Podcasts about intimacy

Are you ready to bring more laughter, curiosity, and connection into your bedroom? In this episode of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell invites you to rediscover the joy of being playful with your partner—because sensuality thrives when you stop taking it all so seriously! Dr. Alexandra shares how playfulness enhances erotic intimacy, reignites passion, fosters emotional safety, and makes you feel more alive together. Discover how laughter, spontaneity, and creative exploration melt away tension, awaken your desire, and turn ordinary moments into deeply fulfilling experiences of love and pleasure.   Episode highlights: How play and laughter open the door to deeper erotic connection Simple, creative ways to add playfulness to your sensual experiences How letting go of self-consciousness strengthens intimacy and trust Ideas for role play, music, and mood-setting to reignite desire Why being "sexy and silly" together leads to lasting passion and joy   Want to enhance your comfort and sensual connection? Get your Loveblanket here: https://love-blanket.com/?ref=ALEXANDRASTOCKWELL Use code ALEXANDRA10 at checkout for 10% off.       Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book   Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com   Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

It proposes that the human psyche functions as a holographic microcosm of the cosmos—each person a localized expression of the same fundamental awareness that animates all existence. Just as every fragment of a hologram contains the pattern of the whole image, each human being carries the complete blueprint of wholeness within them, even when trauma, conditioning, or egoic distortion obscures that pattern. From this perspective, psychological fragmentation—the unhealed wounds, dissociated memories, and defensive identities we carry—is not a permanent flaw but a phase distortion within the holographic field of consciousness. These distortions create what appear to be isolated “pocket realities” or wound-based worlds: self-reinforcing loops of perception where the nervous system, seeking safety, limits awareness to familiar pain.

Tebori tattooing, a traditional Japanese hand-poked method, is more than just a technique; it embodies a philosophy that emphasizes a profound human connection and energy transfer between the tattoo artist and the client. Practiced for thousands of years, this method involves using a long stick with needles attached to the end, allowing the artist to create tattoos without the aid of machines. This simplicity lies at the heart of the Tebori experience, fostering a unique and intimate atmosphere during the tattooing process, and our guest today is one of the masters of this craft.   In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes Rueben "Horikei" Kayden, a seasoned tattoo artist with 26 years of experience, to discuss the evolution of tattooing. The conversation delves into the past, present, and future of the industry, exploring how it has rapidly transformed over the years. The guest shares valuable insights, particularly about tabori tattooing, the traditional Japanese hand-poked method that has been practiced for thousands of years. Aaron and his guest reflect on the significance of this ancient technique in contrast to modern tattooing practices, setting the stage for a deep dive into the art and culture of tattooing.  Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that highlights the artistry and craftsmanship behind tattoos. Chat Highlights: [00:01:06] Future of tattooing. [00:06:17] Tattooing in Japan. [00:10:28] Energy transfer in tattooing. [00:17:09] Spirituality in craftsmanship. [00:31:56] Tabori technique challenges. [00:36:08] Power of simplicity in tattoos. [00:46:10] Tattoo pain management techniques. [00:49:23] Tattooing under anesthesia discussion. [00:58:19] Tattoo past, present, and future. [01:01:22] The beauty of impermanence. [01:05:04] Future of handmade artistry. [01:07:19] Tattooing as a lifestyle choice. [01:12:00] Traditional Japanese tattooing.   Quotes:   "We're tattooers, man. We're not in the business of being people's, you know, helping them be more personally responsible with their lives." -Aaron "It's a human to human contact. There's no electrons, there's no machine, there's no rotary, there's no cartridge, there's no nothing. It's simplicity at its best, right? It's art made by humans for humans." -Horikei   "You're like a horse with blinders on. You're just like the smell, you know, smell, sight, emotions, all of it's all interconnected." -Horikei   "I just know it's happening and it's beautiful and it's really become probably the thing I'm most happy about to have spent my life doing this art form." -Aaron   "Tebori is a human rhythm... it rocks you to sleep." -Horikei   "It was more dangerous to drive the fucking car than it was to go in under anesthesia." -Aaron   "We're tattooers, man. We're not in the business of being people's, you know, helping them be more personally responsible with their lives." -Aaron   "Comparison is the thief of all joy, man, for sure." -Horikei   Stay Connected: Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts  IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron:⁠   Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠ Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Horikei: IG:https://www.instagram.com/horikei617/  

Are you craving deeper love, intimacy, and connection with your husband—but life just feels too busy? In this powerful first episode of Miracle Marriage Makeover, we're diving into how to rebuild connection, rekindle romance, and restore emotional intimacy in your marriage, even when you feel like roommates.Monette shares her personal story of walking through loss, disconnection, and busyness—and how God led her to rebuild her marriage through three simple mindset shifts that changed everything. You'll learn how to prioritize presence, improve communication, and invite God back to the center of your relationship so you can experience renewed love and closeness again.If you've been praying for a miracle in your marriage, this episode will give you hope, direction, and practical steps to start your own marriage makeover—one intentional choice at a time.

Intimacy with Jesus, the era of gambling run amok, and why doesn't Jim like new music?...And Another Thing with Jim looks deeper into theology and culture––and takes you along.  Email another things in to anotherwithjim@gmail.com.

Can You Imagine Having the Tools to Easily Rewrite Your Relationship with Intimacy and Create a More Fulfilling (and Juicier) Life? Join us on this episode of Shameless Sex, where we dive into the world of Intimacy Rewired. Not only will you learn about this online course that will transform your relationships and life, but you will also walk away with a few life changing tools to apply in your own life. Amy Baldwin and Ian Stratton are the masterminds behind this groundbreaking program, and they're here to share more about this program, alongside guests such as Dr. Nazanin Moali, Keeley Rankin, MA, Dr. Charlie Glickman, Sarah Tomchessen, and more. Here's what you can expect from this episode: • The whys and how-to's on easy tools for sexual and romantic healing that will last and actually change your life • A personal and intimate conversation with Amy and Ian about their journey to creating Intimacy Rewired and why they think healing doesn't always have to be hard (or unpleasant) • A deep dive into the course's unique approach to transforming intimacy, including how to break free from patterns that hold you back • A live demo (on April!) of their approach, using a real-life communication snag as an example • Insights into how the course can help you build a stronger, more resilient sense of self and create lasting change Ian Stratton, a lifelong healing nerd, has spent thousands of hours leading deep work with individuals and groups, blending Internal Family Systems, somatic psychotherapy, breathwork, and ethical psychedelic practice. His goal? To make personal growth real, practical, and accessible. Amy Baldwin brings her own brand of obsession to the table, and together, they've created a program that's simple, fun, and accessible. With a focus on active learning and integration, Intimacy Rewired is not just a course – it's a journey of transformation. So, what sets Intimacy Rewired apart from other courses and workshops? According to Ian and Amy, it's the combination of simple practices, habits, and actionable steps that make it stick. They'll share their approach, and you'll get a taste of what it's like to work with them. Ready to transform your intimacy and create a more fulfilling life? Shameless Sex listeners get $100 off the course – just head to https://intimacyrewired.com and mention the show. As Amy says, "Come play with us." Don't miss this opportunity to rewrite your relationship with intimacy and create a more fulfilling life. Follow Amy on IG @amyshamelesssex Get premium access to our behind the scenes episodes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shamelesssex.supportingcast.fm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Do you love us? Do you REALLY love us? Then order ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shamelesssex.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to snag your copy Support Shameless Sex by sending us gifts via our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Wish List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other links: Get 45% off our favorite (super hot) ethical porn with code SEX45 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://erikalust.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get 10% off happy, healthy, soaking wet bits with code SHAMELESS at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vb.health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get 10% off + free shipping with code SHAMELESS on Uberlube AKA our favorite lubricant at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://uberlube.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get 10% off while learning the art of pleasure at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://OMGyes.com/shameless⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get 15% off all of your sex toys with code SHAMELESSSEX at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://purepleasureshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Living Easy Podcast, Lindsey Maestas opens a biblical and deeply practical conversation about intimacy in marriage—because God makes all things new, even in the bedroom. Sex may not really matter to you, but it does matter to your marriage. See the FULL curriculum for: The Sex and Intimacy Project: A 4-Week Video Study a His + Hers Workbook for a Stronger Sex Life  Lindsey unpacks how physical connection is both a spiritual and emotional act of service, not just a physical one. She discusses the dangers of pornography and limerence (infatuation during affairs), how these habits alter neural pathways, and how to create a sex life in your marriage that you don't need to escape from.  You'll hear about: Why Scripture calls us not to deprive one another of sex (1 Corinthians 7:5) Why the clitoris reminds us that God created sex for pleasure How faking orgasms creates emotional distance and false intimacy What it means to "show and tell" in your marriage — teaching your spouse what makes you feel good during sex How foreplay actually begins outside the bedroom, through kindness, affection, and communication The importance of serving one another in physical foreplay The "microwave vs. crockpot" concept and understanding your spouse's arousal rhythms Seeing your partner's body as a book to study — learning, honoring, and cherishing it as a form of worship to God This is a conversation about reclaiming intimacy, breaking shame, and learning to experience sex as a holy gift that strengthens your connection rather than erodes it. When we become intentional about how we love each other physically, we build the kind of trust, pleasure, and connection that keeps our marriages from burning down. SEO Keywords: Christian marriage intimacy, biblical sex advice, foreplay tips, Christian relationships, marriage podcast, faith-based intimacy, godly marriage connection, how to improve intimacy, healthy sex in marriage, Lindsey Maestas podcast Connect with Lindsey: Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey Website: www.sparrowsandlily.com Preorder Lindsey's book Don't Burn Your Own House Down

Learn about why sexual intimacy is essential and how neglecting this pillar can quietly erode your closeness and connection. | “Intimacy is not a luxury — it's a lifeline. It's the way we know we are not alone in the world.” —Sue Johnson Is it really possible to rekindle the spark and restore the “like-new” connection in your marriage? Yes it is! In the 6 Pillars of Intimacy, you will discover secrets that have transformed countless marriages. Its ideas are simple, practical, and powerful. You'll be inspired to look at your marriage through a new lens and be encouraged by its commonsense approach. Alisa and Tony DiLorenzo's proven approach to building intimacy in marriage will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your spouse – starting today. Click HERE to get your copy today! Links from today's episode: The 6 Pillars at Sea Marriage Getaway Foreplay to Passion Program Apply for Coaching With Alisa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pre-Order The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK and receive exclusive bonuses: https://drgabriellelyon.com/playbook/Want ad-free episodes and access to community Q&As? Subscribe to Forever Strong Insider: https://foreverstrong.supercast.comIn this explosive episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with relationship expert Marianne Brandon to confront the modern crisis of intimacy and sexual wellness. They dive into how the digital world—including porn, AI companions, and VR technology—is creating an evolutionary mismatch that clashes with our primal needs for bonding, leading to rising loneliness and sexual dysfunction.Dr. Lyon and Marianne Brandon explore the science behind what truly impacts performance, from erectile dysfunction (ED) and hormonal imbalances to the neurological effects of stress. This is a must-watch for couples, parents, and anyone navigating romance in the digital age.----------Chapter Markers0:00 - Intro0:49 - The Primal Need for Sex vs. The Digital World1:10 - The Hidden Cause of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)2:10 - The Loneliness Crisis: Gen Z, AI, and Intimacy3:50 - Do Women and Men Experience Desire Differently?5:15 - Stress is the #1 Libido Killer6:30 - Porn and AI: Is Sexting with a Bot Cheating?8:05 - The Surprising Impact of VR Porn on Sperm Quality9:30 - Action Plan: The #1 Move to Improve Your Sex Life TodayWho is Marianne Brandon:Dr. Marianne Brandon is a licensed clinical psychologist and a diplomate in sex therapy, recognized for her expertise in technologies impact on intimacy, evolutionary influences on human sexuality, and cultivating a more exciting sexual connection in long-term relationships. Dr. Brandon is best known for her forward-thinking work on the future of intimacy through blogging, lecturing, and podcasting. Her popular Psychology Today blog, “The Future of Intimacy,” explores emerging trends in technology and human connection. As a continuing education provider, she lectures on sex tech's impact on intimacy as well as the impact of technology on humanity. Together with her husband, urologist Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, she co-hosts the podcast “The Sex Doctors,” bringing expert insight and candid dialogue to listeners on all aspects of sex, relationships, and technology's transformative role in our lives. Drawing from nearly three decades of clinical experience, she offers psychotherapy focused on relationship issues and sexual concerns, with a reputation for blending clinical skill and compassionate care.This episode is brought to you by: - BodyHealth - - Timeline - Get 20% off your order at https://timeline.com/LYON - OneSkin - Get 15% off with the code DRLYON – https://www.oneskin.co Find Marianne Brandon at: - https://www.drbrandon.net/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannebrandon-59224513- https://x.com/drbrandon Find Dr. Gabrielle Lyon at: - Instagram:@drgabriellelyon - TikTok: @drgabriellelyon- Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon- YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon- X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon- Apply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/- Join my weekly newsletter – https://institute-for-muscle-centric-medicine.ck.page- Pre-order my new book - https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668085623 Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The...

Welcome to Episode 158 of the Restoration Home Podcast.  The heart of the home for a child is the tenderness and connection between parents. A good marriage is also one of the hardest endeavours an adult can undertake, and one of the most rewarding. But what do we do when our relationship is dogged by betrayal, unhealed trauma, and ugly pain? This conversation with Joanna and Mathew Raabsmith is so full of hope, helpful advice, and encouragement for taking the steps to restore connection and intimacy in your marriage.  This great conversation is made possible by the Peaceful Press! With Winter and Winter Holidays around the corner, check out the Peaceful Press resources and blogs for good literature, engaging ways to celebrate, and the Four-week Autumn Guide.  Autumn Guide,  Christmas Guide Volume 1 and Volume 2  In this episode– Being a friend of your spouse Developing community who can hold your pain, when your spouse isn't ready yet  Bringing God into your relationship, your pain, and your recovery Having conversations that hurt with your spouse  When to walk away and the importance of forgiveness Building True Intimacy by Dan Drake and Joanna and Mathew Raabsmith Connection with the Raabsmith's Download all of the Peaceful Press Samples and a guide on how to get started homeschooling You can learn more about Jennifer here: Jennifer's Instagram You can learn more about the Raabsmiths here: Raabsmiths' Instagram Some Amazon Affiliate Links.

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!Phones have changed everything about how we connect.In this conversation, I am joined by Alisa DiLorenzo — marriage coach, co-host of The One Extraordinary Marriage Show and author of The 6 Pillars of Intimacy — and we dive into how smartphones have become both a tool and a challenge in modern marriages. From subtle disconnection and misplaced attention to the small daily habits that create emotional distance, we unpack how phone usage affects intimacy, communication, and connection.Tune in to hear us go over:How to recognize when phones are replacing connection with your partnerThe difference between using tech intentionally vs. habituallyWhat to say (and not say) when your spouse is always on their phoneSimple daily habits that restore presence, connection, and intimacyHow to align your family's phone use with your shared valuesBy the end of this episode, you'll have practical ideas to reconnect — no app required.Connect with Alisa:www.oneextraordinarymarriage.comIG: @oneextraordinarymarriageThe 6 Pillars of Intimacy Assessment: https://oneextraordinarymarriage.com/freequizThanks for listening!Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!Additional Resources:Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!Support the show

If you've ever reached for closeness and felt your partner subtly pull away, or noticed that your efforts to connect sometimes feel misunderstood, this episode will speak to you.In the second installment of her Desire Series, Nicola Navon unpacks one of the most powerful shifts in intimacy: moving from seeking to offering. When we give from fullness instead of need, desire naturally begins to flow again.Nicola invites you to notice the subtleties of your own energy:Where do you reach to be reassured, rather than to connect?How can you turn wanting into an authentic invitation that opens your partner, instead of pressuring them?You'll discover: • How “give-to-get” energy quietly shuts down attraction • Why offering from genuine pleasure invites deeper connection • How to create intimacy without pressure or expectation • Ways to initiate desire that feel authentic, playful, and safe • Why confidence in your own pleasure opens your partner's heartDesire deepens when we give without grasping.When you offer from your wholeness, your partner feels free to open in theirs.Subscribe to Nicola's Newsletter for intimacy and communication content, along with exclusive special offers.Connect with Nicola on InstagramSubscribe to Nicola's YouTube Channel Browse Nicola's offerings on her WebsiteBecause we love to reward effort, email a screenshot of your review of Divine Union to info@nicolanavon.com to receive a free gift. Looking to start your own podcast?Nicola's Top Podcast Tools:Power Up Podcasting CourseBuzzsprout Podcast Hosting Platform*Nicola is an Affiliate for these productsBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Nicole Navon, or used by Nicole Navon with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use of this Podcast may be made, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing.This podcast is for education...

No one prepares you for how much your relationship changes after having a baby. The exhaustion, hormones, mental load, and body changes all take a toll on desire and closeness, and it's rarely talked about honestly. In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona talks with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish about what really happens to intimacy after baby. They unpack why desire often dips postpartum, how to reconnect emotionally and physically, and why great sex isn't about frequency. It's about connection, communication, and redefining what intimacy looks like now. This episode is for any parent who's ever thought something's changed between us and I don't know how to fix it. You're not broken, you're human, and this conversation will help you find your way back to each other. Why desire often drops after childbirth and how to understand it without shame How hormones, sleep, and stress affect intimacy The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire How to start rebuilding emotional connection in 10 minutes a day The role of small rituals like check-ins, laughter, and simple touch in rekindling closeness Why there's no normal amount of sex, only what feels right for you and your partner Ways to talk openly about what you both want and need Dr. Tracy's new book, "You, Your Husband, and His Mother" comes out November 4th. Order your copy here. Want more? Check out the full episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this revealing episode of the Secret Life Podcast, host Brianne Davis-Gantt dives into the complex world of infidelity and the signs that your partner may be cheating. Drawing from her own experiences as a reformed cheater, Brianne offers a candid exploration of the behaviors and changes to look out for in a relationship. She shares her keen insights on spotting narcissism, dishonesty, and emotional detachment, emphasizing the importance of trusting your instincts when something feels off.Throughout the episode, Brianne outlines specific signs of both emotional and physical cheating, including changes in intimacy, technology habits, and overall mood. She discusses the potential implications of secret friendships and the dangers of emotional affairs, urging listeners to recognize when their partner may be prioritizing someone else over their relationship. With a mix of humor and raw honesty, she encourages open communication and self-reflection as essential tools for navigating these difficult situations.Brianne also provides guidance on how to address these issues with your partner, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. She highlights the importance of mutual support and the potential for growth, whether through therapy or honest conversations about feelings and needs. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that understanding the signs of infidelity is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and fostering trust.

In this powerful conversation, Coach Frank Rich sits down with Dr. Robert Glover, best-selling author of No More Mr. Nice Guy, for his second appearance on The Super Human Life podcast (first featured in Episode 64, March 2021).   Together they dive deep into the hidden struggles "Nice Guys" face around sexuality, shame, and intimacy and why so many men turn to pornography as a safe, controllable substitute for real connection.   Dr. Glover explains how internalized sexual shame, childhood conditioning, and cultural confusion about masculinity have left modern men disconnected from their true desires, emotionally isolated, and unable to build healthy, fulfilling relationships.   This episode exposes the root causes of Nice Guy behavior and gives men the tools to break free from guilt, fear, and avoidance—so they can reclaim their masculine confidence and experience real intimacy without shame.   Expect to Learn: Why 80% of Nice Guys struggle with sexuality and emotional intimacy   How sexual shame is internalized through childhood and social conditioning   Why many Nice Guys turn to pornography as a "safe escape" from real relationships   The hidden fear of women and rejection that keeps men stuck   How social media feeds instant validation and sexual stimulation loops   Why true intimacy requires risk, vulnerability, and self-honesty   The difference between being "nice" and being authentic   How to rebuild confidence and form deeper, healthier relationships   About Dr. Robert Glover: Dr. Robert Glover is a psychotherapist, speaker, and best-selling author of No More Mr. Nice Guy, a groundbreaking book that has helped millions of men worldwide overcome people-pleasing, approval-seeking, and passivity to live with more confidence, integrity, and authenticity.   Through his Nice Guy Recovery workshops, coaching programs, and podcast, Dr. Glover continues to challenge the modern narrative around masculinity—teaching men to embrace their sexuality, express their truth, and create meaningful, passionate connections in every area of life.   Learn more about Dr. Glover's work at drglover.com.   --- Connect with Frank and The Super Human Life on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachfrankrich/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/584284948647477/   Website: http://www.thesuperhumanlifepodcast.com/tshlhome   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjB4UrpxtNO2AFtDURMzoKQ  

In this episode of the Conscious Fertility Podcast, we dive deep into the transformative power of intimacy with bestselling authors and sacred intimacy teachers Justin Patrick Pierce and Londin Angel Winters. From baby-making sex and fertility struggles to perimenopause, menopause, and post-baby connection, they share how sexuality can be a spiritual journey back to yourself. Londin and Justin reveal how their own fertility challenges, including multiple miscarriages and conceiving naturally at 47, shaped their approach to conscious love, surrender, and full-body connection.Key takeaways:Baby-making sex as a spiritual practice: cultivating receptivity, surrender, and flow.The ICI Field Practice: a two-bodied meditation to build connection, trust, and shared reality.Full-body “yes”: letting go of resentment and blocks to experience deep pleasure and orgasmic presence.Inner marriage practice: seeing and feeling yourself to model love, presence, and consciousness in relationships.Sustaining intimacy, passion, and union even through infertility, postpartum, or relationship challenges.Justin Patrick & Londin Angel Bio:Justin Patrick Pierce and Londin Angel Winters are intimacy teachers and authors of the books Playing With Fire: The Spiritual Path of Intimate Relationship and The Awakened Woman's Guide to Everlasting Love. Known internationally for their transformative work in personal growth and spiritual intimacy, they have dedicated their lives to love. Through workshops and private coaching, they help others heal their relationships, overcome the challenges of long-term commitment, and learn how to grow spiritually and sexually alongside their partner.Where To Find Justin Patrick & Londin Angel: Books:Playing WIth Fire: The Spiritual Path of Intimate Relationship: https://a.co/d/hFc6dSKThe Awakened Woman's Guide to Everlasting Love: https://a.co/d/giesnDUWebsites:https://www.londinangelwinters.comhttps://www.justinpatrickpierce.comMonthly Online Group Calls:https://www.patreon.com/yogaofintimacySocials:https://www.instagram.com/londinawinters/https://www.instagram.com/justinpatrickpierce/

Love the episode? Send us a text!In this candid and empowering episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, Dr. Christy Thozer breaks the silence around sexual health, menopause, and intimacy after breast cancer. Together, we unpack the myths surrounding estrogen, discuss safe treatment options for vaginal dryness and low libido, and explore how to restore confidence and connection after treatment.Dr. Thozer shares practical advice for talking with your healthcare team, navigating hormone concerns, and embracing your right to pleasure and quality of life.If you've ever felt dismissed, embarrassed, or simply unsure how to start the conversation about sexual health after breast cancer—this episode is for you.TakeawaysOpen conversations about sexual health are crucial for breast cancer survivors.Creating a comfortable space for discussions can help patients feel more at ease.Estrogen plays a vital role in women's health, especially post-menopause.Vaginal estrogen can be a safe option for managing symptoms of estrogen depletion.It's never too late to start treatment for vaginal dryness or libido issues.Intimacy can be rediscovered through open communication with partners.Patients should feel empowered to advocate for their health and ask questions.Healthcare providers need more training on sexual health and menopause.Vaginal estrogen is different from traditional hormone replacement therapy.Finding the right specialists can greatly improve quality of life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sexual Health and Menopause02:47 The Importance of Open Conversations05:32 Creating Comfortable Spaces for Discussion08:28 Understanding the Impact of Estrogen Loss11:05 Managing Symptoms of Estrogen Depletion13:38 Exploring Treatment Options for Vaginal Health16:26 Navigating Moisturizers and Lubricants19:00 Addressing Libido and Intimacy Challenges20:38 Navigating Intimacy After Cancer25:22 Understanding Treatment Options30:45 Building a Support Network36:06 Empowerment and Advocacy in HealthcareSupport the showLatest News: Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday!

 My first time with Cosplay Beth. By Thintri - listen to the podcast at Steamy Stories. She stood there, waiting impatiently for the delicious meat to slide into her eager hands. She looked forward to having it in her mouth later, I could tell. She continued to caress her belly and nibble on a fingernail as she waited impatiently.She stood around 5'4" in her Converse sneakers. She wore a black pair of boot-cut jeans and a gray tee that read “Never tell me the odds!” and had a set of red, tumbling dice and a star-fighter with four wings in the shape of an “X” sitting above a plate held up by a small plastic pole  The tee was super tight around her breasts, but I didn't notice any bra lines. I would guess she was a 36C or D. Her hips were just as wide and her ass complimented her full hips and busty chest. Her hair reminded me of that Scottish Disney movie princess, all wild and fire red. Her skin was extremely fair, like she would to burst into flames if she stepped outside. She didn't look much older than the drinking age, a good decade or more younger than me. Another adult millennial in the big city. “Seventy Three!” She pounced and grabbed the too thick package and examined it in her suddenly small hands. Her eyes were as wide as saucers and you could almost see saliva well up in the corner of her mouth. I needed to step in before she made a terrible mistake. “Excuse me. That's my Butt.” I said. “I beg your pardon?!” She responded incredulously. “Seventy Three?.. Your holding my Boston Butt.” I said, holding the ticket for her to see. “Oh, right. I'm sorry. I'm in a different world today.” “You actually look really hungry. Are you going to have time to cook or are you going to eat something raw here in the store? I'll have that Butt now.” I said holding my hands out. “Your butt is so big! Erm… I mean…” She said as she handed it over and I placed it in my cart. “Yeah, What's a bachelor going to do with all this food, right? I'm actually hosting a game night for my friends tomorrow. There will be seven of us total. Eight, if you'd like to have a taste of this Butt.” I said making “Butt” sound more like an actual innuendo this time. “T.J.” I added, extending my hand. “Beth. Pleased to meet you, T.J. What's that stand for?” She said, shaking my out-reached hand in a delicate manner. “Thaddeus Junior. ‘Thad' sounds too douchey.” “What do they call your father?” “Thad…” I said, rolling my eyes sheepishly. “But he's too old to even pretend to act like a douche. He would have no idea where to start.” “Oh, well that's good. I bet he showed you how to be a real gentleman.” She said with a slight giggle in her voice. “He showed me how to rub a butt properly, that's for sure.” “Pardon?!” She said eyes wide again. “Barbeque… dry rub? A good rub down and then moisten it up later.” “Oh, yeah… Right…” “So… Wanna come over tomorrow and join my party? You'd even out the group.” “I don't see why not. Could be fun, right?” “Splendid! That means you'll have to come over tonight to get your character squared away and maybe help prep for dinner? I promise I'll feed you tonight, too. I have flank steaks marinating.” “Oh, I don't know…” “You'll have my address and you can tell all of your friends where you'll be. There's even a doorman and a security camera in the lobby.” “Oh. That sounded well-rehearsed. Invite a lot of ladies home, do you?” She asked suspiciously. “No ma'am. I just want your mind at ease.” I lied with my hands up in a disarming manner. My response was also rehearsed, but it worked like a charm. “Tell me about the marinade.” She said slowly, squinting her eyes and nodding her head up at me. “It's a lazy meal night. It's just a store bought Italian dressing, but I add some of this and that. I was thinking maybe use my indoor grill or broil them. Do you have a preference?” I said trying to sink the hook in deeper. I'm not going to broil a steak. That's ridiculous. “Grill it!” “Agreed. So I'll see you at 6:30 then?” “Yeah. Sounds good.” Hook, Line, and Sinker. “Eighty Three!” said the butcher. “I think you're eighty three.” I said pointing at the ticket in her basket at her feet.“ “Oh. That's me!” She said turning towards the counter. We exchanged information and I gave her my address so we could meet up later. I was actually quite excited about making a new hot friend and maybe even more than that. I'm not the type of guy to jump into bed with just anybody. I really wanted to get to know her and see where in my life she might fit. 6:45 rolled around and I finally got a text from Beth: “Hey, Sorry. The train was running late and there's no cell service down there. I'm walking up to street level now. I'll be at your place in Ten minutes. Is there anything you want me to pick up?” I responded: “Hey, glad you're on the way. I was worried you split on me or worse. All I have is vanilla ice cream and toppings for dessert. If that's not good enough, we can walk around the block and get an Italian Ice from the pizza shop. Is red wine okay with the steaks? If not, I have beer. Should I let the wine breathe or would you rather beer?” She responded: “Italian Icies! And beer, please. Wine feels too formal. [Winky emoji] Be up in five.” She wasn't kidding about the train running slow. The news interrupted my background show. There was a brown out on my line that took 20 minutes to fix. One train was in emergency lighting the whole time. I already called ahead downstairs for the doorman to let my new friend up. He needed to send her up manually because she didn't have a key fob to my apartment. The elevator opened to each unit, but they all had entryways prior to the front door. It was a private place to take off wet clothes and hang jackets and kick off shoes before entering. I left the front door open and she let herself in. “Hello? TJ?” “In the kitchen.” “Hey!” She said, giving me a friendly hug. She smelled like strawberries. I also took a good look at her while were chit-chatted. She wore a Falmouth Falcons Jersey and a matching pleated skirt. She had on short two or three inch heels on that had open toes and matched her outfit well. She quickly discarded them and left them in the hall outside of the front door and closed it behind her. She also put a pair of clips in her hair, leaving the right side of her neck exposed. “I was just about to text you to ask how you like your steak cooked?” “Medium. It's okay if it's a little rare, just don't cook it too much, please.” “Oh, that makes it easier on me. I can put them on around the same time.” “Do you need any help with the cooking?” “Umm… Did you want the potatoes mashed, or as is?” “Hmm… Nah. We can leave them like that. They look done, too.” She said, looking into the pot. “Fork ready!” I said stabbing at them. I went ahead and strained them while Beth flipped the steaks. I also served up a helping of corn for each of us and added the potatoes. “How do they look?” She asked me, pointing to the steaks. I poked at one with my finger and pushed until I felt it push back. “Feels about Medium rare. Maybe another minute on that side.” I said. Beth took it upon herself to grab two beers from the fridge. I was just about done with my second, so it was good timing on her part. “This looks interesting. ‘Axel Rogues' P.O.'d India Pale Ale'? Is it new?” “It's from a brewery a couple of my friends partially own. They send it up from the Alabama Coast for me. They might be giving me a bit of a drinking problem.” I said in jest. “Isn't it bad to have cartoon characters on your beer labels? Something about advertising to minors?” “It's a promotional thing. Only a few of those labels were printed. It was mostly for investors and the grand opening a few weeks back.” “Oh. This tastes pretty good!” She said, wide-eyed. I was told it's a bit of a panty dropper, but I wasn't telling her that. “Yeah. It's got a lot of subtle tastes that the female focus groups enjoyed. The male groups said it's refreshing, but might be too easy to drink. Hence my problem.” I kidded again, even though it was true. Dinner went by pretty quickly and we both cleared our plates and then dumped the dishes in the washer. She was on her third beer and I had just finished my fourth. “Would you like another or maybe a Manhattan?” I asked, trying to grease her wheels some. “Can you make a White Manhattan?” She asked. It felt more like a test. “Sure. Is Hudson okay?” I asked, volleying her serve. “That'd be perfect!” She said all too eagerly. Beth went ahead and wiped the table down and moved some of the settings aside to make room for us to work. She had brought her messenger bag and pulled out a large Velcro binder with a few gaming books. I was actually impressed with her line of questioning and her surprising neatness. We decided that one of her old characters, a Human Monk, was a good fit for the group and I gave her the run-down of the story so far, as best as I could remember. She wasn't surprised by the content being sexual in nature. Lots of groups add a sexy/romantic spin thanks to modern fantasy movies and books. One girl in the group, Adrienne, had to re-roll after a death because she decided to fight her way out of an Orc rape scene rather than lose her purity. She was playing a Paladin at the time, so it was pretty fitting. She did set fire to the camp site and take out a few Orcs before she died, though. It was pretty awesome. She re-rolled into a rogue who was her last toon's “Black Sheep” sister; she was a very pissed off rogue. We completely forgot about going out for Icies and decided to chat some more about the group and where I felt the story might lead. I noticed in my peripheral vision that her nipples started to show through her tight shirt. My apartment isn't that cold. I like it to be around seventy six degrees. The air is humidity controlled, so the extra A/C isn't needed. The conversation slid over to her cosplay hobby and how devout she is to it. She whipped out her phone and swiped through several characters she's played at conventions and ren faires. She's even done some minor MeTube shorts in character. We were sitting side-by-side, nearly shoulder to shoulder as she swiped. One particular picture was done in a mirror “selfie” fashion. She was wearing a very tight corset dress that was blue and white, similar to a very familiar droid we all know and love. Her breasts were practically pouring out of her top and her hand was between her legs in a provocative manner. “Whoops… You weren't supposed to see that… Sorry” “Hey now… You should share with the rest of the class, Missy.” I said leaning in closer to her and her phone. “Okay, but they really aren't much to look at. Really.” She said modestly. The pics varied from lingerie to sexy cosplay back to lingerie. Some were topless, but her free hand covered her nipples. There was still an eye-full of side and under boob, though. “I showed you mine, now you show me yours.” She demanded playfully. I had several shirtless gym “Swole” pics as well as a few cosplay pics, too. None as flattering as her pictures, but she seemed pleased with them. She was definitely excited about my picture with me wearing a Fez and bow tie. As I got up for another drink, I opted to switch back to beer. I offered her one over her shoulder and she took it, letting her hand linger on mine, not taking the bottle, though. She let the cold glass rub her neck and shoulder, and when she finally took it, she pulled me into a bent over, sideways kiss. I'm pretty sure she was feeling similar fireworks to mine. I went ahead and climbed over the couch, letting our head bump in the process. We giggled as we put our beers down and started making out like ninth graders. I was being a complete gentleman and let my hands fall on her face and neck as we kissed. Her hands were in similar places, but soon explored down to my chest. I kept it cool and let her do her thing while both of my hands were now working her neck and tangled in her hair. She reached up and pulled her clips out so I didn't pull on her hair the wrong way. I kept up my aggressive assault above her shoulders as she continued to grope my chest and stomach over my shirt. I was wearing a light, loose button-down and low-rise dark blue jeans. Her hands explored more while undoing a button or two. Her left hand snaked into the opening and now rubbed my chest more over my ribbed tank tee underneath. Once all my buttons were undone, I took some initiative and grabbed her under her thighs and pulled her into my lap. She was now kneeling on both sides of my pelvis. We only broke the kiss long enough to discard my top and then my undershirt. My hands were now under her tee shirt, caressing her back. My fingers roamed and slid over where her bra strap would have been. She felt my mouth peak at the sides in a little smile at that. She giggled and pulled her tee off and tossed it to the adjacent love seat. We were sitting bare chest to bare chest as she started moving her hips in a subtle rocking motion on my lap. My hands found her breasts as I continued to molest her tongue with mine. My cock was rock hard and rubbing against her pussy though my jeans and thin fabric of her underwear. She started undoing my belt and pants as I worked on unbuttoning her skirt and pulling the hip zipper down one handed as my mouth found her right breast. Her strawberry scent was so much stronger with my face in her chest. It was driving me crazy. “Take them off.” She said breathlessly, standing up and discarding her skirt, adding it to her tee. I hopped my butt up and pulled my pants off without standing. She was standing between my legs and I would have prolly head-butted her again if I tried to stand. I decided to leave my boxer briefs on to match her level of dress. She sat back down straddling my lap again, only leaving more room between our pelvises this time. My mouth found her left breast as she blindly reached into the opening of my shorts. I was cupping her left breast with my right hand as my left hand began to fondle her right ass cheek. She was wearing a g-string. My hand would squeeze her ass and slide between her cheeks and back to squeezing again. She gasped as she grabbed my cock with her hand. She couldn't see it past my head or through my shorts, but she was certainly pleased with it's size and current level of petrification. She knelt on her left knee and tried to slide my shorts down. I miscued my attempt at helping by hopping my butt again and we head- butted again. We giggled, took a drink and she took my shorts off and took her place back in my lap again. This time, she was crushing my cock against her slit, covered by the tiniest triangle of fabric I've ever seen… Or felt for that matter. Her rocking increased and she was now dry-humping my cock. I could feel her moistness lubricating my dick through her g-string. My pre-cum was starting to bubble over my mushroom cap. Her nails dug into my chest. I didn't notice them until now… They were French tipped and matched her Quidditch jersey. My hands were both on her ass now, as my fingers were sliding up and down her crack and slipping under the thin thread. Her breathing became ragged as my fingers found her drenched pussy from behind. One hand was holding her string aside and her pussy open for me. My right hand found her opening and clit as she rocked back. She started to cum, grinding harder onto me. She called out my name as she climaxed and crumpled onto my chest. Her head on my shoulder. She was panting hard. My fingers continued to rub her from behind softly, easing several after shocks out of her. “Excuse me a moment.” She finally said through choppy breaths. She made her way to the hallway bath and I took the opportunity to grab a condom from the coffee table drawer. I had just enough time to tear one free from the rest and tuck it into the side of the couch cushion when the bathroom door opened up. Her face and chest were flushed, and she still wobbled a little when she walked. It was a combination of her orgasm and the alcohol, I guess. She was holding her g-string in one hand. Her pussy was clean shaven except for a thin trail of red pubic hair just above her clit hood. My dick jumped in approval. “What are we going to do about that?” She said hitching her head towards my crotch. “What did you have in mind?” I said standing before she got too close. She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into another passionate kiss. My cock was rubbing against her navel and my hands found her ass again. She pushed/eased me back onto the couch and got between my legs. She tossed her undies to the side, this time missing the pile and ending up on the floor. The flimsy fabric wasn't heavy enough to make the whole flight. She also had a condom in her hand that she sat on the couch beside me. She must have snuck it out of the medicine cabinet. Her eyes didn't leave mine as her hands stroked my cock. Her butt lowered to a sitting position on her heels. Her mouth opened wide enough to lick the head as she pumped me. She licked from the root to the tip. Her face was covered from her chin to her hair line when she was at her deepest. My dick was longer than her face. She started to suck me off, never stopping to close her eyes, she barely blinked as she stared right into my mine. I would have loved to close my eyes and roll my head back, but her eyes were entrancing. It was the hottest blow job I have ever gotten. Hands down. She was moaning on my cock, flicking her tongue in my tip's slit, lapping up any pre-cum that was leaking out. There was plenty of it, too. My dick was practically drooling. As soon as she was certain that she killed half of my fortitude, she leaned over and retrieved the condom and handed it to me. I ripped it open and popped it on like a magician doing a close-up magic trick. A dove flew out from under my sack. I'm kidding. I grabbed her and pulled her to the couch letting her fall supine. My cock was already at her moist opening. Her heels dug into the backs of my thighs. My dick slid in a good quarter of the way, our gaze never breaking. Her heels let up some and I retreated only to thrust in again. I found a bit of resistance when I got better than half of my shaft inside her. I finally bottomed out on the fourth stroke. I could feel her cervix give about an inch and then kiss my crown with every pass. It was incredible. I still had about an inch to give her, but she'd have to take that herself, I wasn't going to hurt her. Once I got into a good rhythm, I reached up to place my right hand over her shoulder to support my weight over her a little better. She took my hand and placed it on her neck and gently squeezed my forearm until my fingers mimicked her squeezing. Once she was satisfied with my ministrations on her neck, she started to grind against me from underneath. Her left leg took footing on the floor and bounced up onto me. She was looking for the last inch. My left hand wrapped around her left ankle and lifted her leg up over my shoulder and she finally got what she wanted. I was completely inside her and now, my pubic bone grinding into her clit with each thrust. I shortened my stride and let her clit join in on the fun full-time. I found a nipple with my left hand and rubbed it gently, increasing the sensations more and more. A good deal of my upper body weight was on her neck as I squeezed, but she didn't seem to mind. Her mouth creased into a thin smile as she moaned louder and louder. She was going to cum again, only this time she was cumming on my sheathed cock. Her pussy gripped me tighter and my hands involuntarily did the same to her neck and nipple. Her eyes shot open wide as the convulsions started. My pace quickened and I started to penetrate her deeper again. Her squishing was suddenly louder and more pronounced. Her juices were coating my balls as she continued to shake and moan breathlessly. I released her and leaned back and pulled her legs further apart and rubbed her clit in a similar fashion as before. She shook and gasped as she let a third orgasm pass on by. My strokes came to a halt and stopped rubbing her clit. “Are you okay?” I asked smiling at her. The redness dimmed in her face now that the blood returned, but she was still very flushed. “That…was pretty fucking perfect!” She said honestly. “If you let me turn you over, I can go for extra credit. How does that sound?” I replied. “Oh! You didn't cum yet! Take me anyway you'd like!” She said rolling over onto her hands and knees. My right thumb immediately found her puckered asshole. “Okay, not anyway, Cowboy.” She added, giggling. I leaned in and slid all the way in, missing her cervix this time because of the angle. I was stretching her out while hitting all the right spots. My balls nuzzling her clit as I stroked into her. I could see her pussy pull out with me slightly despite her moisture and the lube on the condom. Her climax surprised us both as she began to ram back onto me. I didn't slow down because her canal tightened up and was now hugging all my favorite spots. I plowed through her narrowing passage looking for my own prize. She didn't have any time to recover as she reached orgasm again and again until I was ready. “Where would you like it?” I asked, being a perfect gentleman. “Don't you… fucking dare… pull out… FUCK!” She gasped between strokes. One last look at the condom to check on it's structural integrity and I was plowing harder, deeper, and faster now. Her moans reached a familiar volume again and I was doing my best to time my nut with her next orgasm. As soon as my seed spilled into her condom-protected cunt, she came hard again. We both grunted our approval as my balls emptied. We stayed like that for a moment, knotted together in pleasure. I could feel my cock softening so I took it as a cue to pull out. I grabbed the base of the condom and my cock and slid it out slowly. She tried backing into me to keep me inside her. The latex held and there was a considerable load sloshing in the tip. It would have produced triplets if that's how sex actually worked. She rolled over and collapsed back onto the couch. Seeing the condom in my hand, she grabbed it and poured it all over her huge breasts and rubbed it in, licking her fingers and popping a nipple in her mouth, purring like a cat. It was the grossest thing I ever saw. I fucking loved it, though. I showed her to my master bath and started the shower. I had a garden tub and a shower stall with just enough room for us both inside. We cleaned up and kissed some under the water, then dried off. She retrieved her clothes in one bundle. Her eyes looked like she had something to say, but her lips didn't move. We were both pretty drunk by now and the trains were far too dangerous to ride. I offered to call her a cab and pay for it, but she declined taking my money, saying something about feeling like a hooker. I assured her that wasn't the case and she smiled. I also offered her my spare bedroom, assuming that sleeping in the same bed would be too intimate for her. She gladly accepted. I grabbed something for her to sleep in. A pair of sweats and a big, soft white tee. I was wearing something similar, although they fit me better. After showing her to the spare bedroom and turning the bed for her, I gave her a sensual kiss on her mouth. No tongue. A peck on her forehead and I walked to the door. “What time do you wake up?” She asked, fiddling with her phone above the covers. “Got somewhere to be?” I jested. “Ten? Maybe? Wake me if you're up first. How does pancakes sound for breakfast?” “Oh my Gaia, He's making me pancakes…” She said laughing out loud. “It's a deal!” As I hit the light, I could see her face lit up by her cell phone screen. She was prolly giving the “all clear” to one of her girlfriends, assuring them that she was alright. Prolly better than alright. I reached my bedroom and wiggled under the sheet and took my rest for the night. My bedside clock said 1:37 AM. Not a bad first date, eh? My eyes were heavy and I surrendered to the best sleep of my life. By Thintri , for Literotica

Why is it hard to have the connection and intimacy that you want in your relationship? Most of us are never taught how to understand creating intimate connections with other people. We often approach things with urgency or from a place of frustration and a desperate need to fix it NOW! In this episode I talk about the coaching we do with men using horses to teach them how to become masterful in removing the blockages that keep people resisting coming closer towards you, trusting you and yes wanting to be physical with you. Check out the incredible Confident Man Ranch Retreat happening on October 8-11, 2023 in Loveland, Colorado! https://mojopolis.com/ranch/In our coaching, we help men get a powerful new mindset that empowers you to give, love and connect more deeply because you're finally doing that within yourself first. This mindset allows empathy, trust and connection to happen because you're confident in who you're being. We teach skills and knowledge that nobody ever teaches men when we're younger. Skills and knowledge that make you feel confident and in control even when chaos is going on around you. It's amazing what you can achieve when you make yourself a priority. Most men don't.   They are too busy taking care of everyone else.  Too busy minding the store and making the money.   They are focused on the "outside game" of winning life. But their "inside game" of confidence and clarity is suffering badly. You can only improve your inside game with other men. We would love to help you become more calm, more strong emotionally and more confident and happy in who you are as a man. Come and join us, either through 1-on-1 coaching with my colleague Dan Dore or me, or in our group coaching program with other amazing men who are travelling the same path as you right now in our Men's Live Coaching Roundtable. There's an amazing tribe of guys in this group with us, supporting and helping each other through this process of growth and self realization. https://goodguys2greatmen.com/goodguys2greatmen-live-coaching-roundtable/ If you're facing possible divorce, we have an online course which is specifically for you - Defuse the Divorce Bomb: https://mojopolis.thinkific.com/courses/HDDB-preview?ref=a53950 What if this next year everything changed for you? That's what we want for you brother, We love teaching men these tools - how to be better, how to know who you are, what you stand for, what you want and how to CREATE it in your life through our Masculine Confidence coaching programs. Dan and I are here to guide you on this mission.https://goodguys2greatmen.com/mens-relationship-coaching/ Steve's book Straight Talk Tools for the Desperate Husband will help you to lead yourself and your relationship back to good health. Understand why your partner acts the way she does toward you and learn how to lead your life in the direction you want it to go. You CAN have the relationship you want, fulfilling all your desires while maintaining love and respect.https://goodguys2greatmen.com/straight-talk-tools-for-the-desperate-husband/ We also have a free e-book to help men learn how to lose their fear and be more bold in their marriage to create the love and connection they want. Get The Hard to Swallow Truth About Saving Your Marriage: https://goodguys2greatmen.com/ If you want to learn more about how to take a bigger step toward being a clear-headed, confident man of action, then find out more here: https://goodguys2greatmen.com/mens-relationship-coaching/ We would be thrilled to help you get there - our first discovery call is always free and always gives you a BIG boost of confidence. You WILL become a clearer, stronger, more confident man only through other men. Your woman cannot take you there - and she doesn't WANT to...trust us on that. Sign up to receive our email newsletters for lots more free tips and advice here: https://archive.aweber.com/stevemain Subscribe to be notified whenever we upload a new video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC13h36xaBvyTPVAES4-4rXw?sub_confirmation=1 You can watch all our videos here: https://goodguys2greatmen.com/video-library/ Or read our blog articles here: https://goodguys2greatmen.com/blog/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/goodguys2greatmen-podcast--4650431/support.

The plan of God is to pour His abundant love; everything He is and everything He has and all His peace and His joy; His plan is to pour that out upon your life. And that … that's why He's sent the Holy Spirit.   How Thirsty are You? We are starting a new series this week on Christianityworks called "The Holy Spirit and Me". For most of my life I haven't been a Christian. My early memories of church as a child were hard pews and filtered light through yellow windows and the Latin Mass and then as I grew up, a German Mass. And for me as a child, it felt like the whole thing was just droning on. I don't mean to criticise but for me as a kid, the whole Christianity/religion thing – it just didn't work. It all seemed pretty much irrelevant. In fact, I remember in church, sitting as a young child, I knew my father could wiggle his ears and I thought, "Maybe I can do it too" and the biggest thing I got out of that time – sitting still for me for an hour on end was just a terrible thing as a kid – was learning to wiggle my ears. And as I grew up, I'm your typical baby-boomer – you know, I was into career, into money, into having things and I discovered I was very good at what I did so, I got onto the treadmill of life and the whole religion and rules and church thing, by and large, for me, was just irrelevant – particularly as a baby-boomer. So when I came to that time in my life, about eleven years ago, when God started to stir things around inside of me; began to develop a sense of my own spirituality, I thought, "I only want this if it is real, if it's relevant, if it's here and now, if it makes a difference." The notion of church and religion to me was vacuous and out of date and irrelevant. If there was a God I wanted to know Him and if not I thought, "I can do without all that other palaver" – you know. I don't know if you have been at functions or events or cocktail parties when you are standing around and you have a discussion with someone and it's all superficial and you wander off and go and get another drink and you talk to someone else at all this superficial level. It's so different to having a great meal with some close friends where there is a depth and a reality to the relationship. And I guess to me, that was the distinction between the whole churchy/religiousy thing on the one hand, which I saw as superficial and the depth of relationship on the other which is what I wanted with this God – with this Jesus, if He was who He said He was. A friend is someone who sticks by you through thick and thin. A friend accepts you for who you are, good and bad. So I thought, "If I am going to be a Christian I want a deep, passionate, real relationship with God." I remember having a cup of coffee not many months after I gave my life to Christ and this man was my pastor – a wonderful man – and he saw how excited, how passionate I was about this new relationship that I had discovered with Jesus. And he said to me, "Berni, you know, it's not always going to be like that. There will be days when it's bad," and in a sense he's right, there are some tough days in life. But I went home and I was really angry with what he had said and I remember praying, I said, "God, if I am going to be a Christian I want to do it with my all and I want it to be a real, powerful relationship and I want to know this peace and this joy and this love and this excitement every day of my life." Now, there are three types of people in this world – those who enjoy a relationship like that with God – and I would encourage you to stick with us today because it will be an encouragement to listen to what we are talking about with the Holy Spirit. There are those who believe in Jesus – the second type – but they don't have that sort of relationship. Somehow the Christianity thing is hollow; it's empty. The third…the third are people who don't yet believe in Jesus, who don't have that relationship and maybe you are asking, "Well, does He have anything to offer?" So today let me encourage you – we are going to open up a box here and look at what Jesus says about the subject of having a relationship with Him and for you to evaluate that and decide for yourself whether that's the sort of passionate relationship you would like to have. Way back in the Old Testament, to the prophet Jeremiah, when God's people, the people of Israel were going through some really tough times – God always seems to show up for Israel during the tough times. And He makes really powerful and far-reaching and exciting promises and this is one of those times. He says: Look, after all this is through, I will put My Word inside you. I'll write it on your heart and I will be your God and you will by my people and you won't have to teach each other and say to each other, 'Know God' because you will know Me. From the least to the greatest" says the Lord, "I'll forgive you and I'll remember your sin no more and you will love me. I love that passage because that's God heart; that's God passion; that is God saying to me and God saying to you, "I want to have a relationship with you, I want to be close to you, I want for you to know Me." You know, it's one thing to know God; it's another thing to know God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our spirit, to be consumed with the wonder and the awe of who God is. There is another beautiful passage in the Book of Joel – another one of the Old Testament prophets: And God says, "After all these things, I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy. This picture of God wanting to have a relationship; this picture of God pouring out His Spirit - you know, He's not doing it with an eye-dropper; He's not doing it with a little cup, God wants to pour out His Holy Spirit. That's why this week we are starting a series called, "The Holy Spirit and Me". Who is this Holy Spirit? What's His job? What's He like? What does He do? What's my relationship? What's the whole point of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit? So right now I'd ask you how thirsty are you? How much do you want to have a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit?   Intimacy with God We are going to have a look today at what Jesus had to say about this person, the Holy Spirit and we are going to John chapter 14 – if you have got a Bible, grab it and open it up – the fourth Book in the New Testament – John chapter 14. Now Jesus has spent three and a half years with His disciples; they were fishermen and tax collectors and they had seen Him do the most amazing miracles; they had heard Him preach powerful sermons but the time was drawing near for Him to be crucified. Now Jesus was a religious subversive. The religious establishment of the day was into rules and religion and pomp and ceremony and hypocrisy and oppression and they had done deals with the Roman occupying power and Jesus ... Jesus comes along and threatens that. He is like a breath of fresh air. He hangs around with common people, like you and me. He stands up for the oppressed ones and the marginalised ones. He does miracles and He shows up the establishment and so they plot to kill Him. So His disciples have this sense of fear and loss. He is telling them about it and they are wondering, "Well what about my life? I mean, this Jesus who has been doing these amazing things, He says He is going to be crucified – what then?" So this little rag-tag group of fishermen and tax collectors and the people that God has chosen to establish His church are about to experience the deep loss of Jesus on the cross. And Jesus comes along and promises them something and that's what we are going to read now in John's Gospel chapter 14, beginning at verse 15. Let's have a bit of a read. He says: If you love me you will keep my commandments and I will ask My Father and He will give you another advocate; another comforter to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because they don't see Him or know Him but you know Him because He dwells and abides with you and He will be in you. I won't leave you orphaned; I'm coming to you. In a little while the world won't see me any longer but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in My Father and you are in me and I am in you. They who have My commandments and keep them, are those who love Me and those who love Me will be loved by My Father and I will love them and reveal Myself to them. Judas – not Iscariot, another Judas – said to Him "Lord, how is it that you reveal yourself to us and not to the world?" And Jesus answered him "Those who love me will keep My Word and My Father will love them and we will come to them and make our home with them." And then He goes on to say: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I don't give it to you the way the world gives. Don't let your hearts be troubled and don't let them be afraid. This is a promise from Jesus in this tough time, just like those Old Testament promises we looked at earlier. This is God showing up in a difficult, tough time, making beautiful, wonderful, powerful promises and here He promises the Holy Spirit. He says: If you love Me you will keep My commandments and I will ask Dad and He will give you another one; another advocate. "If you love Me ..." Is He looking for perfection? No! Jesus knows we are not perfect but He is saying if you live your life for Me – if you really love Me, the things that I have taught you, the things that you have heard, the things that I've said are really important – My wisdom, love your enemy, love your neighbour, don't judge other people – all that stuff, He says if you will do that, I'll ask Dad and He will send you another counsellor. Now if you have a Bible, this word is translated in different ways – Counsellor or Advocate or Comforter "like Me". In fact, the words that Jesus uses there mean "just like Me" – another one "just like Me". So all of a sudden we know something about this Holy Spirit that He is promising. The Holy Spirit is just like Jesus. Ever wondered what the Holy Spirit is like because when we say, "God the Father", we go, "Well, I can imagine what a good dad is?" We haven't all had good dads but we can all imagine what a good father is like and so we look at God as "Father" and we go, "Yep, I get that bit." "God the Son", well, we understand sonship and we understand Jesus because we can pick up at least four books in the Bible – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the Gospels – and read exactly what He was like and how He behaved and how He reacted and what He said. But kind of getting your mind and your heart around the Holy Spirit is ... it's a whole bunch more difficult isn't it? And here Jesus tells us what the Holy Spirit is like – He is just like Jesus. In the Old Testament, remember we read earlier, the promise in Joel: I will pour out My Spirit on everyone. And Jesus is saying, "It's about to happen folks!" God is God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit – we don't understand that fully – three persons, one God and Jesus is saying, "It's about to happen, guys. I know I'm going to be crucified but sometime real soon I'm going to follow-up on My promise to pour out My Spirit and I'm going to pour My Spirit out on you and if you love Me, if you believe in Me, I will come and make My home in You. I'm in Dad and you will be in Me and Dad and I will come and make our homes in you." Let's look at it again: This Spirit of truth whom the world can't receive because they don't know Him and they don't see Him but you do – you know Him because He abides with you. See, "abides" is such a strong word – it doesn't mean "shack up", it doesn't mean "visit", it doesn't mean "have a cup of coffee together", it means "to be with us forever" and that's what Jesus said: I will give you another advocate to be with you forever. And we will come and make our home with you. If you love Me and keep My Word, My Dad will love you and He and I, through the Holy Spirit, will make our home with you." Up until then, the presence of God had been understood to be inside the temple in Jerusalem, in the Holy of Holies and no one could come close to God and here in Jesus, God comes close to us. And Jesus says, "It gets better than this – we are about to get much closer because when I pour My Spirit out, I will be dwelling with you and living in you." In fact, He goes on to say, in John chapter 16: It's to your advantage that I go away because if I don't go away I won't be pouring My Spirit out on you and having My Spirit is so much better. What an amazing plan Jesus has for us! What an awesome plan to pour out His Spirit and we will pick up and look at that plan just a little bit more next.   Jesus Comes Home Well, God does have an amazing plan for us to have a relationship with Him that is intimate and real and here and now. I remember talking to a young man at a church I was at a few years ago – I was running an ALPHA course, which is a course to introduce people to Jesus and what Christianity is all about. And this man was a young Jewish lawyer by the name of David and we were talking about the Holy Spirit – we were talking about exactly this passage that we've just read. It says: I will come and make My home in you. My Spirit will abide with you forever. And I was explaining it is kind of like God moves in. God moves into our lives, into our hearts and into our spirits and into our souls and He is with us every second of every minute of every hour of every day for the rest of eternity. And this young lawyer said 'Woe, that's a bit of an invasion of privacy isn't it?' I guess it is … I guess it is when a man a woman gets married, you know, all of a sudden there in each other's space and they are in each other's lives and they share the same bed and they share every room in the house. It is kind of an invasion of privacy but it's God's plan. Not for religion, not for rules: If you love Me you will keep My commandments and I will come and make My home in you. I will love you, I will show Myself to you. It says here in this passage we have just been reading. When Jesus said: It is to your advantage that I go away so that I can send you the Holy Spirit. What He was meaning was this: Jesus was God in the flesh and being a man He had a physical limitation – He could only be in one place at one time but the Holy Spirit doesn't have that problem. The Holy Spirit … God the Spirit can be in me and in you and in a trillion other people at exactly the same time. The Holy Spirit is God with me and God with you, 24/7. And when Judas asks the question in verse 22 of chapter 14, when he says: Lord how is it that You reveal Yourself to us and not to the world? That is a good question. Jesus answer is: I will make My home with you. I will abide with you. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit will be on your journey with you. Not in a church, not in a building, not in a temple, not in an air-conditioned heaven, I'll be on the journey with you through thick, through thin, through up, through down, through plenty, through not enough, through fire, through storm, Jesus is in that place with us. But this isn't for everyone; this isn't for the world; this isn't for people who say, "Well, you know something, I'm going to live my life my way and Jesus can be my little lap dog; my little puppy who does tricks and helps me when I need Him to." No, this is on God's terms – God is God. If you love Me you will keep My commandments and I will ask Dad and He will give you another advocate just like Me to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot accept. If we want to race off and live our lives contrary to God's will, Jesus is saying "I'm sorry, but this isn't for you. I want to give you My Spirit, I want to move in, I want to dwell with you, I want you to see Me, I want to reveal Myself to you through the Spirit of God, but you know something, it's on God's terms because God is God. And sometimes we think, "Well, what will that mean? What will I have to do?" And we think, "Well, that's God's problem; God will teach us, God will show us when we invite Him in." And that's exactly what Jesus says. Pick it up in chapter 14, verse 25: I have said these things to you while I am still with you but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. What a great plan! What an awesome plan! It's so scary sometimes to contemplate this Person, the Holy Spirit and think what's it going to mean? What do I have to give up? And all the time what the Spirit brings is joy and peace and an intimate relationship with God that we can't even begin to imagine until He does that work in us. And when He does that, He changes us. We get addicted to His joy. I'm addicted to the peace that the Holy Spirit brings. That's why I spend time with God; that's why I do what I do. I just love Him and when we do that somehow He changes us. You know those things that you've been trying to change in yourself all your life – I have them too. When we draw close to Him, that flame burns and somehow, all that rubbish just burns away, day-by-day, week-by-week, year-by-year. So it's not a self-help programme, its God changing us. For me when I accepted Jesus I did it holus-bolus. Like the disciples, it was a time of loss and fear and loneliness for me eleven years ago. When I accepted Him the pain didn't go away straight away – I still had ups and downs – but God blessed me so greatly with a beautiful wife and daily I live in His presence and day after day after day He is changing me and touching me and guiding me and moulding me and it's the Holy Spirit … God the Holy Spirit in me. And God the Holy Spirit in you who wants to do this; who wants to show us Jesus and tell us how wonderful He is. This is what Jesus says in chapter 16, beginning at verse 14 about the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit will glorify Me because He will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine and for this reason I said to you that He will take what is mine and declare it to you. The plan of God is to pour His abundant love, everything He is and everything He has and all His love and His peace and His joy – His plan is to pour that into your life and my life through the Holy Spirit. Father, I pray that as we have been in Your Word today Your Spirit would stir us up – You would give us a hunger and a thirst and a desire to be filled with Your Holy Spirit and I pray Father God in Jesus name, that You would do exactly that. 

 Mike has an intense encounter with a mysterious cosplayer. by AlexRaistov, Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.  The con has been fairly packed this year. And now that they're getting some big name guests, like Doctor Who's Matt Smith and Alex Kingston are here. I think it's going to give Fan Expo Boston a run for its money. Hell, maybe even New York ComiCon. I think the fact that the convention center is connected to the hotel is a huge advantage.The contest was at 2pm this afternoon, so I wanted to head over and register early. Making my way through the crowds, I got stopped a couple of times to do the “Gaston Pose” with the Wolverine claws popped out. There was even a couple dressed as Beauty and the Beast, so we got a couple of pics together. I'll text them to you later. Needless to say I got there later than I expected, so I was second to last in line. But it was fine because while I was waiting my turn to go up on stage, I found myself chatting with a dude from New York who was up with his buddy for the weekend. The guy was dressed as mashup of Deadpool and Eleven from Stranger Things. It was hysterical: a full Deadpool costume but with a blonde wig and dress. We got to talking about the con and cosplaying and after a few minutes he said with a chuckle, “Dude, be careful. I think the local law enforcement is checking you out.” I gave him a strange look because I had no fucking clue what he was talking about. He motioned with his head and I turned around. So picture this: two girls, both in variations of the ‘Slave Leia' bikini from ‘Return of the Jedi.' One girl's costume was all white and she was wearing a Stormtrooper helmet. The other was in all black, wearing a Darth Vader mask and a flowing cape. And holy shit their bodies were fucking amazing. You know I've always been a boob man. Both girls were easily 32-34B and their brassieres were doing a wonderful job of highlighting their fantastic assets. Both of them had stunning hourglass figures. When ‘Madame Vader' turned and leaned in to say something to her Stormtrooper, it was pretty clear by the amount of skin she was showing, there was most likely nothing under the long black loincloth. I watched as the Stormtrooper nodded to something ‘Madame Vader' said. At this point I didn't know what else to call her. She then lifted her prop gun and started walking in our direction. “You're in for it now man,” said Eleven Deadpool. The sexy Stormtrooper came right up to me and pointed her weapon. “You. Rebel Scum,” she barked, “You're to come with me immediately.” I raised my eyebrow, my cigar jammed firmly in my teeth. I figured what the hell, if we were gonna do this, have fun with it. “Rebel scum?” I growled, “Sweetheart, do I look like rebel scum to you?” The trooper pressed the nozzle of her weapon into my chest. “Now.” I glanced over to Eleven Deadpool who shrugged, “Don't look at me man. I'm a mercenary, remember?” I leaned in towards the Stormtrooper and grunted, “You know, no one fights like Gaston. And with these claws I bet it would be an interesting fight. But okay, I'm game.” As I stepped away from the line, I heard my new friend shout, “Vaya Con Dios, my son! Go with God.” The Stormtrooper led me over to 'Madame Vader' who had her hands on her curvy hips. I also got a chance to admire her thigh-high black boots, laced up the front with buckles going up the sides. She had a black belt around her waist which hung a light saber hilt. As I got closer and saw a tan line on her exposed hip, I was convinced more than ever that she was wearing nothing underneath. 'Madame Vader' looked at me from head to toe. “Something I can do for you?” I said in my best Hugh Jackman voice. For a moment she stood there silently. I almost expected to hear the raspy Vader breathing. “You!” she said finally in a commanding but very sultry voice, “will follow me. There will be no questions. Is that understood?” So okay, you know I don't like games or bullshit or anything like that. But there was something about this situation…I'm just gonna say it: I got rock hard. I swore my dick was going to explode out of my pants. Again, I can practically hear you laughing. But we've always been pretty open about this kind of shit, so obviously I'm not going to stop now. Anyway, I rubbed my scruffy chin, (careful not to poke myself with my claws, and took the cigar out of my mouth. “You're Jedi mind tricks ain't working here, sister,” I snarled, “But I'll play along for now.” Without another word, she turned, her cloak sweeping behind her. I felt a poke in my back: the Stormtrooper was nudging me to start moving. I followed 'Madame Vader' around a large curtain that led to behind the stage. From there we walked to a set of doors that led to a maintenance corridor. Now I'm not going to lie, this was all starting to make me a little bit nervous. Sexy as these two were, I had no idea who they were, what they looked like under their helmets or what was really going on. I was just about to say enough is enough and head back into the main convention floor when we stopped in front of another door marked “storage.” 'Madame Vader' reached down with one of her gloved hands and pulled down on the handle, opening the door. “Inside,” she commanded. I looked at her and the Stormtrooper, who appeared to be setting up for guard duty. I shrugged and stepped inside. The room was full of stacked chairs and folding tables. One table was set up with a few chairs around it. There were some papers on top of it. My guess is some of the Con organizers had probably used this room for planning the floor layout. The door closed and it was just me and 'Madame Vader' in the room. As she walked past me, her hands lifted up and unlocked the chain holding her cape together. She let it drop to the floor. With the cloak gone, I was able to get a better look at her body. The thin straps of her black brassiere didn't fully cover her tan lines, so I could tell she definitely enjoyed spending time in the sun. She was also more toned than I realized, though her hips still had a very lovely curve to them. Sure enough, the rear loincloth, which had up until now been hidden by her cape, was a little bit narrower than the front one, and her amazing ass, cheeks were poking out ever so slightly on either side. With her still to me, she turned her masked head slightly. “I understand no one fights like Gaston,” she said, continuing with a deep, ominous voice. “So I hear,” I replied gruffly. “I wonder,” she said with a dramatic pause, “if no one fucks like Gaston?” Now you know it takes a hell of a lot to throw me for a loop and leave me speechless. But there I was, eyes wide and my mouth partially open in shock. 'Madame Vader' removed her gloves, revealing black nail polish on perfectly manicured fingers. “No response?” she mused, “Well perhaps not in words. But other parts of you appear to,” she pointed at my bulging crotch, “be speaking for themselves.” Now let me just remind you, she was still wearing that fucking helmet. I literally had no idea who this person was. And, God help me, I was turned on like never before. She walked over and sat on the edge of the folding table, her legs spread and the black loincloth falling between them. Slowly she lifted the cloth to the side, confirming what I had all but surmised from the minute I saw her. Her bare pussy was now right there for me to see. Her puffy pink lips were wide open, glistening and extremely inviting. “This is fucking crazy.” I said aloud. “The door is right behind you,” 'Madame Vader' replied nonchalantly, “My guard is only outside to ensure we are not disturbed. If you wish to leave you can at any time.” She reached down between her legs and spread her pussy lips wider while her fingers began to explore her tantalizing, wet hole. “Alternatively, you could come over here, eat me out and then bend me over this table and fuck me from behind.” So again, you know it takes a lot to stun me. And believe me, I was stunned. But I'm also not fucking stupid. I removed my gloves with the Wolverine claws built in and set them on the closest chair next to me. I then made my way over to the table and sank to my knees in front of 'Madame Vader.' I inhaled the wonderful, sweet musky smell that was coming from her pussy. I was just about to dive in when I stopped and looked up at her, “I don't suppose you're taking that off, are you?” “Are you going to ask questions that you already know the answer to, or are you going to begin,” she said ominously. I shook my head, “No ma'am.” I replied and dove into her beautiful, wet slit. I let my tongue casually explore her red pussy lips, enjoying the sweet and savory flavor. There was an aching moan from under the mask. “More,” she whimpered, dropping the authoritative tone in her voice. My tongue began to flick up and down quickly. Her hands slammed down and gripped the edge of the table as she began to grind her pelvis in my face. I brought my hand up to my mouth and paused my licking just briefly to lick my thumb. As I resumed, I let my thumb slip into the upper folds of her slit, searching for her clit. It wasn't hard to find – it was like a small cherry pit, hard and inviting. Her breaths came shallow and for a moment I wondered if she was going to pass out under the helmet. “Please,” she begged without the slightest hint of any of her former bravado, “Oh God, I'm so close.” My thumb kept playing with her pulsing button as I licked feverishly. After several more seconds I withdrew my thumb and attacked her clit directly with my tongue. That was the right move to push her right over the edge. “Oh my god oh my god oh my God,” she cried under her mask, “I'm coming. Oh Jesus yes! Yes!” Her body convulsed and contorted as my face was showered by her intense orgasm. I kept lapping though, enjoying the sweet juices slicking her thighs and my face. Slowly, her tremors began to subside as she leaned back onto her elbows on the table. I stood up over her. “Are you sure you don't want to take that mask off?” I asked, genuinely concerned. “I,” she stammered, still slightly out of breath, “I like it this way.” She shifted forward off the table and stood in front of me. “And now,” she said, trying to regain some of her earlier in-character composure, “I believe you have another service to provide.” She reached forward and unbuckled my costume belt, letting it drop to the floor. She then lifted up my shirt slightly and undid my pants. Her fingers grasped the fabric of both my pants and underwear and pulled down, freeing my throbbing and aching cock. “Excellent.” 'Madame Vader' said with a slight nod, “I was right to choose you.” She turned around and bent over the table, resting on her forearms. I took a step forward and lifted the rear loincloth of her costume, exposing a perfectly tanned ass (string bikinis for the win). I adjusted my position, spread her cheeks slightly and guided myself into her soaking wet hole. Her pussy lips wrapped perfectly around the head of my cock and we stayed in that position for a moment. Then slowly I inched forward until I was completely buried inside her. “Yes,” she hissed softly. I placed my hands on her hips and began slow, rhythmic motions. She was so wet, every thrust was a silky smooth ride. But I could still feel her pussy walls constrict around my shaft every time I moved back and forth. Her body began to match my movements, her ass and pelvis pushing backwards against me. There was a brief moment when I was extremely tempted to reach forward and attempt to knock the helmet off her head. Would she stop this incredible moment or were we too far gone that she wouldn't care? But the sound of her ass slapping against my lower abdomen shook me out of the thought. “Fuck it,” I think I said out loud as I increased the speed of my thrusts. “Yes baby,” she cried, “Yes, god yes. Come for me baby. Come inside me.” Before I could protest, she added, “It's fine. I'm protected. Just come. Come deep inside me, please!” I continued pumping her pussy until I felt that familiar tingling sensation at the base of my cock. I started tensing up, “Oh fuck, I'm coming!” I thrust one final time and stayed there as far in her as I could while my sperm erupted from my dick, filling the depths of her pussy. She gasped, “Oh god, I can feel you filling me up so much!” She wasn't kidding, because just a few seconds later I felt the wonderful mix of her juices and my cum spilling out of her pussy. I took a step back, then pivoted so that I was leaning against the table next to her. “That was,” I gasped, still trying to guess what she looked like under the mask, “insane.” Slowly, she rose off the table, the loincloth slipping back down on its own to cover her bare ass. “Seriously,” I said, watching as she silently stepped over to pick up her cloak and gloves, “please tell me who the hell you are. Or that we can meet up again?” She made her way to the door and stopped. Her hands slowly made their way up towards her helmet and grasped it on both sides. And then they dropped back down. “If you find me,” came the ominous voice from under the mask, “then we will see.” She opened the door, where I caught a glimpse of her friend waiting, and slipped out. The door closed behind her, leaving me in the room in a daze with my pants half way down my legs and my flaccid, wet dick now feeling the chill of the storage room's air conditioning. Realizing there was no one outside guarding the room anymore, I quickly zipped up, gathered my costume accessories and got the fuck out of the room. I stumbled into the hallway and made my way quickly back to the convention hall. Naturally neither girl was anywhere to be seen in a crowd of other cosplayers and attendees. I made my way out of the convention center, back through to the hotel and came up to my room. And that's where I am right now. Like I said, I tried calling you. And then I opened my tablet and started writing. Needless to say I have no clue who won the cosplay contest. Maybe Deadpool/Eleven. And of course I can hear you saying, “I think I pretty much 'won' anyway!” LOL But seriously, I have to find her again. There's two more days left to the con. I'll keep you posted, cuz. Love ya! By AlexRaistov, for Literotica

Jeremy nearly died on this one. A massive elk. And one of the clearest reminders that God wants to speak—even in the middle of the wilderness.Jeremy just got back from an intense hunt that almost ended in disaster, but through it, God reminded him of something powerful: it's okay to enjoy what He's made you to love.In this episode, we talk about how God meets us in the things we're passionate about, why hobbies matter, and how to hear His voice in the everyday moments of life.If you've ever questioned whether it's okay to spend time or money on what you enjoy—this one's for you.Ordinary Movement is a discipleship platform that equips men and women to be disciples who make disciples. Our focus is on supporting small groups led by ordinary/everyday Christians. We have specialized discipleship tracks that center around Intimacy with Jesus, Intentional Relationships, and Multiplication. Groups are designed for individuals to easily engage in leading groups.Ready to be a disciple who makes disciples?If so, come and join us!Visit ordinarymovement.com to learn more!#discipleship #disciplemaking #disciple

Your customers are changing because of AI. But so are you—whether you realize it or not. Host Dan Nestle welcomes back Mark Schaefer, whose new book How AI Changes Your Customers reveals a transformation most people aren't prepared for. As one of 300 futurists who contributed to Elon University's Being Human in 2035 study, Mark brings insights beyond the usual AI hype. Mark and Dan explore the psychological rewiring that is happening as AI reshapes human agency, empathy, purpose, and trust. They confront the choice everyone faces: use AI to augment your thinking, or delegate so much that critical skills atrophy. This isn't another "AI will save us" or "AI will ruin everything" conversation. It's a balanced look at implications most people haven't considered—like algorithms becoming decision-makers, with conversion rates from AI referrals 23 times higher than those from traditional SEO. Listen in and hear about... The psychology of AI and how humanity is being rewired Choosing between augmentation and delegation in your AI usage Why algorithms are becoming your actual customers The loss of agency, empathy, and purpose when we depend too heavily on AI How AI reveals patterns you didn't know existed through intellectual archaeology Notable Quotes On The Psychology of AI: "No one's talking about the psychology of AI that literally before our eyes, humanity is being rewired. The psychology of human beings is changing." - Mark Schaefer [00:08:13 → 00:08:28] On Attention Spans: "Don't tell me people don't have a long attention span. The problem is they're being more selective. You've got to earn it. So it's not that they have a short attention span. You, You've got a short interesting span. They're abandoning you for something else." - Mark Schaefer [00:15:38 → 00:15:53] On The Power of Vulnerability: "What this world is lacking is a real human voice, friendly, accessible, vulnerable. And think about the power of that. To really be human. You've got to be. Have a sense of vulnerability. But we don't get that from brand voices. Very, very rarely. And think of the opportunity to stand out, to be audacious, to just by flubbing up once in a while, just by admitting you made a mistake every once in a while." - Mark Schaefer [00:27:37 → 00:28:05] Resources and Links Dan Nestle Inquisitive Communications | Website The Trending Communicator | Website Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack Dan Nestle | LinkedIn Mark Schaefer Mark Schaefer | Website and Blog How AI Changes Your Customers | Book (Amazon) The Marketing Companion | Podcast Mark Schaefer | LinkedIn The RISE Community | Apply to Join Timestamps 0:00:00 AI's Impact: Dan's Intro and Use of NotebookLM0:03:03 Mark's Reaction: AI Enables Bolder, Creative Work0:05:16 Mutual Mentorship and AI Experimentation0:07:29 Mark's Book: Humanity's Changing Psychology with AI0:09:12 Agency, Empathy, Intimacy, and AI Decision-Making0:11:41 AI Search: GEO, Marketing to Algorithms0:13:02 The Golden Age of PR: Credibility and Authority0:15:13 Attention Span Myth & Content Selectivity0:17:21 Volume vs. Quality: Content for AI and Humans0:19:35 Cumulative Advantage & Brand Authority in AI Era0:21:42 Personal Brand Building: Quality is Essential0:23:13 Earning Social Signals & Genuine Content0:25:47 AI Editing, Strategic Awkwardness, and Vulnerability0:28:46 Challenges for Corporates: Embracing Awkwardness0:31:20 Feelings as a Competitive Advantage0:35:28 Transcendence: Artful, Long-Form, and Human Content0:37:56 Respecting the Reader: Content Length & Value0:39:55 Hopeful AI: Augmentation, Mentorship, Markbot0:42:24 Real Education & AI: Preparing Young People0:42:46 Closing Remarks: Book Recommendation & Mark's Links (Notes co-created by Human Dan, Claude, and Castmagic) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when toxic attachment feels like love? Maggie opens up about an 11-year relationship marked by addiction and emotional chaos, uncovering how her father's betrayal shaped her patterns and need to rescue others. ✨ Topics Covered ✨

If you've ever felt that wave of panic when he suddenly pulls away… this episode will change everything.Melissa Peters - relationship and feminine embodiment coach - unpacks the Masculine Cycle of Intimacy™ - a framework Melissa coined - that helps women understand why men need space after connection and how that space can actually strengthen love instead of destroying it.What looks like emotional unavailability is often emotional regulation — and when you know how to meet it with grounded, feminine energy, you stop chasing and start magnetizing.

 Iris and Sam have a sexy ‘deflowering' party for two, on Halloween. by MoonlitOpal. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. “Yep.” I placed the box on the table beside the couch, then stood before Sam and slowly took off my dress. I was trembling with excitement, and as his hungry stare moved over me, I felt my nipples harden beneath my bra. “You're beautiful, Iris,” he whispered. I grinned and went to Sam, leaning forward so I could give him a deep kiss. Then I climbed onto the couch, kneeling beside him. Without speaking, I began trying to unfasten his pants, but my hands were shaking so much, I struggled with the simple task.I was grateful when Sam took over. Once he had his pants and underwear down around his thighs, I stared at his erection, which pulsed in time with his heartbeat. Looking up at Sam again, I saw that his gaze was pleading, full of the same need overtaking me, and I wanted more than anything to make him feel good. Extending my hand, I wrapped my fingers around his cock, and it twitched in my grasp. As I began gently stroking, Sam let his head fall back, a low groan emerging from deep in his throat. I delighted in the silkiness of his flesh. Sliding the pad of my thumb over his cock head, I felt a drop of moisture. My mouth watered when I thought about tasting it. Eagerly I leaned forward, brushing my lips against his tip. Now Sam was trembling, too, and his obvious excitement made me brave enough to swirl my tongue all around the lovely mushroom head. The slight saltiness of his skin combined with a trace of sweetness from his pre-cum. “Iris,” he moaned while brushing my hair back from my face. Grasping his erection, I planted kisses along the entire length of him. I inhaled his scent, which only heightened my arousal. I was soaking wet between my thighs. Finally I wrapped my lips around Sam's throbbing cock. The sound of his heavy breathing competed with the volume of the television, and the flickering light from the screen fell on my face as I did my best to pleasure him. I wasn't able to take much at first. As soon as his cock reached the back of my tongue, I had to suppress my gag reflex. He was careful not to thrust his hips, instead letting me set the pace. While saliva trickled from my mouth to coat his cock, I stroked him, then lowered my lips until I reached my hand. “Ah, fuck!” he cried. “Iris, that feels so good!” I'd never heard Sam swear before, and I took it as a compliment. He seemed lost to his lust, and to the feel of my licking and sucking and stroking. I tried again to take him deeper, exhaling as another inch of his cock disappeared between my lips. It was then that I felt Sam caress my back, his fingertips running along my spine. While I fondled his balls and used my tongue to give plenty of attention to the underside of his cock, he reached between my thighs. I moaned when he began rubbing me through my panties. At first, his touch was a little too low, but I wasn't about to lift my head from his cock and give him directions. Then his fingers homed in on my clit, and I moaned even louder, letting him know he'd reached just the right spot. “I love how wet you are,” he told me in a guttural voice. I was glad he found it exciting, because my body seemed intent on producing a copious amount of lubrication for my first time. As Sam continued massaging my clit, I shivered from the sheer pleasure of it, and I realized I wanted him to come in my mouth. I wanted to feel him orgasm while my lips were wrapped around his cock. “Iris, I'm close,” he suddenly warned me. I heard his gasp when I continued sucking, hollowing my cheeks in the process. “Iris, oh God!” I moaned, letting him know I didn't want him to hold back. He let out a loud cry, and his whole body tensed as the first rope of semen landed on my tongue. Quickly I swallowed, tasting the hot saltiness of it. More soon followed, and despite my best efforts, it was impossible for me to get it all down. Some escaped my lips, but I didn't raise my head until Sam was completely spent. Finally I sat up and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. He stared at me, seemingly transfixed. “Was that okay?” I asked. “That was fucking fantastic!” he panted, still catching his breath. “My God, if you're a virgin, how did you learn to do that?” “By reading how-to articles and watching porn,” I confessed with a grin. Sam laughed, then pulled me close so he could give me a gentle kiss. “Thank you for that,” he whispered against my lips. “I enjoyed doing it,” I whispered back. “It made me excited, knowing I was exciting you so much.” His eyes were full of affection as he regarded me. “No pressure, but if you still want tonight to be our first time, it won't take me long to get hard again,” he revealed. “Now that's good to know,” I said, then tilted my head back while Sam's lips traveled over my neck. “What should we do in the meantime?” “I think we should see if I can make you come while my face is buried between your thighs,” he replied, his breath warm against my skin. I released a whimper, unable to hide my eagerness as I nodded. Sam stood and began to undress. Sitting on the couch before him, I was far too impatient to go slow. Instead, I hurriedly reached behind me to unhook my bra before casting it aside. The cool air greeted my erect nipples, making them even harder, and Sam fixed his stare on my breasts. I couldn't resist cupping them in my hands and pushing them together for his benefit. “Iris, you're killing me,” he groaned. I watched as he pulled down his boxer briefs and stepped out of them. Now that he was completely nude, I allowed myself several long moments to take in the gorgeous sight. Like me, Sam would be considered average by many people, yet I found him so sexy, I'd already creamed my panties. That thought reminded me I still had on my wet underwear. Snapping out of my lust-filled daze, I yanked off my panties, then spread my legs wide. Sam wasn't joking when he told me it wouldn't take him long to get hard again. He was already semi-erect, and as I planted my feet on the edge of the couch, keeping my knees bent, his gaze settled between my thighs. For a long moment, Sam studied me, as if he wanted to commit the sight of my naked body to memory. Then he began stroking his cock, his chest rapidly rising and falling with each shallow breath. When Sam moved toward the table to my right, I thought he was reaching for the box of condoms, but he only turned on the lamp. I tried not to flinch in the sudden light, for it had been far easier to be uninhibited in the shadows. “I want to get a good look at you,” he said in a husky voice, then knelt before the couch and leaned forward so he was at eye level with my most intimate place. I fought the urge to close my legs and hide myself. “I can't wait to taste you,” Sam whispered, drawing a fingertip between my wet, swollen inner folds. His mere touch brought a cry from my lips. As he lowered his mouth to my thigh and licked my skin, I knew he could was gathering traces of my juices on his tongue. His kisses were gentle while he traveled upward. By the time his mouth was just above my clit, I was writhing on the couch, desperate for him. Sam's eyes met mine. “Let me know what feels good, and what you want me to keep doing,” he murmured, and I readily nodded. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. Of course I'd imagined how this would feel, but imagining was worlds apart from actually experiencing. I was convinced I'd enjoy it, yet I wondered if it would be all that much different from the sensation I derived from touching myself. But oh God, it was different! As Sam sucked at my smooth outer lips, drawing them into his mouth, I couldn't hold back my mewls of pleasure. He gently spread me open with his fingers, and I stared down at him, my eyes widening when his tongue slid from my entrance to my clit. “Yes!” I cried. My hips began their rhythmic rocking, as if I were already fucking. I heightened my bliss by fondling my nipples, rolling those peaks between my fingers. Sam gazed up at me, and the blatant lust in his eyes made a shudder course through my body. The sound and feel of his eager lapping at my folds, and the warmth of his mouth mingling with my heat, was almost enough to make me orgasm right then and there. But he was far from finished with me. His lips gently circled my clit, almost teasingly, before he began lashing the swollen nub of flesh with his tongue. My plaintive cries filled the room. “Sam, oh God, keep doing that, please!” I begged. He happily complied, working his tongue against my clit at a relentless pace. I buried my fingers in his hair, resisting the urge to press his mouth even harder against me. Yet he seemed to sense what I needed, for he grabbed my hips, holding me firmly to him. My face was hot, and my breasts heaved as I breathed hard and fast. “I'm gonna come!” I wailed. “I'm so close!” Sam moaned at my words, showing my clit no mercy. The stimulation was almost more than I could bear, but my thighs began shaking, signaling that my body was about to surrender to a powerful orgasm. The first spasm caused me to arch my back and raise my hips. “Sam… oh, fuck!” I managed to shriek before falling silent and allowing the blissful contractions to seize me. I felt awash in ecstasy, never wanting it to end. Then it suddenly became too much. Still shaking, I squirmed in Sam's grasp. “I can't, oh it's too sensitive!” I managed to moan. He lifted his head, smiling as he gazed at my swollen clit. His expression made it clear that he was quite pleased with my helpless state. When he sat next to me on the couch, I noticed he was fully erect once more. I was breathing hard, yet I readily accepted his kiss. “Do you want to wait a little while?” he asked, smoothing my hair back from my flushed face. I quickly shook my head. While my clit was temporarily overstimulated, the rest of my body was another matter. Deep in my core, I throbbed with the need to take Sam deep inside me. This time he did reach for the condoms. I watched eagerly as he took one from the box. Though he was a virgin, he knew how to put it on correctly, and he winked at me while rolling the condom down the length of his erection. I grinned, making no attempt to hide my excitement. When Sam was ready, I started to lie back on the couch, but he grabbed my hand, and I looked at him expectantly. “Why don't you straddle me?” he suggested. “Then you can control the pace while taking me inside. The last thing I want to do is hurt you.” He was breathing faster, anticipation and lust clear on his face, yet he was putting my needs first. Stroking his cheek, I nodded before moving to plant a knee on either side of him. As I hovered above his cock, I took a deep, steadying breath. “I'm a little nervous,” I revealed with a shy smile. “I understand,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “Just take it slow, okay? No rush.” “Okay.” I placed my hands on the back of the couch, bracing myself while balancing on my knees. Sam took hold of his sheathed cock, and I waited for him to guide the tip directly to my opening so I could sink down upon it. Instead, he gently slid it between my inner lips, coating it with my juices. I was so wet, we didn't need lube. When Sam's cock grazed my clit, I released a needy whimper and knew no amount of discomfort would stop me from taking every inch of him inside. When he positioned his cock right at my entrance, I began lowering my body. “Ooh!” I released a soft cry as the head stretched me. Trying to hide my wince, I swallowed hard, then took another deep breath and kept going. My body was ready, more than ready, but I still had to move slowly. Sam gazed up at me, his expression rapt. I heard his groan of pleasure when I managed to accept the tip of his cock. There was a little pain, yes, but more of a sensation of pressure, of tremendous stretching. I knew Sam's cock was beautifully, perfectly average, but at that moment, it felt massive as it penetrated me. Then Sam was all the way inside, and I couldn't hold back a relieved smile while I settled down upon him. He smiled, too, then leaned forward to kiss me. I moaned into his mouth; I wondered if he could feel me trembling. At first I was afraid to move, afraid it would hurt. Sam appeared to read my mind, for he repeated, “No rush.” Then he reached between my thighs and gently rubbed my swollen clit. By that point, it wasn't as tender, and I took pleasure in the stimulation. “Oh, that feels so good,” I groaned. “You feel so good.” And he did. Though I hadn't yet begun to move, I derived a deep satisfaction from being so completely filled. As Sam's breath came faster and his mouth found mine once more, I realized he was shaking, too. Was it hard for him to remain still while he patiently waited for me to get used to his cock inside me? Finally I worked up the nerve to begin moving, my hips taking on a slow, rhythmic pace. I kept him almost all the way inside, not brave enough to try sliding up and down his length, but as Sam's features contorted with ecstasy, I knew he loved the way I gently rode him. With his fingers massaging my clit, he lowered his mouth to my left breast and took my nipple between his lips. “Oh God, yes!” I cried. It was as if my body had become a singular pulsing current of bliss, and my hips began moving faster. Sam let out a loud groan, which was muffled by my breast. A thin layer of sweat covered my skin, and I grew even more excited by the feel of his mouth sucking my nipple. When Sam lifted his head, he gave me a pleading stare. “Iris, oh… oh fuck, I'm not going to last!” His words were edged with something like panic. Seeing as how it was his first time, too, I certainly didn't expect him to hold out long. “That's okay,” I assured him with an affectionate smile. “Don't hold back, Sam.” While rolling my hips, I basked in the raw pleasure of the act. I could feel my own orgasm building, and soon Sam and I were both quaking, on the verge of release. His groans and my cries were loud enough to make me glad Nora was out for the evening. I felt Sam tense just before he came. His eyes locked with mine, and I gasped when he bucked his hips, driving his cock deeper inside me. He gave a helpless shout as he climaxed, his jaw slackening. Yet even in the grip of his orgasm, he continued rubbing my clit, determined to make me come. “Yes!” I wailed, surrendering to him then: to his fingers, his cock, and his stare full of bliss. A low scream escaped my lips as I reached my orgasm, my body wracked by delicious spasms. My muscles clenched around Sam's cock again and again, and he released a low groan. His breaths were shallow, and his face was flushed. Finally my contractions subsided, and as much as I wanted to nestle up against Sam and bask in our post-orgasmic satisfaction, I knew I couldn't. After giving him a quick kiss, I sat up, and he held the condom in place so it wouldn't slip while I eased myself off of him. Sam looked down at his slowly softening cock, and then he looked at me and grinned. “My God, that was incredible!” he said. “It sure was,” I replied, my grin mirroring his. Then I wondered if I was bleeding; I was only a little sore after our first time, but I figured I'd better check just in case. “Be right back,” I told him, then hurried to the bathroom to relieve myself. Wiping between my thighs, I discovered I hadn't bled at all. Next it was Sam's turn to clean up, and while he was in the bathroom, I put on my bra and panties. Grabbing a blanket from the back of the couch, I sat down and wrapped it around me, and I realized I couldn't stop smiling. Whatever the future might hold for me and Sam, I knew I would never regret him being my first. He returned to the living room, giving me a sweet grin. I watched as he pulled on his underwear and pants but didn't bother with his shirt. Then he settled on the couch next to me, and I draped the blanket around him as well. Sam wove his fingers through my hair, giving me a deep kiss with plenty of tongue. Though I'd just come twice, my body immediately responded to him. He held me close, and I sighed with contentment, resting my head on his shoulder. I noticed another film had begun on the television, this one featuring what appeared to be a werewolf rampaging through the night. “Thank you, Iris,” Sam whispered, interlacing his fingers with mine. “For everything.” “Thank you for making my first time so wonderful,” I whispered back. Sam turned to look at me, his gaze tender. “Sex with you was absolutely amazing,” he said, “but I'd like this to be more than just sex. I enjoyed every minute of tonight with you.” I beamed at his words, then planted another kiss on his mouth. “I want that, too,” I told him. “Oh, and just so you know?” he said with a grin, and I looked at him expectantly. “Halloween is now officially my favorite holiday.” To be continued.. by MoonlitOpal for Literotica

Have you ever wondered why, even after divorce, your ex still feels energetically present in your life? Divorce isn't just the end of a relationship... it's a profound emotional, energetic, and spiritual transition. Long after the legal papers are signed and the physical separation is complete, many people remain unconsciously bonded to their former spouse, feeling stuck in emotional patterns, attachment, or resentment that blocks healing, peace, and future love. In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, I sit down with Joanna Shakti, the Soul Love™ Mentor and founder of Ecstatic Intimacy™, to explore how to release energetic ties after divorce, reopen your heart, and rebuild your capacity for healthy, authentic connection. Joanna brings decades of expertise in masculine-feminine dynamics, conscious separation, emotional healing, and spiritual intimacy, offering compassionate guidance and practical tools for breaking free from lingering bonds and stepping into a life rooted in self-love, clarity, and empowered choice. If you're ready to reclaim your emotional autonomy, release the lingering energy of your past relationship, and open your heart to possibility — this conversation will support you every step of the way. Connect with Joanna: Free Gift: Ecstatic Intimacy Jumpstart Kit With your 4-part Ecstatic Intimacy Jumpstart kit you'll ignite confidence, connection and chemistry on the path of Soul Love. Your kit includes the "Soul Love Roadmap", Conscious Masculine and Feminine Assessments, tips for the bedroom and much more!: https://ecstaticintimacy.com/intimacy-jumpstart/ Facebook: facebook.com/EcstaticIntimacy Instagram: instagram.com/joanna.shakti YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DateCamp Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joannashakti X: https://x.com/JoannaShakti Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/joannashakti/ Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com Free Divorce Support Network Gift: https://divorcesupportnetwork.com/jbdpod

How do you bring a dying marriage back to life?In this episode David Miller explores the ten essential steps every man should take when his relationship is on the brink.From brutal honesty and personal responsibility to sacred vows and the power of playing the long game, you'll discover why the key to getting her back starts with getting yourself back.Key Takeaways:- ~[00:00] Conflict is a mirror; marriage forces you to face buried wounds and invites you into growth.- ~[03:00] Step 1: Be honest about what's happening; Step 2: Take ownership; Step 3: Be vulnerable.- ~[05:00] Responsibility and compassion go hand in hand — stop judging and start understanding.- ~[10:00] Remember your sacred vows and practise empathy; your partner's soul needs to be seen.- ~[14:00] Inner work is non‑negotiable; one person's growth can transform the entire relationship.- ~[19:00] Play the long game; resist quick fixes and hold space for your partner's pain.CTA: Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or watch on YouTube.  Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a man who needs guidance.

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is Dr. Claudia Six. Money and sex are two of the hardest topics to talk about, and yet the ones that touch every relationship. Dr. Claudia Six has spent decades helping people open up about both, and what she's learned may surprise you. In this episode, she shares how her unique path from growing up in Paris to counseling Silicon Valley entrepreneurs has shaped her understanding of connection, vulnerability and the role money plays in our lives. Raised in the vibrant streets of France and now a beacon of sexual health in the Bay Area, Dr. Claudia Six brings over three decades of expertise to her private practice as a Clinical Sexologist. Fluent in the languages of both English and French, yet free from the stereotypical French accent, Claudia's approach to therapy is as direct and compassionate as her life's journey from Paris to San Francisco. Educated with a Master's in Counseling Psychology and a PhD in Clinical Sexology from the prestigious Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, Dr. Six is not just a therapist; she's a pioneer in her field. Her credentials, including board certification by the American Board of Sexology, underscore her commitment to excellence and her passion for helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of intimacy. Author of "Erotic Integrity" and a sought-after speaker, including a TEDx talk on 'Performance Anxiety in Women', Dr. Six has made significant contributions to the discourse on sexual health. Her practice is a haven for those grappling with a spectrum of sexual and relationship issues—from mismatched desires to the intricacies of performance anxiety. Dr. Six's philosophy is straightforward: "Nobody is broken." She believes every sexual and relational challenge makes perfect sense within the context of an individual's life story. Her therapeutic style is candid, authentic and aimed at putting clients at ease, even when discussing the most vulnerable topics. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Six is a mother, an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco, and a member of professional organizations like the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality and AASECT. Her work, both clinical and academic, is driven by a profound belief that understanding and addressing sexual health is integral to one's overall well-being. To learn more about how Dr. Six can assist in transforming your relationship or sexual health, visit her at www.drsix.net or connect with her on social platforms where she shares insights on fostering intimacy and sexual wellness. Remember, with Dr. Claudia Six, it's never just about sex; it's about the bigger picture of how we show up in the world.

Ever felt the ground give way beneath your life and, somehow, found renewal waiting in the dark? We go there with astrologer Melanie Reinhart as we explore the Eighth House—where loss, endings, and the mysteries of descent turn into a deeper kind of aliveness.We begin with a radical reframing of “death” as the series of mini-deaths that define a lifetime: the mask that falls away, the role that ends, the image we can no longer carry. Melanie brings in Asclepian dream rites to show how healing arrives when we stop managing and start listening. Dreams don't just offer messages; sometimes the dream is the medicine. From Persephone and Inanna to Hermes the psychopomp, myth becomes a living map for honoring thresholds, accepting uncertainty, and noticing the signs that mark true initiation.Intimacy takes center stage as a gateway into the Eighth House. Not all sex is eighth-house, and not all eighth-house intimacy is sexual—what matters is transformation through real energetic exchange. We contrast this with polite arrangements that function but never descend. Along the way, we tackle death denial through the story of Sisyphus: chain up death and you lose meaning. Accept the descent and something winged rises—Pegasus from Medusa's body—foreshadowing the Ninth House's authentic meaning-making that cannot be faked or fast-tracked.This is a guide for moving from the illusion of separateness toward the radiance of love. It's practical, too: don't dig aggressively for shadows; let the underworld emerge. Create sacred space, honor fatigue, keep a journal, and treat dreams as sacred visitors. If you're navigating grief, midlife, or a season of deep change, this conversation offers language, myth, and gentle practices to help you walk on the soul's terms.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who's in transition, and leave a review to help others find these conversations. What threshold are you standing at today?* Blurb generated by Buzzsprout's AICover artwork: John William Waterhouse - The DanaidesJoin the Newsletter! Podcast Musician: Marlia CoeurPlease consider becoming a Patron to support the show!Go to OnTheSoulsTerms.com for more.

There's lots of marriage advice available on the internet but which advice is helpful and which advice is not. On the podcast this week, I discuss a perspective to marriage advice you may have not heard before but can probably definitely relate to. Give it a listen and see if it applies to your relationship. 

How do we deepen our union and communion with Jesus in everyday life? In part two, Stasi and Elaine share practical ways to cultivate intimacy with God by learning to rest, listen, and walk with him moment by moment through Scripture, prayer, worship, and the quiet turning of our hearts toward love.…..SHOW NOTES:…..If you haven't listened to Part 1, you can do so here: YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/47yhgW2⁠Wild at Heart App:  ⁠https://wahe.art/48GMonq⁠VERSES: Matthew 11:28 (NIV) – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) – Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.John 10:27 (NIV) – My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.John 15:15 (NIV) – I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends……..Stasi & Elaine's Go-To Resources for Drawing Closer to GodBook: Experience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God by John Eldredge  ⁠https://amzn.to/4jEwBZ7⁠Book: Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times by John Eldredge  ⁠https://amzn.to/4ose0RV⁠The Pause App – specifically the Experience Jesus 20-day program   ⁠https://www.pauseapp.com/⁠Worship: Stasi's spotify playlist  ⁠https://wahe.art/47d6p2s⁠Book: Opening the Divine Treasure Chest: Your Pathway into God's Presence by Eric Gilmour  ⁠https://amzn.to/48EHffH⁠Book: Love Him: He lives where He is loved by Eric Gilmour  ⁠https://amzn.to/4nX146F⁠Book: To His Feet: A Call to Be Lambs by Eric Gilmour  ⁠https://amzn.to/4nUKlkh⁠Book: Ekklesia Rising: Visitations from Jesus Revealing the Truth and Power of Who We Really Are by Liz Wright  (Book) ⁠https://amzn.to/4orH1Nr⁠ or (App) ⁠https://lizwright.org/shop/ekklesia-rising-activations⁠…..ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWild at Heart App –  ⁠https://wildatheart.org/app⁠William Augusto – Instrumental Worship Music ⁠https://wahe.art/48GgAPs⁠The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis –Quoted: “Turn to God with all your heart and you will see the kingdom of God come to you…”  ⁠https://amzn.to/4otMhjG⁠ Henri J.M. Nouwen – Life of the Beloved – Quoted: “Our inclination is to show our Lord only what we feel comfortable with. But the more we dare to reveal our whole trembling self, the more we are able to sense that His love, which is perfect love, casts out our fears.”Jeanne Guyon – Quoted: “Prayer is nothing else but the sense of the presence of God. It is the enjoyment of God Himself, and the deepest union of the soul with Him.”…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4h8DelL⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ⁠

You love each other. But somewhere between the chaos of life and the comfort of routine… something's missing.She's craving more. More depth, more presence, and more intimacy. He thinks everything's fine.That space in between? That's the pleasure gap.In this episode of the Get Your Sexy Back Podcast for Couples, we open a real, raw conversation about how to close the gap: emotionally, energetically, and sexually, so you can rediscover a connection that actually feels alive. What You'll Hear in This Episode:What the “pleasure gap” actually is and why it's not just about sex, but about emotional and nervous-system disconnectionWhy do so many women lose their desire, and how can safety, presence, and effective communication reignite itWhat is the truth about men and misunderstandingWhat is the importance of having the courage to speak what's unsaid, and how can honesty rebuild trust and intimacy fastWhat are simple, powerful ways couples can reconnect, even after years of disconnection or resentmentThe pleasure gap isn't something to fix; it's something to feel through, together.When safety and presence return, desire naturally rises again. Our Group Couples Retreats at Phoenix Rising are now open for registration.Here's what you can expect:• A lakeside sanctuary with space to slow down and breathe again• Daily practices that build intimacy, presence, and passion• Support from us in an intimate, like-minded group• Nourishing meals, cozy fires, and private moments together with no distractions• The chance to take everything you're learning back into your bedroom…and feel the differenceIf you've been waiting for the right time, this is it.Come and see how much more is possible for your relationship.Only 5 couples. First-come, first-served for your room selection (GeoDomes or cottage rooms).

On today's episode, we have Darshana Avila (she/they) join us for a conversation all about erotic exploration. Together we talk about the connection between your eroticism and vitality, becoming a professional pussy stroker, and learning to receive pleasure.

P*rn*graphy is destroying lives, families, and faith — but one Catholic priest isn't afraid to confront it head-on. In this powerful episode of The Covenant Eyes Podcast, Fr. Jonathan Meyer (Archdiocese of Indianapolis) joins Karen Potter and Theo McManigal to talk openly about the spiritual, emotional, and relational impact of p*rn*graphy—and the path to real freedom in Christ.

Can You Have It All: Passion, Intimacy, and a Happy Marriage? Join us on this episode of Shameless Sex as we dive into the world of intimate marriages with the incredible Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD, aka "The Intimacy Doctor." With her extensive experience in helping high-achieving couples ignite their passion, sensual connection, and erotic intimacy, you'll want to take notes. Here's what you'll learn from this episode: • The surprising reasons why intimacy often fades in long-term relationships (and it's not just about marriage) • How to keep the spark alive in a long-term relationship whether married or not, with and without kids • The importance of the initial courting phase and how long you should date before tying the knot • Top tips for maintaining intimacy in long-term relationships, from a leading expert in the field • How to prioritize your relationship and make time for each other, even when life gets busy As a physician coach, Intimate Marriage Expert, and best-selling author, Dr. Alexandra has helped countless couples transform their relationships. With her expertise and warm demeanor, you'll feel inspired and empowered to take your relationship to the next level. By tuning in, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be in an intimate marriage, and how to create a relationship that's juicy, erotically alive, and deeply nourishing. Plus, you'll learn how to avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to intimacy fade, and how to keep the spark alive even when life gets in the way. And, as a special treat, Dr. Alexandra shares her top tips for keeping the spark alive, including one surprising activity that will make you laugh and maybe even blush... So, what are you waiting for? Tune in and get ready to ignite your passion and intimacy! Dr. Alexandra has been featured in top publications such as the New York Times, Huffington Post, and Rolling Stone, and has been named one of the "Top 10 Relationship Experts to Watch in 2023" by LA Weekly Magazine. She's the host of The Intimate Marriage Podcast and the creator of the Aligned & Hot Marriage program. To learn more go to https://www.alexandrastockwell.com IG: @intimacydoctor FB:@intimacydoctor Youtube: @intimacydoctor Tiktok: @intimacydoctor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrastockwell/ Link to her Relationship Check-ins: https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/checkins/ Get premium access to our behind the scenes episodes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shamelesssex.supportingcast.fm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Do you love us? Do you REALLY love us? Then order ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shamelesssex.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to snag your copy Support Shameless Sex by sending us gifts via our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Wish List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other links: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://Masterclass.com/shameless⁠⁠ Get 10% off + free shipping with code SHAMELESS on Uberlube AKA our favorite lubricant at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://uberlube.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get 10% off while learning the art of pleasure at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://OMGyes.com/shameless⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get 15% off all of your sex toys with code SHAMELESSSEX at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://purepleasureshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn about what you can do when you find yourself saying, “I don't know what to do to fix my marriage in this season.” | “Most couples don't fail because they don't care; they fail because they were never taught how to succeed.” —Anonymous Is it really possible to rekindle the spark and restore the “like-new” connection in your marriage? Yes it is! In the 6 Pillars of Intimacy, you will discover secrets that have transformed countless marriages. Its ideas are simple, practical, and powerful. You'll be inspired to look at your marriage through a new lens and be encouraged by its commonsense approach. Alisa and Tony DiLorenzo's proven approach to building intimacy in marriage will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your spouse – starting today. Click HERE to get your copy today! Links from today's episode: Join Intimacy Mastery Today Apply for Coaching With Alisa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Alexandra's conversation with Dr. Kristin Neff is all about self-compassion, an essential tool for your emotional well-being toolkit (and that's scientifically proven!). Dr. Kristen Neff, a trailblazer in the field of self-compassion research, introduces the three foundational pillars of self-compassion, illustrating how integrating all three of these elements empowers individuals to confront their inner critic and cultivate healthier connections.   The discussion delves into the biological and family of origin influences that shape our self-criticism, while also addressing the grief that may surface when embarking on a self-compassion journey.  You will also learn about Fierce Self-Compassion, and how we can lean into this action-oriented facet to be ambitious and to fulfill our life's purpose.You'll come away from this episode with:A deeper understanding of the three pillars of self-compassion and their impact on relationships. Insights into how practising self-compassion can cultivate self-love, foster connection, enhance intimacy, and reduce anxiety, shame, and isolationA new perspective on some common myths of self-compassion, such as:Are self-compassion and self-esteem the same thing? Is “self-compassion” just “self-pity” rebranded? Does practising self-compassion encourage people to not take personal accountability?Does embracing self-compassion mean we can't be ambitious or want to come in first place?Strategies for integrating self-compassion into your routine, with a simple starting point that Dr. Kristin Neff herself practices dailyResources worth mentioning from the episode:Learn more about Dr. Kristin Neff and Self-Compassion: https://self-compassion.org/Join the Self-Compassion Community: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-community/Fierce Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff: https://bookshop.org/p/books/fierce-self-compassion-how-to-harness-kindness-to-speak-up-claim-your-power-and-thrive-dr-kristin-neff/76d3f59a98e08da8?ean=9780062991065&next=tSelf-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff: https://bookshop.org/p/books/self-compassion-the-proven-power-of-being-kind-to-yourself-dr-kristin-neff/a22f80fa1a9efa3b?ean=9780061733529&next=tManaging Back to School Stress on MasterClass:  http://masterclass.com/backtoschoolContinue the conversation with Dr. Alexandra Solomon:Ask a question! Submit your relationship challenge: https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274Order Dr. Alexandra's book, Love Every Day: https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-every-day-365-relational-self-awareness-practices-to-help-your-relationship-heal-grow-and-thrive-alexandra-solomon/19970421?ean=9781683736530Cultivate connection by subscribing to Dr. Alexandra's newsletter: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Learn more on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alexandra.solomon/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

BOO!  I know I've been a ghost the last two weeks but I'm back and catching you up on all of my life happenings.  I'm also sharing how I think being a unicorn in the lifestyle skewed my view on a healthy sex life and how I plan to fix it through learning, and appreciating the many facets of intimacy!Get my favorite toys on TracysDog.com 20% OFF using code: CRAVERS20

On this episode, I am joined by Béa Victoria Albina, a trained nurse practitioner, master certified life coach, somatic experiencing practitioner and author of “End Emotional Outsourcing: How to Overcome Your Codependent, Perfectionist, People-Pleasing Habits.” Béa coined the term ‘Emotional Outsourcing', which describes our co-dependent, people pleasing and perfectionistic habits and how these behaviors cost us our joy, authenticity and true connection to self and others. In this episode, we talk about the cost of chronically and habitually outsourcing our sense of safety, belonging and worth. We dive into the root of these behaviours from a cultural and historical perspective and Bea shines a light on how we were trained up to be disconnected from the earth, magic and our own inner wisdom. Tune in to hear more from us on:How emotional outsourcing can influence all aspects of our lives and sense of selfThe true cost of people pleasing, perfectionism and codependency, and its root causesHow shifting to a place of trust is a liberating experience, and how to do thisTrad-wife culture and how to explore femininity as a gateway to empowermentEmotional outsourcing in a facilitator role and finding acceptance and surrender in the process of facilitationHow to learn the body's language through somatic experience and understanding where survival patterns come fromManaging text message overwhelm as a recovering people pleaserResources + LinksBéa Victoria Albina's book ‘End Emotional Outsourcing: How to Overcome Your Codependent, Perfectionist, People-Pleasing Habits'Béa's website beatrizalbina.com and Instagram @beatrizvictoriaalbinanpBéa's podcast ‘The Feminist Wellness podcast'My book, Root and Ritual: Timeless Ways to Connect to Land, Lineage, Community, and the SelfConnect with me on Instagram @beccapiastrelliTimestamps[0:00] What is Emotional Outsourcing [10:55] The Origin of Codependency and Emotional Outsourcing [14:39] Weaponized Femininity and Glorified Codependency [22:04] Facilitating without Emotional Outsourcing [29:28] Practicing and Embodying Self Trust [39:38] Navigating Boundaries and Intimacy [49:00] Managing Text Message Overwhelm as a Recovering People Pleaser [45:20] Bea's Book ‘End Emotional Outsourcing: How to Overcome Your Codependent, Perfectionist, People-Pleasing Habits'

Today, we're talking about how Christian couples can build deeper intimacy by turning awkward silence into simple, safe conversations. Nick and Amy McKinlay of Ultimate Intimacy share research-backed prompts, healthy masculinity traits, and ways to navigate power dynamics when desire is mismatched.• why communication is the core of sexual intimacy• how curiosity and vulnerability create safety• traits of healthy masculinity women find attractive• using prompts, card decks and the app to start talks• handling mismatched desire and power dynamics• finding the why behind resistance before the how• setting loving boundaries when one partner avoids• turning team mindset into daily connection• practical steps couples can implement todayFind the book, Let's Talk About Sex at shop.ultimateintimacy.com. You can download the app and access additional resources at ultimateintimacy.com or your app store. Send us a text

Intimacy in christian culture can be a hot topic, and Abby has had her fair share of worries and fears when in comes to sleeping with her husband. Why? She grew up believing it was bad. And when she got married, that mindset didn't magically disappear. Join Abby as she shares where she is at with intimacy as a married woman... it's not what you think.DISCLAIMER: If you are under the age of 18, please consult with an adult before listening.COUPLES CONTENT:Instagram - abbyndryanTiktok - abbyandryanYouTube - Abby and RyanLTK - abbyandryanSTRAVA - “Jesus Runners”PERSONAL CONTENT:Instagram - iamabbyluckett | ryaneluckettSubStack - abbyluckettPODCAST:YouTube - That's Life PodcastSTREAM ON ALL STREAMING SERVICES

“My trauma is no longer telling me what to do every day the way that it once was.” Vanessa Carlisle Dr. Vanessa Carlisle (they/them)—author, coach, educator, and longtime advocate for sex-working communities—joins me to explore healing after trauma, the complex overlap between sexuality and addiction recovery, and what it means to rebuild connection with self and others. We also discuss Vanessa's end-of-life care work as a death doula, the role of grief in recovery, and their new book Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy After Addiction and Trauma (co-authored with Dr. Stephanie Covington). Key Takeaways: Recovery & sexuality must talk to each other. Addiction treatment often sidelines sex and intimacy; Vanessa argues healing is stronger when trauma work and sobriety/harm-reduction progress together.   An inclusive roadmap. Awaken Your Sexuality centers women, non-binary, and gender-expansive people—and makes space for those with or without substance/process addictions who still carry trauma's imprint on intimacy.  Ditch the shame, keep the choice. Critiquing beauty culture isn't a license to stigmatize personal choices (Botox, fillers, femininity); acceptance means honoring each person's body story without sliding into trans- or fem-phobia.   Grief is part of sexual healing. Loss—of people, time, safety, or identity—often blocks connection. Naming and working through grief opens the door to pleasure, intimacy, and self-trust.   Lessons from end-of-life care. As a death doula, Vanessa notes common patterns near death (visions of loved ones, “trip” metaphors, altered communication) and offers reassurance to families navigating those moments.   Principled boundaries + language matter. Use people's pronouns, respect lived experience, and couple personal history with research-driven practice to reduce stigma and improve care.   Support the ecosystem. Pre-order or purchase from independent bookstores to keep vital third places alive. Buy Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma Amazon: https://amzn.to/46J3HkV Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781636340920   Connect with Vanessa Website: https://www.vanessacarlisle.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/vanessacarlisle/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #UncorkingAStory #VanessaCarlisle #AwakenYourSexuality #TraumaInformed #AddictionRecovery #SexualHealing #Intimacy #GriefAndLoss #DeathDoula #SomaticHealing #LivedExperience #BookTalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they speak about their marriage retreats and dive into the secret of divine intimacy with your spouse and with God! Resources: Divine Intimacy in Marriage - retreat Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS Avila-Institute.org/events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online