuhlXIrz0fsPN4OQsha16?si=vSURTNyKSiWWKKxo6O40uw Get the full show notes here
In this conversation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Dr. Justin Coulson of the Happy Families Podcast to discuss how our ideas about gender roles undermine genuine connection. The conversation unpacks why women's desire shuts down when sexuality is framed as caregiving, why tolerated sex creates resentment on both sides, and what has to shift if you want to move from dutiful encounters to the kind of passion and intimacy you're both craving.
Room for Two is on sale for Christmas! Use code JOLLY to SAVE $18 on your first year subscribing! In this preview episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife works with Brad and Kate, a couple who feels a chill in their relationship that they can't seem to shake. Sound familiar? Subscribe today to unlock this FULL episode (plus the entire Brad and Kate series and hundreds of other episodes that are just as relevant and helpful!).
En este episodio del podcast, la Dra. Finlayson-Fife conversa con Dan Purcell del podcast Get Your Marriage On. Hablan sobre... - Las 3 etapas del desarrollo sexual y cómo llevar su matrimonio al siguiente nivel - La importancia de cultivar la energía erótica en la relación - Cómo pasar de tener relaciones sexuales a una conexión profunda a través del acto de hacer el amor
In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Tammy Hill of the Live Your Why podcast to discuss libido and sexual desire. They explore how biology, medications, aging, stress, and hormones can influence our sexual desire—but emphasize that the meanings we carry about sex, marriage, duty, and self-worth are usually the most powerful drivers of all.
In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife answers audience questions about common extended-family challenges, including enmeshed parent–child relationships, triangulation, intrusive or overstepping in-laws, sibling competitiveness, and families that resist change. She talks about how couples can stay steady in these situations by being clear about how they want to function, holding to their integrity, and choosing honest, grounded ways of relating—regardless of the pressures around them.
In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Chris Rich of The Mixed-Faith Relationship Podcast to unpack where sexual shame comes from and how it shows up in adulthood. She explains how shame turns toxic when it convinces us that our flaws make us unworthy, and she offers a clearer, kinder way forward—one that helps us accept our embodied nature, integrate our sexuality, and relate to ourselves with more honesty and compassion.
El conflicto surge naturalmente cuando dos personas intentan construir una vida juntas y representa una valiosa oportunidad de crecimiento si lo permitimos. Cuando no estamos de acuerdo con nuestra pareja, solemos recurrir a comportamientos que causan dolor y frustración, en lugar de esforzarnos por encontrar respuestas más productivas y colaborativas, aunque a menudo parezcan contraintuitivas. En este episodio, la Dra. Finlayson-Fife se une a la coach de relaciones Anne Nelson para hablar sobre cómo las relaciones pueden crecer y prosperar, incluso ante el conflicto y las diferencias.
We're back for Part 2 of my powerful conversation with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, LDS relationship and sexuality coach, author of That We Might Have Joy: Desire, Divinity & Intimate Love, and host of the Room for Two podcast. In this episode, we go deeper into the themes of desire, faith, and emotional honesty — exploring how to find peace and purpose after divorce while deepening your relationship with God and yourself. You'll learn how to:
Desire, Divinity, and Finding Joy After Divorce (Part 1) – with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife In this first half of my powerful two-part conversation with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, we dive into the connection between desire, divinity, and emotional honesty—and how these principles can help you heal and grow after divorce. Dr. Finlayson-Fife is an LDS relationship and sexuality coach with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, author of That We Might Have Joy: Desire, Divinity & Intimate Love, and host of the Room for Two podcast. Her wisdom and clarity are life-changing for anyone navigating heartbreak, faith, or rebuilding self-worth. You'll learn how to:
Relationships feel easy when things are going well—when we feel understood and everything between us feels steady. They're much harder when we're frustrated, disappointed, or misunderstood. Yet it's in those moments of friction and honest conflict that we're invited to grow—to become wiser, more grounded, and more capable of real love. In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Monica Tanner to share insights from That We Might Have Joy and explore how conflict in marriage isn't a sign that something's gone wrong, but part of the very process through which deeper intimacy and peace take shape.
In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife explores how our own theology, rightly understood, offers a far richer view: that the body is a spiritual gift, and that sex can become the sacrament of marriage—a way of knowing God, ourselves, and each other with more honesty, love, and joy.
Your kids are learning about sex—whether you talk to them about it or not. And if you've ever wished Dr. Finlayson-Fife could coach you through these important conversations (and honestly, who hasn't?), this episode is for you. In this conversation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife offers practical guidance for parents who want to raise sexually healthy, thoughtful, and confident kids.
Pornography is such common struggle in our faith community, yet one of the least talked about. Too often it's surrounded by silence, shame, and fear. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife to unpack how we can approach this topic with honesty, compassion, and faith. We talk about how to respond when a loved one is struggling, how to have open conversations while dating or parenting, and how to move toward healing and self-mastery without losing sight of God's love.Dr. Finlayson-Fife's Book: https://amzn.to/4mBZjuXOther Resources: https://www.finlayson-fife.com/courses?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19044940972&gclid=CjwKCAjw2brFBhBOEiwAVJX5GH3r-6RY23yK2u13_MTYTbdpH9bTPsVmXjFz3JPcBD4Wnu0jZF5HDxoCDJIQAvD_BwE
For many women, sex feels like something to get through—another duty to manage, another expectation to meet. And yet, the more we pressure ourselves to “fix” our difficulty with desire, the more elusive it becomes. This is because desire cannot be manufactured. It will never come from obligation, attempts to appease, or from sheer willpower. It only thrives in freedom—when we feel true to ourselves, at ease in our own skin, and at peace with how we are showing up in our lives. In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife unpacks why women so often struggle with desire and and what they can do to cultivate a sexual relationship that feels alive and worth wanting.
In this episode, listeners joined Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife for a Q&A discussion about her soon-to-be-released book, That We Might Have Joy (order your copy HERE!). During the conversation, she answered listener's questions about the process of writing the book, how she decided on the topic, and what lessons she learned along the way. But, true to form, Dr. Finlayson-Fife offered more than just simple answers to questions during this discussion—she challenged limiting cultural messages about the body, spoke about the courage it takes to face the truth in our relationships, and explained why intimacy always begins with self-honesty.
We're re-releasing our most-listened-to episode ever—and for good reason. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joins Carolyn Pearson, Stephen Carter, and Dan Wotherspoon to talk about the real purpose of marriage—and why the challenges we face in it are what drives our personal and spiritual growth. They discuss how marriage can stretch us in the best ways—pushing us to confront ourselves, to move through conflict instead of away from it, and to build something real and lasting in the process.
It's easy to see your partner as the problem when things feel unfair—but often, the patterns we feel stuck in are ones we've unwittingly helped create. In this NEW episode, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins Monica Packer of the About Progress podcast to talk about what it means to be a thoughtful change maker in your relationship. They explore how to recognize when you've been over-accommodating—and how avoiding conflict or ignoring your own desires can quietly erode both your well-being and the strength of the partnership. Dr. Finlayson-Fife teaches that change begins by owning your role in the current dynamic—and using that clarity to engage in honest, collaborative conversations with your partner.
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!
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.
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.
Have you ever felt like your personal growth is at odds with your role within your relationship? In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife to explore this challenging dynamic. We delve into the intricacies of how traditional roles and covert expectations can hinder personal development, especially for women. Dr. Finlayson-Fife shares valuable insights on how to become a change maker in your relationship, emphasizing the importance of honest communication and mutual growth. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone striving for a more balanced and fulfilling partnership. Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Leave a rating and review Follow About Progress on YOUTUBE! Book Launch Committee Free DSL Training Full Show Notes This episode is brought to you by goPure Beauty, get 25% off @goPure with code PROGRESS at https://www.goPurebeauty.com/PROGRESS #goPurepod; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA at http://airdoctorpro.com/ for up to $300 off air purifiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 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 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.