Podcasts about great sex

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we're diving into the experience of low-orgasm or the absence of orgasm for some. It's a common concern that can lead to frustration and distance, yet it's something many couples struggle to talk about openly. Join Laurie and George as they explore the physical, psychological, and relational factors that can impact the capacity for orgasm. We'll discuss how to shift the focus from the 'goal' to the 'process' of pleasure, how to communicate needs effectively without pressure, and how to increase comfort and connection in the bedroom. Listen in for practical strategies to expand your sexual repertoire and foster more satisfying, intimate experiences together. Don't forget to grab your copy of our book, Brave Love, Great Sex, available everywhere! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan Mail Mica Miller's Death and “The Sex Is For Men” Problem The tragic Mica Miller documentary The Death of a Pastor's Wife reveals a deeply evil pastor husband with entitled, misogynistic views about sex. But those views didn't come out of nowhere. In this interview that Sheila did with Called to Peace Ministries, she connects the dots of how evangelical teaching around sex centers the male experience, feeds entitlement, and creates breeding grounds for abuse.BARE MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENTSPreorder Fawn, Sheila's New BookOur Spanish Site is live!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Called to Peace MinistriesCalled to Peace on FacebookCalled to Peace on InstagramThe Whole Story Sex and Puberty CourseFriday Roundup on the Miller caseSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Welcome Brave Lovers! Have you ever said something to your partner that didn't land well? You backtrack and try to explain your intent but they are still hurting and now angry. If you have, then this episode is for you! Join our hosts, Laurie and George as they share what happens when the impact hits hard and the attempt to explain the intent falls flat. Listeners will learn how to hold both truths, have clean communication around the event and improve their timing. It's important to remember that even with good intentions your partner can still feel hurt. Acknowledging their hurt will move the conversation closer to connection while explanation will create disconnection. Make sure to grab a copy of our bestseller Brave Love, Great Sex, available everywhere! Please help the pod by checking out this episode's sponsor: Uberlube.com -- Laurie's 20+ year favorite personal lubricant. Use the code 'BraveLove' at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Dawn from The Minimal Mom to talk about the “dignity line,” a simple framework for recognizing if our relationships are characterized by respect, accountability, trust, and safety - and why patterns matter more than labels. We also dig into the complicated reality of marriage advice, boundaries, divorce, and the pressure Christian women can feel to keep trying no matter what. Then Rebecca joins in for a fiery discussion of a pastor's sermon on sex and asking whether Christian conversations about sexual generosity actually account for women's experiences. This week is a wide-ranging conversation about dignity, discernment, healthy relationships, and why sometimes the most important question isn't “How do we save this marriage?” but “How do we help people become safe and whole?” This is one you don't want to miss!OUR SPONSORThanks to Brazos Press for sponsoring this podcast, so we could tell everyone about the amazing book Look Like a Lady! Listen to our podcast with ElissaBARE MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENTSPreorder Fawn, Sheila's New Book Our Spanish Site is live!CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.Find the church info page here!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Dawn's Website, “The Minimal Mom”Dawn's Dignity Line ResourcesThe Big Reasons For Divorce - Podcast Episode 212The Power of a Praying Wife Review - Podcast Episode 197 Our Love & Respect Deep Dive Series Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt's book, “Look Like a Lady”Friday Roundup on Ryan ViscontiRyan Visconti full sermonSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

What happens when one partner needs emotional connection before sex, while the other experiences sex as one of the primary ways they feel emotionally connected? Too often, couples—and even therapists—get caught trying to decide which need should come first. In this episode, Dr. James Hawkins sits down with Dr. Laurie Watson, coauthor of Brave Love, Great Sex, for a rich conversation about why the emotional and sexual bonds in romantic relationships cannot be separated. Laurie explains how couples can become caught in two interconnected pursue-withdraw cycles: an emotional cycle and a sexual cycle. One partner may pursue emotionally while withdrawing sexually, while the other withdraws emotionally but reaches for connection through sex. Underneath both are familiar attachment questions: Do you want me? Do I matter to you? Will you respond to me? Am I safe needing you? James and Laurie explore how attachment history, childhood experiences with touch, body image, sexual functioning, anxiety, shame, and vulnerability can all shape what happens between partners in the bedroom. They also discuss why sexual withdrawal is not simply a lack of desire and sexual pursuit is not simply wanting more sex—both can be attempts to manage deeply vulnerable relational needs. Link to Brave Love Great Sex Podcast  Amazon Link for Brave Love Great Sex Book Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, hosted by Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC—Renowned ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. We're thrilled to have you with us. We believe this podcast, a valuable resource, will empower you to push the boundaries in your work, helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with themselves and each other. In this episode of Push the Leading Edge, Dr. James Hawk and Dr. Ryan Rana explore a powerful clinical question: What if, instead of always trying to get underneath protection, we slowed down and worked with it? Drawing from live sessions with George Faller and their own case work, they unpack how repetitive, honoring validation of protective moves can transform “stuck” couples—especially long-term pairs who have been looping in the same rigid patterns for years. You'll hear how protection shows up in withdrawers and pursuers, why it's more than “resistance,” and how treating protection as a pathway rather than a problem can unlock embodied emotion, reshape shame, and open the door for more organic Stage 2 work.  Top Ten Learning Points Protection is a doorway, not just a barrier. Protection (withdrawal, criticism, task-focus, etc.) can be a direct entry point into attachment longings and fears, not just something to get past. TEMPO as a multi-door model. TEMPO (Trigger, Emotion, Meaning, Protection) is like a car with four doors; you don't always have to enter through “E” (emotion)—you can enter through P: protection and still reach the heart. Rounds and rounds of validation change the nervous system. George's method involves extended, layered validation of protection (20–30 minutes), not just a quick nod. This repeated honoring of the positive intent behind protection visibly reduces pressure and invites live emotion to surface naturally. Protection is emotional dysregulation, not just “defensiveness.” Protective moves are embodied dysregulation driven by fear, shame, and threat—not a character flaw. People often hate the very protections they defend and feel deeply ashamed about them. Protection serves at least four functions at once. It protects self, protects partner, protects the relationship system, and preserves a sense of basic safety (e.g., “If I don't do this, we might lose the family/us”). Long-term couples are running habits, not conscious choices. After 7+ years of distress, partners often don't even know they're doing their protection move—it's become automatic, like breathing. A single powerful enactment doesn't automatically undo years of patterned protection. Deep validation reshapes the observing partner's view. When one partner's protection is validated in detail, the other partner gets a front-row, re-framed view of behavior they previously only experienced as hurtful. This can shift, “You're just being critical/checked out” into, “Oh, this is your way of trying to protect us and not give up on us.” You must deal with what's on top before you earn what's underneath. If therapists say, “I want to get underneath that,” but never really work with the protection, they often get blocked. You “earn the right” to deeper vulnerability by regulating and honoring what's on top (the protection) first. This approach especially helps withdrawers, pursuers, and concrete thinkers. Withdrawers: feel seen in their performance, tasking, and “keeping the peace” superpowers, instead of constantly being pushed to “do more emotion.” Pursuers: finally have their energy named as a protective, committed force rather than “too much” or “critical.” Clients wary of emotion / neurodivergent / highly concrete: protection-focused work feels practical and tangible, less abstract than pure emotion work. Protection work can set up a more organic Tango. George often spends a long time in Tango 1–2 space around protection—tracking, reflecting, and deepening. Once protection is truly validated and regulated, emotion tends to emerge organically, making Tango 2–3–4 smoother and more authentic, rather than forced. For EFT therapists, the episode offers a direct challenge: we already know how to track cycles, explore meaning, evoke emotion, and create new conversations—now we need the courage to bring those same skills into the sexual relationship. This is a conversation about helping couples develop the courage to open their hearts emotionally and sexually, creating the possibility for both brave love and great sex. A Core Line for the Episode Great sex and brave love are not two separate destinations. Emotional and sexual vulnerability can strengthen one another when partners learn to reach, respond, and remain present in both systems. Top Ten Takeaways 1. Emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy are reciprocal systems. Treating sex and emotional attachment as separate domains can cause therapists to miss how strongly each influences the other. Couples have multiple pathways toward experiencing security and connection. 2. Couples can become trapped in a “you go first” standoff. One partner may essentially say, “Connect with me emotionally and then I can open sexually,” while the other says, “Connect with me sexually and then I can feel emotionally close.” Both partners wait for the other to make the first vulnerable move. 3. Couples may have two different pursue-withdraw cycles operating simultaneously. A person can be an emotional pursuer and sexual withdrawer—or an emotional withdrawer and sexual pursuer. The emotional and sexual positions do not necessarily line up. 4. Sexual behavior carries attachment meaning. A sexual reach can communicate, “Do you desire me? Will you choose me? Am I important to you?” A missed response can therefore register in the nervous system as much more than simply not having sex. 5. Attachment history matters, but it does not explain everything about sexuality. Attachment strategies influence how people approach relationships and sex, but hormones, trauma, early sexual experiences, family messages, body experiences, and other developmental factors also shape the sexual system. 6. Sexual withdrawal deserves curiosity rather than judgment. Pulling away from sex may protect someone from profound vulnerability. A history of insufficient or unsafe touch can make needing physical closeness feel frightening rather than comforting. 7. Sexual pursuit is often about more than sex. The sexual pursuer may be reaching for reassurance, desirability, closeness, affirmation, or embodied connection. Anxiety about whether the partner will respond can intensify pursuit, just as it does in an emotional cycle. 8. EFT therapists already possess many of the skills needed to explore sexuality. Questions such as “What happened inside when your partner responded that way?” “What did that mean about you?” and “What did you need in that moment?” translate naturally from emotional-cycle work into sexual-cycle work. 9. Slow the sexual experience down frame by frame. Therapists can explore not only thoughts and emotions but physiological responses: arousal, loss of arousal, erection, orgasm, touch, tension, and bodily shutdown. Then help partners communicate what is happening rather than silently interpreting one another. 10. Therapist discomfort should not leave couples alone with one of their most vulnerable struggles. Therapists may worry that talking explicitly about sex is intrusive, inappropriate, or voyeuristic. Laurie's challenge is to remain gentle, respectful, and specific rather than avoiding the subject altogether. Couples often need help developing language for experiences they have been unable to discuss anywhere else. We aim to equip therapists with practical tools and encouragement for addressing relational distress. We're also excited to be part of the team behind Success in Vulnerability (SV)—your premier online education platform. SV offers innovative instruction to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness through exclusive modules and in-depth clinical examples.  Stay connected with us: Facebook: Follow our page @pushtheleadingedge Ryan: Follow @ryanranaprofessionaltraining on Facebook and visit his website James: Follow @dochawklpc on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website at dochawklpc.com George Faller: Visit georgefaller.com If you like the concepts discussed on this podcast you can explore our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Thank you for being part of our community. Let's push the leading edge together!  

Welcome Brave Lovers! If you don't want to have sex and your partner always does this is the episode for you! Join hosts, Laurie and George as they expand on the world of the sexual withdrawer. We explore why the sexual withdrawer may shut down when the pressure cycle is on; past trauma, relational issues, resent or just downright bad sex and provide the valuable language withdrawers need to communicate to their pursuing partners. We get curious and ask what does not wanting to have sex mean and how the withdrawer can pay attention to what is happening inside of them. Their excellent role play walks listeners through a bad take and good conversation. You'll take away ways to identify what is happening when I don't want to have sex, where that shut down is coming from, how to share and better express needs. Want more help here? Our book is out now! Pick up a copy of Brave Love, Great Sex today!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most couples have deep desire for sensual and intimate love in the bedroom, and today we're looking at perhaps. the biggest shadow, your attachment shadows in the bedroom with best-selling author Dr. Laurie Watson, Ph.D, (2-9 pairing). We get to talk personality a bit here as Dr. Laurie learns about the Enneagram with us but the foremost (and fascinating) conversation here is about how to bring you safer connection, whether you're anxiously or avoidantly attached. We're also bringing you Laurie's brand new and #1 release book, Brave Love, Great Sex: Harnessing Attachment Theory for Passionate Relationships on attachment and your sex life here! https://a.co/d/0dGyNQ0g. You don't want to miss this fresh and brave conversation about true intimacy! Watch on YouTube! Laurie's podcast, Brave Love, Great Sex is Here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brave-love-great-sex-couples-therapy-podcast/id1083324677 Get Inside Your Sexy September Intimacy Vault Here!⁠ ⁠Get inside the Enneagram and Marriage Coaching and Masterclass classroom here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠ https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com/the-e-m-coaching-masterclass Use the code COACH for $250 off - or - use a payment plan!! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get inside the FREE Wholehearted Summit for Weary Women Sept 9-11 here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.simplywholehearted.com/a/2148302131/MhoTboBT Find Amy here at her website! www.simplywholehearted.com Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Take the E + M Quiz at www.QuizforCouples.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

Send us Fan MailWhat if many of the ideas we've been taught about “biblical womanhood” have a much stranger history than we realized? We sit down with historian & author Kristin Du Mez to unpack the fascinating—and sometimes surprising—story behind Christian womanhood, from Hannah Whittall Smith and Elisabeth Elliot to Christian fiction, publishing, blogging, and today's influencer culture. What happens when we stop sanitizing the past, let go of formulas that promise happiness, and make room for a faith that can actually grapple with reality? Let's find out together!BARE MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENTSPreorder Fawn, Sheila's New Book Our Spanish Site is live!CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.Find the church info page here!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Kristin Du Mez's book, "Live, Laugh, Love"Kristin's WebsiteKristin's SubstackElissa Yukiko Weichbrodt's websiteElissa's book, “Look Like a Lady”The Whole StoryHolding It Together: How Women Became America's Safety Net Episode 104: Jesus & John WayneKatharine Bushnell EpisodeSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

The Emotional Cycle vs. the Sexual Cycle in EFT: What's the Difference? Featuring EFT Trainer George Faller, LMFT & Dr. Laurie Watson, PhD   Are a couple's emotional cycle and sexual cycle the same thing? Where do they overlap—and where are they fundamentally different?   In this special edition of We Heart Therapy, host Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT, ICEEFT Certified EFT Supervisor & Therapist, sits down with George Faller, LMFT, ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer, and Dr. Laurie Watson, PhD, AASECT Certified Supervisor and ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist, for a fascinating conversation about the similarities and differences between the emotional and sexual cycles in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).   For EFT therapists, we're accustomed to tracking the negative interaction cycle and helping partners recognize the attachment fears, longings, emotions, and protective strategies that keep them stuck. But does the couple's sexual cycle follow the same pattern?   ❤️ THE EMOTIONAL CYCLE & THE SEXUAL CYCLE  

This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice to learn more Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/ Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/ In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Laurie Watson & George Faller about Brave Love, Great Sex. Laurie is an internationally recognized sex therapist, couples counselor, and educator with over 35 years of experience helping people heal their most intimate relationships. George is a husband, father, therapist, educator, speaker, author, and global leader in helping people reconnect and strengthen their relationships. Their latest book is Brave Love, Great Sex: Harnessing Attachment Theory for Passionate Relationships. Hear the sexual side of attachment theory, the 3 systems in a romantic relationship, how to work with clients where only 1 partner wants to have sex, the role of compassion when it comes to sex, and the safety couples therapists provide to clients when talking about sex.   To learn more about Dr. Laurie Watson & George Faller, visit: LaurieWatson.com GeorgeFaller.com Brave Love, Great Sex Book & Podcast   You can also listen to George Faller on Episode 47 of The Couples Therapist Couch  

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are discussing the role and inner world of the sexual pursuer. Join Laurie and George for an expert role play to learn how the sexual pursuer can clearly communicate their feelings and needs without defense and blame. They highlight that the pursuer often focuses on changing the behavior of the withdrawer but it is more effective when they can share their vulnerability to their partner. Our hosts remind us that initiating sex is a secure move in a relationship. The anxiety that develops is problematic and creates the negative cycle. Listen in to learn how to stay present with your own experience, communicate securely and work with your partner regarding your sexual worlds. We break down these roles very clearly in our book Brave Love, Great Sex. It's out next week, make sure to grab your copy today! Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's favorite personal lubricant for the last 25 years! Check it out, it's great! Use 'BraveLove' at checkout to let them know we sent you (and get a discount)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhat if some of the messages we've absorbed about “what it means to be a woman” have less to do with the Bible and more to do with centuries of art, culture, and storytelling? Today we have a fascinating conversation with art historian Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt about five powerful visual tropes—the Venus, Maiden, Vessel, Mother, and Monster—and the surprising, life-giving counter-stories that have been there all along. Together, we explore what happens when we stop seeing women as objects, prizes, symbols, perfect mothers, or threats, and start seeing them as whole people invited to witness, move, create, cultivate, and partner in God's kingdom.CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.Find the church info page here!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt's websiteElissa's book, “Look Like a Lady”Elissa's InstagramElissa's SubstackSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik, MD shares the inspiring story behind her new book, "The Hard Truth," exploring how sexual health can be a powerful motivator for positive life changes. She discusses the critical links between metabolic health, lifestyle choices, and sexual function, while emphasizing the urgent need for evidence-based education in men's sexual health. Listeners will discover practical frameworks for building a strong sexual foundation and learn why prioritizing sexual well-being is vital for lifelong health. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: renamalik.supercast.com Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 00:00 Introduction02:05 Why Sexual Health Motivates Change02:28 Why The Hard Truth Exists03:13 The Need for Evidence-Based Sexual Health04:35 Why Sex Moves People06:33 The Hard Truth Behind Sexual Health06:54 Building Your Sexual Health Foundation08:28 Maintaining Sexual Health Over Time09:32 Why This Book Matters10:14 How to Pre-Order The Hard Truth Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: http://www.renamalikmd.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD TWITTER: http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhat if the Bible has been giving us maternal pictures of God all along—and we've simply been overlooking them? Today we talk with Elizabeth Berget, author of “Love Like a Mother,” about God's compassion, childbirth, motherhood, grief, protection, exhaustion, and the surprising ways women's embodied experiences can illuminate the character of God. Together, we explore how seeing God as both Father and Mother can offer women a deeper sense of belonging, challenge unhealthy ideas about motherhood and spiritual performance, and invite the church into a fuller, more expansive theology.CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.Find the church info page here!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Elizabeth Berget's WebsiteElizabeth's book, “Love Like a Mother”Elizabeth's SubstackElizabeth's InstagramSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are delving into the world of the emotional pursuer. Join our hosts, Laurie and George to talk about what it looks like when a partner is constantly seeking connection, why that pursuit can sometimes feel overwhelming, and how both partners can shift their approach to create a more balanced and secure bond. We look at the underlying attachment needs that drive this behavior and offer practical steps to turn the pursuit into an invitation for closeness. Make sure to listen in to learn how to navigate these moments and reconnect with your partner! Don't forget to follow us on our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex for more relationship tips and updates. Pre-order your copy of Brave Love, Great Sex today; out on September 16th. Support this episode's sponsor (and help the 'pod): Uberlube.com - Laurie's long time favorite personal lubricant. Use the code 'BraveLove' at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when “protecting women” actually leaves them with fewer choices, less financial security, and nowhere to go when a marriage becomes unsafe? Today we unpack the hidden risks behind certain conservative Christian teachings about gender, money, work, and submission before sitting down with Sally Hope to talk about abuse, faith, anger, healing, and her survivor resource "No Visible Scars." It's a thoughtful - and occasionally fiery - conversation about what genuine protection looks like when the goal is not female dependence, but healthy partnership, autonomy, justice, and healing.CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.Find the church info page here!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: CortneyGetsFit TikTokDynamics of Abusive Relationships StudySally Hope's WebsiteSally's book “No Visible Scars”Sally's Always Hopeful programDownload the One-Sheet on The Empowered WifeBare Marriage ToolKitSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Nikki & Brie are back side by side for a catch-up that goes from surprisingly deep to completely ridiculous in record time. The twins get real about independence, relationships, and why finding peace on your own can change what you're willing to accept from other people. But this is Nikki & Brie, so the conversation quickly spirals into viral Bobby pin experiments, Nikki's questionable online shopping, their kids telling wildly creative stories, Gen Z trading smartphones for flip phones, and a debate over teaching children to set boundaries. And just when Brie thinks she's safe, Nikki brings up that embarrassing story again. Press play for sisterhood, real talk, big laughs, and absolutely no shortage of TMI. Call Nikki & Brie at 833-GARCIA2 and leave a voicemail! Follow Nikki & Brie on Instagram, follow the show on Instagram and TikTok and send Nikki & Brie a message on Threads! Follow Bonita Bonita on Instagram Book a reservation at the Bonita Bonita Speakeasy To watch exclusive videos of this week's episode, follow The Nikki & Brie Show on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok! You can also catch The Nikki & Brie Show on SiriusXM Stars 109! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailResearch shows most women don't peak sexually until decades later than they'd expect — and it's not for the reason you think.In this episode, Dr. Debra Durst sits down with Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, physician, best-selling author, and host of The Intimacy & Marriage Podcast, to talk about why so many couples struggle to talk about sex — and how to change that at any age. Dr. Stockwell also shares her own experience receiving regenerative sexual wellness treatments in the office.

Send us Fan MailBethany Jantzi and Dr. Merry Lin join us in taking a very close—and occasionally incredulous—look at Laura Doyle's The Empowered Wife, unpacking its promises, “six intimacy skills,” and insistence that women can transform their marriages by changing themselves. They explore where self-care, respect, vulnerability, and intimacy can sound appealing while still becoming dangerous when they encourage women to self-silence, ignore serious problems, or take responsibility for a husband's behavior. Ultimately, this is a conversation about discernment: what does genuine marital intimacy actually require, and how can we tell the difference between healthy accommodation and simply learning to disappear inside a relationship? It's a longer one, but 100% worth the listen!CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.Find the church info page here!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: One-Sheet on Laura Doyle's “The Empowered Wife”: https://baremarriage.com/2026/08/the-problems-with-the-empowered-wife-by-laura-doyle-a-review-with-download/Bethany Jantzi's Website: freefromcontrol.caDr. Merry Lin's Website: https://www.drmerry.com/Pre-Order Sheila & Dr. Merry's new book “Fawn”Support the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

How do you figure out what you actually like in bed if no one ever taught you how? In this episode of The Dildo Whisperer, we're talking about sexual self-discovery through the work of smart, sex-positive authors like Ducky Doolittle, Carol Queen, and Betty Dodson. From masturbation and body literacy to fantasy, toys, communication, and learning the difference between what you should want and what genuinely turns you on, this episode is all about using books as tools for curiosity, confidence, and pleasure. If you've ever felt unsure of your turn-ons, embarrassed by your inexperience, or disconnected from your own desire, this conversation offers a judgment-free place to start. Because figuring out what you like sexually doesn't have to begin with pressure, performance, or trial and error in the bedroom. Sometimes it starts with a great book, a little honesty, and the willingness to get curious about your own body and your own pleasure. Send the us your sex and relationship questions and maybe you will inspire the next episode of The Dildo Whisperer. We have two ways to reach the show. You can call into our show at 844-695-2766 or you can email us at Askthedw@gmail.com. Follow us on social media @dildowhisperer The Dildo Whisperer is produced by DNR Studios. To subscribe to this show and the rest of the DNR Network of shows including the Cookie Jar Podcast visit: www.dnrstudios.com

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, our hosts are joined by renowned Shibari Artist, Kati Bird. Shibari is the Japanese art of decorative rope bondage.  Listen in for this exciting conversation as Kati shares more about the art and how it can be transformative for couples. Kati details how the process involves clear and explicit conversation between partners and can create a somatic experience that evokes emotional intimacy as well as physical. She shares that there is frequent checking in, attunement and the creation of space for communication that can allow participants to experience deeply. This unique practice has many benefits and with Kati helps educate and reduce fear and stigma around the practice of Shibari. If you'd like more information or to work with Kati directly; visit her website at www.shibariunraveled.com Lovers--we are less than one month away from the release of our book. Make sure to order your copy of Brave Love, Great Sex today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we answer a mailbag question from a long-time listener. Our listener is a sexual pursuer wanting to know how to improve things in their sexless marriage. Join Laurie and George as they provide expert advice on how to prioritize your relationship during the busy parenting years, identify where you are blocking connection and effective ways to communicate this intimate conversation. Their role play shows how to correct a negative cycle and get the conversation moving in a positive and meaningful direction. Want to get your question answered on an episode? Head over to our website and drop a message in our mailbag. We love to hear from our listeners! Brave Love, Great Sex out on September 15th--pre-order your copy today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when “Christlike manhood” starts sounding suspiciously like Victorian gender roles, male entitlement, and a whole lot of covert nudging? This rage-read of Eric Ludy's “Warrior Poet Manhood” article unpacks the deeper assumptions behind a theology that tells women to manage, encourage, and even manipulate men into becoming better husbands while men remain in charge. We explore gender stereotypes, power and emotional attunement, the “angel in the house,” and why the upside-down kingdom of Jesus offers a radically different picture of maturity, partnership, and servant leadership.CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.Find the church info page here!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Eric Ludy's full articleZach Wagner's book, “Men of Virtue”Emerson Eggerichs podcast episode Love & Respect 3-Part DocuseriesSocioeconomic Status StudyThe Marriage You Want book & Study GuidePre-Order Sheila's new book “Fawn”Support the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we explore the often overlooked topic of loss during menopause. Navigating this life transition can bring up unexpected grief, changes in identity, and shifts in physical intimacy. Join us as we discuss how to honor these experiences, communicate needs to your partner, and find new ways to connect during the hormonal and emotional tides. Listen in as George and Laurie break the silence and help you find support through this significant chapter of life. Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book, Brave Love, Great Sex, and follow us on our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex for updates and more relationship tips! As always, keep it hot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailBuckle up for the final episode of our 3-part series on purity culture! In this episode we dig into what genuine accountability actually looks like when influential Christian leaders (namely Dannah Gresh) recognize the harm their teachings have caused. Through a thoughtful discussion of repentance, public responsibility, and the lasting impact of purity culture, we continue to ask why admitting specific mistakes remains so difficult—and why doing so matters for healing and preventing future harm. Also, is Dannah's rewrite of “And the Bride Wore White” really any better? Tune in to find out!CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.Find the church info page here!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Bare Marriage Episode 290 on AuthoritarianismThe free book The Authoritarians (Includes the quizzes you can take to see where you score!) Bare Marriage Facebook PageShe Deserves BetterThe Whole Story resource for parentsSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are discussing boundaries. The term boundaries can be found everywhere now on social media and today we are breaking down what healthy boundaries are and are not. There is a lot of misinformation on boundaries and we are here to set the record straight! Join George and Laurie as they discuss what healthy boundaries in a relationship sound like, how to say no with care and how these guardrails protect and support your relationship. You'll also learn more about rigidity and defensiveness disguised as boundaries and how to work yourself out of this dynamic. What do boundaries mean to you and how do they show up in your relationship? Remember to pre-order a copy of our book now! Brave Love, Great Sex available on September 15th.  Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the 'pod!): uberlube.com - Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant. Use the code 'bravelove' at checkout to receive a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhat does Jesus actually mean when he tells us to judge a tree by its fruit - and what happens when we apply that idea to marriage and Christian teaching? Today Joanna, our resident statistician, joins us as we dig into the biblical meaning of “good fruit,” unpack the research behind our marriage studies, and explore what trust, spiritual fruit, and decision-making have to do with one another. We also welcome Dr. Camden Morgante and discuss her amazing book “Recovering From Purity Culture”. Settle in for Part 2 of our 3-part series to kick off this new season - you don't want to miss this one! CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: About Josh Butler's book  “Beautiful Union” Our podcasts referencing Josh Butler:Episode 260Episode 301M.J. Langham Thread linkDr. Camden Morgante's book, “Recovering From Purity Culture”Dr. Camden's SubstackHarmful Outcomes of Purity Culture Facebook QuotesSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are talking about how we can achieve better communication even if we have very different communication styles. Laurie and George discuss the idea of relationship continuity. Partners remember something that is important to the other and bring it up or initiate connection. Listen in as they discuss some of the differences between men and women's brains and positive ways to stretch beyond me and care for "us." They offer an expert roleplay to break down to listeners how to get back on track to attunement when continuity is disrupted. A great reminder, it's not just you or me, it's also "we." Need more support in your relationship? Make sure to sign up for our virtual couples retreat in November and pre-order a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailAnd….we're BACK with a fresh new season of the Bare Marriage podcast! We're kicking things off with a lively deep dive into the debate over purity culture, asking what happens when influential Christian voices revise their past teachings, redefine the terms, and rewrite the history of what they once taught. We unpack the difference between biblical chastity and shame-based purity culture, take on straw man arguments and shifting definitions, and explore how messages about sex, marriage, authority, and obligation can shape the church in ways we may not always recognize. Real change requires more than just saying something was harmful - it requires honesty, accountability, and a willingness to pursue better fruit. This is Part 1 of a 3-part series, so let's get to it and be sure to tune in next week!CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Friday Round-Up link on Alisa ChildersOur statement on Shaunti Feldhahn (with links to her statement)Roys Report article on Sheila calling out Focus on the FamilyThe Whole Story CourseOur book, “She Deserves Better”Dannah's interview with Juli SlatteryDannah's interview with Focus on the FamilyZachary Wagner's book, “Men of Virtue”Support the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Great sex doesn't happen by accident.  It takes intentionality. This week, Juli shares four habits of couples who pursue sexual intimacy over a lifetime. From the busy years of raising children to the mundane of everyday life, navigating aging and redefining intimacy over time, they explore how you can pursue deeper connection through every stage of marriage. Co-host: Hannah Nitz We'd love to hear your thoughts about this conversation. Leave us a rating and review.  Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy.   Follow-up Resources: Cruise with Juli on the Love Like You Mean It Cruise! Save $600 per couple on regular cabins or $400 per couple on suites with code JAVAWITHJULI27. Want to dig deeper? Check out our Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life, or pick up a copy of God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery. Video Q&A: We Have Sex Regularly, but My Husband Never Seems Satisfied. What Do I Do? Video Q&A: Sex Has Never Been Pleasurable in Our Marriage. Should I Just Fake It? Video Q&A: My spouse never wants to have sex. What do I do? Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy  

Great sex doesn't start in the bedroom—it starts in the small moments that happen every day. In this episode, we break down the simple habits that build emotional connection, increase desire, and create a stronger, more intimate marriage. Practical, relatable, and immediately actionable for both men and women. ASK ANON @ www.thehornyhousewifepodcast.com Super.com : Start building your credit the easy way. Go to Super.com/credit right now to see how Super+ can help you boost your credit score Beducated: Click to take personalized quiz & start your journey! Popstar: Get 20% off your order visiting https://www.popstarlabs.com/hornyhousewife Bluechew: buy2 month get your third free using code HOUSEWIFE at https://www.bluechew.com

Great sex doesn't start in the bedroom—it starts in the small moments that happen every day. In this episode, we break down the simple habits that build emotional connection, increase desire, and create a stronger, more intimate marriage. Practical, relatable, and immediately actionable for both men and women. ASK ANON @ www.thehornyhousewifepodcast.com Super.com : Start building your credit the easy way. Go to Super.com/credit right now to see how Super+ can help you boost your credit score Beducated: Click to take personalized quiz & start your journey! Popstar: Get 20% off your order visiting https://www.popstarlabs.com/hornyhousewife Bluechew: buy2 month get your third free using code HOUSEWIFE at https://www.bluechew.com

God invented sex to be enjoyed by people but it comes with certain guidelines that we have to stick with or else it will burn the whole world down.

Help! This is not the relationship I signed up for. Did you bait and switch me from the person I said "I do," too? Welcome Brave Lovers, in today's episode we are tackling a topic we have heard in our offices over and over again. Hot and heavy, emotionally connected lovers that become distant strangers after marriage, children and more life together. Listen in as Laurie and George, explain what exactly happens between partners and help us work together to get back to the love that brought you together initially. Listeners will be guided by the steps that withdrawers and pursuers can take to reinvest in the relationship. The opposite of the bait and switch isn't more sex, it's attunement to one another's different needs. How long has your caregiving system been shut off and you have only been focused on your needs that aren't getting met? It's time to break free from the negative cycle and see where you can take a step towards your partner. Make sure to order a copy of our book, Brave Love, Great Sex available for pre-order now! Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com - Laurie's favorite personal lubricant! Use the code BraveLove at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode we are diving into the topic of communal sexual strength. Research shows that couples feel more desire when they approach sex with love and caring. This creates a positive reinforcement loop for couples. The motive for sex is love and caretaking and secure partners experienced heightened intimacy, longing and connection. Love creates the sense of "we" and this benefit is noticed in other areas of the relationship as well. Laurie reminds listeners that "desire grows when we give pleasure, deepen intimacy with our partner and deepen our emotional connection. Follow along as Laurie and George give a great role play example of what this looks like in action. Make sure to grab a pre-order copy of our book, Brave Love, Great Sex!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are exploring eroticising power in the bedroom. Listen in as Laurie and George discuss how different attachment styles may crave to be more submissive or more dominant during sex. We discuss that both roles may be freeing, relieving of responsibility and just sinking into pleasure. Avoidant partners may feel more close, connecting with vulnerability and more anxiously attached partners may feel reassured, certain and taken care of. This is not your average vanilla episode as we step into how to share these fantasies safely with your lover. Listeners will walk away with more understanding of underlying themes of power and control and safe and secure ways to communicate themes of submission and dominance. Remember to grab a copy of our book, Brave Love, Great Sex available for pre-order now. Pre-order Sale! Buy a copy of Brave Love, Great Sex from Barnes and Noble and receive 10% off! Between now and June 26th! Barnes and Noble Premium members get an additional 10% off! Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube -- Laurie's long-time most recommended personal lubricant. Use the code BraveLove at checkout to get your discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Kat called in to talk al about why people in good relationships stop having great sex. Tue in to hear al he details including how she wound up in a non-monogamous relationship and how it has worked for her, the issues her and her partner have had in the bedroom and how she went about fixing them, how and why she decided to become a sex and relationship coach, what tantra means and how she brings it into her sessions to help people, the top three reasons people in good relationships stop having good sex, what comes first lack of attraction or disconnection,  reconnection rituals that work, why divorce is looked at so negatively and why it shouldn't always be, what an erotic blueprint is and how to use it to help identify what your partner is into and why it's so important, why having someone help facilitate conversations can be a game changer plus a whole lot more. You can find her free gift here: https://www.deborahkat.com GET A COPY OF THE STRICTLY ANONYMOUS BOOK! Strictly Anonymous Confessions: Secret Sex Lives of Total Strangers. A bunch of short, super sexy, TRUE stories. GET YOUR COPY HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4i7hBCd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or Pre-order audiobook version ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   To see HOT pics of SCARLET plus my other female guests + hear anonymous confessions + get all the episodes early and AD FREE, join my Patreon! It's only $7 a month and you can cancel at any time. You can sign up here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/StrictlyAnonymousPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and when you join, I'll throw in a complimentary link to my private Discord! To join SDC and get a FREE Trial! click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sdc.com/?ref=37712⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to SDC.com and use my code 37712 Want to be on the show? Email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠strictlyanonymouspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.strictlyanonymouspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and click on "Be on the Show." Want to confess while remaining anonymous? Call the CONFESSIONS hotline at 347-420-3579. All voices are changed.   Sponsors:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Rythm.Health/STRICTLYANON⁠⁠ ⁠for 15% OFF your first month PLUS FREE shipping  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.quince.com/strictlyanon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — For premium quality Quince clothing plus FREE shipping and 365 day returns! ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://LoadBoost.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠- To get 10% off DRIVE BOOST by VB Health, use code: STRICTLY   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bluechew.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Buy 2 months of Bluechew GOLD and get the third month FREE! Use code: STRICTLYANON⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://bollandbranch.com/strictlyanon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code STRICTLYANON for 20% off plus FREE shipping ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beduc.at/pd2618-anonymous⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click here to take the quiz and  get your personalized roadmap to sexual happiness Follow me! Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/strictanonymous/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/strictanonymous?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.strictlyanonymouspodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Strictlyanonymouspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailIn this season finale we take a dive into social media, examining the messages behind viral clips from popular marriage and church influencers, and challenge fear-based teachings about marriage, parenting, gender, and authority. Through our thoughtful (and often hilarious) analyses and lively discussion, we hope this conversation encourages you to pursue healthier, Christ-centered relationships rooted in mutual respect, truth, and genuine spiritual freedom. CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Zachary Wagner's Book “Men of Virtue”Podcast Episode 262: Problems with Marriage on the Rock by Jimmy EvansEpisode 262 Blog PostSheila's SubstackAlex Falcone's reel about divorce stats (he's the good one!)Support the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

In this episode (335), we respond to a courageous submission from a betrayed partner who is navigating early recovery with her partner after multiple discovery days. Both partners have trauma histories, both are in individual therapy, and both are trying to understand what healthy sexual intimacy can look like after porn addiction, betrayal trauma, and past sexual coping patterns. Her questions center on lingerie, fantasies, kinks, dressing up, and whether these elements can ever be part of authentic intimacy—or whether they inevitably feed the pornified parts of the brain. We honor the depth and maturity of her questions because this is one of the most complex areas couples face in recovery.We emphasize that healthy sexuality cannot be reduced to a simple list of approved or forbidden behaviors. Lingerie, fantasy, experimentation, or sexual play may feel empowering and connecting for one couple, while feeling objectifying, unsafe, or triggering for another. The real questions are about intention, impact, consent, safety, presence, and whether each partner feels seen as a whole person. For the addict in recovery, this means asking whether he is truly present with his partner or superimposing old fantasy templates onto her. For the betrayed partner, it means asking whether she is freely choosing sexual expression or performing out of fear, people-pleasing, comparison, or the need to feel desirable and enough.We also discuss the role of a sex fast as a potentially powerful tool in recovery when it is done with transparency, structure, purpose, and ideally professional guidance. Taking sex off the table for a season can help reduce compulsive dependence on sex, create safety for the betrayed partner, and allow the couple to build other areas of intimacy that may have been neglected. But we caution that a sex fast should not become avoidance, silence, or emotional distancing. In the end, the goal is not to create a fear-based sexual relationship or to let pornography continue defining the bedroom. The goal is for the couple to consciously create a sexual relationship based on being rather than performing—where both partners are safe, present, authentic, fully seen, and deeply connected.For a full transcript of this podcast in article format, go to:  Healthy Sexuality or Pornified Performance? Navigating Lingerie, Fantasies, Kinks, etc., and Authentic Intimacy in RecoveryLearn more about Mark and Steve's revolutionary online porn/sexual addiction recovery and betrayal trauma healing program at—daretoconnectnow.comFind out more about Steve Moore at:  Ascension CounselingLearn more about Mark Kastleman at:  Reclaim Counseling Services

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are talking all about fellatio. This is a NSFW episode but very good for your relationship! Join Laurie and George today as they tackle this topic on the giving and receiving of oral sex. We are focused on the men in this episode and detail the importance of hygiene, grooming and reassurance. You'll learn how to have it be a more pleasurable experience for the giver and receiver. This erotic way to connect may bring up some discomfort but we encourage you to have this conversation with your partner and explore. Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex now, available on September 15th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhat does it actually mean to be a “good man” in today's world—and does Christianity offer something deeper than dominance, leadership clichés, or internet manosphere culture? In this thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful conversation, Zachary Wagner joins us to unpack masculinity through the lens of the fruits of the Spirit, exploring everything from loneliness and power to marriage, self-control, parenting boys, and the modern crisis of meaning for men. Together, we challenge shallow cultural narratives and argue that true strength looks a lot more like love, service, courage, and emotional maturity than performance or control. Listen in as we propose a healthier vision of manhood for both men and the people who love them.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Zachary Wagner's WebsiteZachary's Book: “Men of Virtue”Our conversation with Zachary about his book Non-Toxic MasculinitySupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, we are joined by a couple live in the studio! Join us as we welcome long-time friends of Dr. Laurie, Joe and Myra. They share with us their forty-year love story and the role that physical intimacy and emotional closeness have played in keeping their bond strong over the years. Joe and Myra talk about friendship being a foundation of love, how they navigated the difficult caretaking years, and keeping their attraction and desire alive. Turning towards each other, a strong belief they could weather the storms and even sharing vulnerabilities with each other to this day have created a strong and secure connection! Make sure to listen in and download this episode to hear from a real set of Brave Lovers! Order a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex coming out on September 15th. Available for pre-order now!  Please support this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- The lubricant Laurie has recommended for 20+ years! Use the code BraveLove for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you know the old “because I said so” parenting style isn't healthy…but you also don't want to raise entitled little tyrants? In this episode, parenting coach Wendy Snyder joins us for a deeply practical, heartfelt, (and hilariously honest) conversation about strong-willed kids, emotional regulation, yelling, boundaries, anxiety, and what healthy authority actually looks like in family life. Together, we unpack the difference between authoritarian, permissive, and powerful parenting—and why so many parents swing wildly between all three. From power struggles and picky eaters to shame spirals and unmet emotional needs, this episode is packed with compassionate, evidence-based wisdom that will leave you feeling both challenged and hopeful. If you've ever wondered how to parent with confidence without fear, guilt, or constant battles, this conversation is for you.CHECK OUT OUR OCTOBER SIMULCAST EVENTWe're doing our sex talk and a one-day marriage conference! Check it out for more information.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Wendy Snyder's Book “Fresh Start Your Family” Pre-Order Link & Bonuses Wendy's WebsiteWendy's InstagramSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

In today's episode, we are talking to our Brave Lovers about the right way and wrong way to give thanks and appreciation to your partner. Saying 'thank you' has the opportunity to create closeness, connection and reinforce vulnerable expression. A casual, empty 'thank you' has the potential to disconnect, derail and seem like a dig. Join us today as we walk you through the differences between thank yous and how to meaningfully show your partner appreciation especially when they are open with you. Thank yous, grow thank yous when they are working and bountiful appreciation in a couple relationship helps you buffer external storms. George and Laurie's expert role play will guide you on getting 'thank yous' right in your relationship. Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex for more on this! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhat if the “Billy Graham rule” (or the evangelical distortion of it) says more about fear than integrity? In this episode, Danielle Strickland helps us unpack the assumptions behind the idea that men and women can't be alone together—and ask whether it protects integrity or quietly reinforces suspicion, segregation, and control. Drawing on Scripture, leadership research, and real-world church experiences, our conversation explores how transparency—not isolation—is a stronger safeguard against abuse and moral failure. We also dig into how purity culture, pornography narratives, and fear-based systems shape the way we interpret opposite-sex friendships, mentoring, and authority. If you're ready to rethink gender, leadership, and trust through a more Jesus-centered lens, this one will give you plenty to chew on.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Danielle's Book, “Better Together”Danielle's WebsiteDanielle's Substack“The Billy Graham Rule” aka The Modesto ManifestoPodcast Episode 192: How Every Young Man's Battle Makes Everything Worse: "Recovering From Purity Culture" by Dr. Camden Morgante The Whole Story coursesSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Part 2 of our breakdown of For Men Only! This episode dives headfirst into the sex chapter — and quickly exposes how shaky stats and selective storytelling create misleading narratives about libido and desire. We examine why women's sexual desire is far more contextual — and relational — than the book admits. We unpack the myth of “on-demand” desire, challenge rigid sex rules like the 72-hour expectation, and explore why libido is far more dynamic — and human — than most advice admits. We also critique popular marriage frameworks that outsource self-worth to partners and rely on oversimplified gender stereotypes rather than evidence-based relational health. Get ready for a candid, research-informed takedown of bad advice — with a clear message: real intimacy thrives on emotional maturity, not scripts.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: Our article demolishing Shaunti Feldhahn's "research" on love & respectOne Sheet on For Women Only Podcast on For Women Only Podcast on mental loadOur book The Marriage You WantSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into For Men Only, by Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn, and let's just say…we have many thoughts! We unpack some of its core claims about gender dynamics, communication, and emotional needs. Rebecca shares how this book impacted her first few months of marriage to Connor, and not in a good way!We address major concerns with the book's research methods, its reliance on broad gender stereotypes, and its tendency to frame women as overly emotional and men as disengaged. While it contains one of the best descriptors we've seen on mental load, the Feldhahns have yet to propose workable solutions that include mutual accountability and behavioral change. Sheila and Rebecca advocate for a more nuanced, evidence-informed understanding of relationships—one that prioritizes emotional maturity, shared responsibility, and meaningful communication over simplified gender narratives. This one is worth a listen and keep an eye out for Part 2 next week!TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our work (and get access to the book club!)And check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Give to the Good Fruit Faith Initiative of the Bosko FoundationJoin our email list!LINKS MENTIONED: One Sheet on For Women Only Podcast on For Women Only Podcast on mental loadOur book The Marriage You WantSupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books:The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves BetterThe Marriage You Want and the Study Guide The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great SexAnd she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Is your sex life bad? Dr Rena Malik walks you through every single sex question you're too nervous to ask - from testosterone, porn, and erectile dysfunction, to libido and stress! The Better-Sex Doctor Rena Malik is a urologist, pelvic surgeon, and sexual health expert who helps millions better understand sexual health and taboo topics through science-based education and honesty. She is also the author of her upcoming book 'The Hard Truth'. She explains: ◼️Why bad sex is often a sign your overall health is breaking down ◼️Why erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease ◼️The 4 pillars that control your sex life: fuel, strength, environment, and confidence ◼️How porn, masturbation habits, and performance anxiety can rewire arousal ◼️What low testosterone actually feels like, and when TRT is a mistake Independent Research: https://stevenbartlett.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DOAC-Rena-Malik-Independent-Research-Further-Reading.pdf Follow Dr Rena: Instagram - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/9eD5dDG X - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/BDcDWi8 YouTube - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/CTzkeOx Website -https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/TyaRNr  You can pre-order Dr Rena's book ‘The Hard Truth: Everything Men Need to Know for Good Health, Great Sex, and Long Life', here: https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/FQSv9xe  Enjoyed the episode? Share this link and earn points for every referral - redeem them for exclusive prizes: https://doac-perks.com  The Diary Of A CEO: ◼️Join DOAC circle here - https://doaccircle.com/  ◼️Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here - https://smarturl.it/DOACbook  ◼️The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt  ◼️The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb  ◼️Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt  ◼️Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb  Sponsor links: Wispr - Get 14 days of Wispr Flow for free at https://wisprflow.ai/steven  Ketone - https://ketone.com/STEVEN for 30% off your subscription order Fiverr - https://fiverr.com/diary and get 10% off your first order when you use code DIARY Cometeer - https://cometeer.com/steven for $30 off your first order *Steven is an investor in this business

In today's episode, Laurie and George dive deep into the world of the sexual pursuer. They explore the underlying attachment and connection needs of the sexual pursuer and help SPs develop emotional regulation and language around expressing these needs. If you identify as an SP in your cycle and struggle with rejection or disconnection this episode is for you to learn how to; self-soothe and invite your partner into your world. We take care in this episode not to pathologize or diagnose the needs of the SP but to help couples engage in compassionate and effective communication. Intimacy is a shared world between lovers, where tangible attachment is created. If this sounds like you make sure to download and listen to this show! Our book, Brave Love, Great Sex is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Secure your copy today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like your apologies just don't cut it? In today's episode we are discussing the formula on how to give a good apology. Repair is an essential component of a healthy relationship and often the standard, "I'm sorry," can do more harm than good. Join hosts Laurie and George to learn why your current attempts at apology fall flat and what a meaningful apology sounds like. You'll learn how to keep the focus on your partner, not you, express care and become skilled at repairing. Our expert demo clearly demonstrates a bad apology and the better route to apology. If you've ever struggled in this area this episode is for you! Like our episodes? Then you'll love our book! Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book 'Brave Love, Great Sex' on Amazon now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices