Podcasts about intimacy

How do I build more intimacy in my marriage?And is intimacy really the same thing as sex?In this episode of the Secret Habit Podcast, Shawn Bonneteau sits down with Tony and Lisa DeLorenzo of One Extraordinary Marriage to explore what intimacy actually looks like in a healthy Christian marriage.Tony and Lisa have been married for 26 years and have spent more than a decade helping couples understand marriage, communication, connection, and sexual intimacy. Their book, The Six Pillars of Intimacy, grew out of their own marriage and their desire to give couples a simple framework for strengthening their relationship as a whole.One of the biggest ideas in this conversation is that intimacy is much bigger than sex.Tony explains intimacy as closeness and connection, opening up a broader conversation about emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, recreational, and sexual intimacy.We also talk about how vague language can create confusion in marriage. Instead of simply saying, “I want more intimacy,” couples can learn to identify what they actually need: more emotional connection, better communication, more affection, or greater sexual intimacy. Clarity makes it easier to take action.In this episode, we explore:How to build more intimacy in your marriageThe difference between sex and intimacyWhy emotional intimacy mattersThe 6 Pillars of IntimacyHow communication creates connectionPractical ways to have better conversationsWhy intimacy is a learned skillHow couples can strengthen different areas of marriageWhere sexual intimacy fits into the bigger pictureTony and Lisa also share practical ideas couples can use immediately, including their “walk and talk” approach for creating meaningful conversations without making every serious conversation feel intimidating.One of the most encouraging parts of the conversation is hearing how small, consistent choices transformed their own marriage. Their message is simple: understand the principles, talk about them with your spouse, and then make them your own.About Tony and Lisa DeLorenzo:Tony and Lisa are the co-hosts of One Extraordinary Marriage, where they help couples make their relationship a priority and pursue greater intimacy in every area of marriage. They have been married for 26 years and have spent years teaching couples practical ways to strengthen communication, connection, and intimacy.Take the next steps with your recovery:*Take the free Heart Hunger Clarity QuizStart understanding what your heart may be hungry for beneath your pornography struggle, emotions, thoughts, and daily challenges.https://secrethabit.ca/quiz/*Book a Personal Recovery Plan SessionIf you know you need help, the Personal Recovery Plan is a focused conversation where we look at your story, patterns, Heart Hunger, and current season of life and build a practical strategy for moving forward.https://secrethabit.ca/personalrecoveryplan/*Download the Freedom Foundations Recovery GuideGo through Shawn's 14-episode teaching series covering pornography recovery, emotional maturity, the inner world, and lasting freedom.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tilH7mi7A2WV9vW6kvSMW0Api8P_QWbs/view?usp=drive_linkDisclaimer:The Secret Habit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Shawn Bonneteau provides coaching, not psychotherapy, counseling, medical care, or psychological diagnosis or treatment. This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical care. Please seek support from an appropriately qualified professional for clinical or medical concerns.Secret Habit Podcast | Christian Marriage | Marriage Intimacy | Emotional Intimacy | Sexual Intimacy | Marriage Communication | Christian Couples | Six Pillars of Intimacy | Porn Recovery | Porn Addiction Recovery | Healthy Marriage

In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Dr. Stormy Hill for a deeply personal conversation about aliveness, intimacy, sensuality, pleasure, and what it means to fully participate in your own life. Stormy shares the unexpected path that took her from medicine to occupational therapy and intimacy coaching, including her son's serious heart condition, the end of her marriage, and her discovery of Tantra and sacred sexuality as pathways toward embodiment, connection, and a more expansive understanding of intimacy.As Stormy approaches her 50th birthday, the conversation turns toward the second half of life, relationships, nervous-system patterns, what she calls “adaptive inertia,” and the ways we can unknowingly adapt to lives that make us smaller. She also shares her recent 85-mile hike around Mont Blanc, her return to writing poetry after nearly 25 years, and why she is shifting her measure of a meaningful life away from achievements and toward awe, creativity, receptivity, pleasure, and the question: what makes you feel most alive?Timestamps:[00:00:03] Welcome to The Observatory Podcast[00:00:18] Introducing Dr. Stormy Hill and the pursuit of aliveness[00:03:43] Expanding intimacy, pleasure, and sensuality beyond the bedroom[00:05:14] Approaching 50 and discovering the common thread of aliveness[00:07:46] Medicine, motherhood, and her son's rare heart condition[00:14:45] Tantra, sacred sexuality, embodiment, and the divine[00:19:18] Growth, the nervous system, and “adaptive inertia”[00:25:08] The second half of life, relationships, and creating what comes next[00:30:08] Turning 50, resilience, and hiking Mont Blanc[00:38:12] One long blink of a life and helping people feel more alive[00:40:02] Keeping score with the wrong scorecard[00:49:24] What makes you feel alive and the practice of intentional participation[00:52:05] Poetry, grief, and rediscovering creative expression[00:58:24] Letting go, receptivity, and making room for what comes next[01:03:29] Living now instead of waiting for laterNotable Quotes:“We are wired for growth, but we are also wired for pattern recognition.” - Dr. Stormy Hill [00:20:26]“We give this one long blink of an eye of a life if we're lucky, and how do we bring aliveness and pleasure and joy to it?” - Dr. Stormy Hill [00:38:14]“I was keeping score with the wrong scorecard.” - Dr. Stormy Hill [00:40:02]“What makes you feel most alive? What keeps you from feeling alive? And how about we do more of what makes us feel more alive?” - Dr. Stormy Hill [00:50:02]“You arrive in innocence, you lose your innocence, and then at a certain point in life you realize that you've been innocent all along.” - Scott Wright [00:57:40]“Nobody on their deathbed says they wish they worked more.” - Dr. Stormy Hill [01:03:29]Relevant Links:www.Instagram.com/docstormy1 — on IG for more on aliveness www.Drstormyschiller.com — for speaking inquiries www.Lovedeeplab.com — for intimacy coachingSubscribe to the podcast: Apple PodcastsProduced by NC Productions!

Show Notes: Are You Building a Fun Life? Founder freedom is not just about getting more time and money. It is about building a life you can actually enjoy. In this episode of The TriMetric Roadmap Podcast, Scott Landis and Jeff Jacob continue the Life Quality series with the fifth Life Quality factor: Fun & Recreation. This episode asks a simple but important question: Is the business actually supporting the life you set out to build? Scott and Jeff talk about how many founders become so serious, responsible, and consumed by the business that they almost forget how to enjoy life. Fun can start to feel irresponsible. Recreation can feel unproductive. Rest can feel like something that has to be earned after everything else is done. But if the business is producing revenue, opportunity, and responsibility, yet there is no room for joy, play, rest, hobbies, adventure, laughter, or recreation, then something is still out of alignment. Jeff explains that he refuses to not enjoy his life. That shows up in how he hires, who he works with, the boundaries he sets, and how he thinks about work, family, and purpose. He challenges founders not to wait until retirement to enjoy the life they are building. Scott shares that Fun & Recreation is one of the Life Quality areas he has had to be more intentional about. He explains that some people naturally gravitate toward joy, play, and adventure, while others are wired to carry responsibility, solve problems, and keep moving to the next thing. For those founders, receiving joy can take practice. Scott and Jeff also discuss why fun is not the opposite of discipline. Recreation helps re-create capacity. Healthy enjoyment can restore creativity, energy, relationships, and perspective. It can help the founder show up as a fuller, healthier version of themselves. They also connect this factor to founder freedom. If a founder cannot take a weekend off, play with their kids, go on a trip, enjoy a hobby, or laugh without guilt, then the business may still own too much of their life. Freedom is not just having options. Freedom is being able to enjoy them. Scott also speaks to founders nearing retirement or succession. After 20 or 30 years of building a business, identity can become deeply tied to the company. That makes Life Quality especially important. The goal is not just to exit the business. The goal is to know what kind of life the business has been helping you build. The episode closes with a practical challenge: start small. Put something on the calendar that gives life back to you. A date night, a hike, a round of golf, a game with your family, a recurring daddy-daughter date, or a simple moment of celebration can begin moving the needle. Because fun is not a distraction from the life you are building. It is part of the life you are building. In this episode: Why founders can forget how to enjoy life Why Fun & Recreation is part of Life Quality How responsibility can crowd out joy Why rest and recreation are not laziness How enjoyment restores creativity, energy, and perspective Why freedom is not just having options, but enjoying them How retirement and succession planning connect to Life Quality Why founders need to schedule joy before the business consumes every open space Simple ways to start rebuilding fun and recreation into your life Take the TriMetric Quiz at TriMetricQuiz.com. Next episode: Love & Intimacy — why founder freedom has to include the closest relationships in your life, and why success in business should not come at the cost of emotional connection at home.

What if we could know God more deeply, beyond what we know about him? In this episode, Stacey Burton turns the tables and interviews Stasi about what she is so passionate about - the message of her new book, The Ladder of Love: A Pathway to Emotional Healing and Spiritual Intimacy with Jesus, releasing October 6th! Together they explore how God draws us closer, rung by rung, from being clay in our Potter's hands to enjoying friendship with Jesus to, well, endlessly upward! Wherever you are on the journey, God is always inviting you closer to his heart.…..SHOW NOTES:…..Ladder Of Love: A pathway to emotional healing and spiritual intimacy with Jesus by Stasi Eldredge (Oct 6, 2026) Visit this link to preorder by October 5, and also claim your free Journaling Guide after ordering.  ⁠https://wildatheart.org/the-ladder-of-love⁠VERSES: Matthew 11:28 (NIV) – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Genesis 2:7 (NIV) – Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.Isaiah 64:8 (NIV) – Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) – For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.John 10:11 (NIV) – I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.Luke 15:4 (NIV) – Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?John 10:27 (NIV) – My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) – Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.Romans 8:17 (NIV) – Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.Psalm 25:14 (NIV) – The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.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, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.Song of Songs 8:5 (NIV) – Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I roused you; there your mother conceived you, there she who was in labor gave you birth.Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) – The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,Matthew 16:15 (NIV) – "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"John 17:3 (NIV) – Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.…..RESOURCESThe Daily Prayer from Wild at Heart – Also available within the Pause App or on the Wild at Heart App.  https://wahe.art/4e1NSIg…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube – ⁠https://wahe.art/4h8DelL⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://wahe.art/496zdfn⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ⁠

Could overthinking your husband be killing the intimacy and desire you're trying to get back?Friend, I did this for years and didn't even realize it.My husband would be quiet and I'd wonder, What's wrong? Is he upset? Did I do something?He wouldn't respond to something the way I thought he should and I'd make it mean he didn't care.Or he'd forget something I told him and my mind would go straight to, He never listens to me.Sound familiar?Here's what God has been showing me.Sometimes what creates the distance between us isn't what our husbands actually did.It's what we decided it meant.In EP 334: Stop Overthinking Your Husband and Do This Instead — 3 Simple Shifts to Rebuild Intimacy & Connection, I'm wrapping up my “Let Him... and See What Happens” series with something that has made such a difference in my own marriage.For years, I expected my husband to think like I think.Process like I process.Communicate like I communicate.And when he didn't, I interpreted him through the way I would think or respond.But he's not me.And honestly, sometimes when he says he's tired...he's just tired.

Yes, we're relationship and intimacy coaches. Yes, we just got married. And yes, we still fight.In Part 3 of our wedding series, we're taking you behind the beautiful ceremony and celebration to talk about the relationship we were actually celebrating that weekend.Because that relationship wasn't created on our wedding day. It was built through the beautiful moments and the messy ones. The triggers, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, uncomfortable conversations, repairs, and all the times we've chosen to find our way back to each other.The goal isn't to create a relationship where you never experience conflict.It's learning what to do when you do. In This Episode, We Explore:• Why do healthy couples still fight, and why isn't a conflict-free relationship necessarily the goal?• What happens when one partner needs space and the other needs connection during conflict?• How can you take space without turning silence, distance, or avoidance into another source of hurt?• Why does trying to determine who's right and who's wrong often prevent real relationship repair?• What does taking responsibility for your contribution to a fight actually look like?• How can understanding your triggers, nervous system, and conflict patterns create more emotional safety and intimacy?• Why can learning how to repair after a fight ultimately bring you closer and help you understand each other more deeply? The Relationship Behind the WeddingThe relationship we celebrated during our wedding wasn't built during the ceremony.It was built in the hard moments that came before it.In the times we got it wrong and came back.In learning to listen.In taking responsibility.In telling the truth about what we need.In choosing curiosity instead of immediately deciding the other person is wrong.A deeply connected relationship isn't one where you never get it wrong. It's about what you're willing to do next. Ready to Find Your Way Back to Each Other?This is a huge part of the work we do at Phoenix Rising Retreats.We help couples recognize the patterns that keep pulling them into the same cycles, communicate differently, ask for what they need and desire, repair what's been left unresolved, and create deeper emotional, physical, and intimate connection.Our final Group Couples Retreat of 2026 is November 5–9 at our private sanctuary surrounded by forest and lake in North Kawartha, Ontario.We also offer Private Couples Retreats and Virtual Couples Coaching for couples wanting more personalized or ongoing support.You don't have to wait until your relationship is falling apart to learn how to do this.Learning how to come back to each other may be one of the greatest gifts you give your relationship. Reserve your retreat spot here:

In this episode of Firm Foundation, Pastor Jonathan Dimanche explores the power and purpose of prayer. Discover how prayer brings us into intimacy with God, teaches us dependence on Him, and helps align our hearts with His will. Jonathan also shares practical ways to strengthen your prayer life and pray with greater faith, consistency, and purpose.

“The original sin of generative AI is having chatbots speak in the first person.” — Sherry Turkle Fifteen years ago, at the height of the social media boom, the MIT technology scholar Sherry Turkle came on the show to warn that we were now “alone together.” She was, of course, chillingly prescient. A decade and a half later, she warns in her new book Artificial Intimacy that if social media came for our attention, AI is now gunning for our human capacity for attachment. Who — or, more chillingly, what — do we become when we talk to machines? Turkle never quite says, but the implication is of a kind of Night of the Living Dead state in which we appear fluent and animated, performing the outward motions of intimacy, but there's nobody really home. Which is exactly what Turkle says the chatbot is. A machine trying, without much success, to be human. A chatbot has no stake in the real, Turkle explains. It can't love, for example, because that kind of empathy requires us to be enclosed in a body and have a fear of death. The increasing ubiquity of bots mimicking humans represents an emergency for humans, she warns. It explains both our epidemic of loneliness and today's culture of apocalyptic fear about the future of our species. Just as artificial intimacy is a misnomer, so it turns us into impossible creatures. Like those unicorns beloved by the very Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who are supplying us with these artificial creatures. Further Reading: •       Artificial Intimacy: Who We Become When We Talk to Machines by Sherry Turkle (Little, Brown Spark, September 29, 2026), with blurbs from Jonathan Haidt and Jonathan Franzen.•       Turkle appears on Keen On in 2011 to talk about being alone together.•       Alone Together (2011), Reclaiming Conversation (2015) and The Empathy Diaries (2021) — the earlier books, all discussed on this show.•       Turkle's recent Boston Globe op-ed arguing that AI has brought us to a state of emergency.•       Simulation and Its Discontents (2009) — her earlier study of what simulation does to how we think, the title borrowed from Freud.•       Earlier this week on Keen On: Richard Socher on why AI will unlock a new scientific renaissance, and the weekly editorial on who really governs AI — the optimists' side of this argument. Five Takeaways •       Simulated Love Is Never Love. Turkle's definition of the real thing: natural intimacy depends on human empathy, which requires someone who has lived a life, lived in a body, known pain and the fear of death, known passion and connection, and knows what it is to be little and grow up. A program has none of that, and no stake in the real. Her line, which she credits to children she interviewed years ago, does the work of a chapter: simulated thinking is thinking — if a computer beats you at chess, it beat you — but simulated love is never love. She goes further on the vocabulary: there is no relationship with a chatbot, and shame on her for having used the word. What there is instead is us projecting onto the machine what we wish it could be. She compares it to what psychoanalysis calls an as-if personality, someone who performs connection while empty inside — with one crucial difference. A person can be called to account and can change. A machine never can, and the better it gets at pretending, the worse it is for us. AK's reading of what she leaves unsaid: a kind of Night of the Living Dead state in which we appear fluent and animated, performing the outward motions of intimacy, with nobody really home.•       The Original Sin. The specific error, in her account, was letting these systems speak as “I” and “we.” We are evolutionarily primed so that the only voice ever to say “I” to us is another person, so the pronoun triggers us profoundly — and a companion app will happily say I love you, I care about you, we should go to the movies. Layer on the belief that pretend empathy is empathy enough, then aim the whole thing at children, and you have what she calls a state of emergency. Her sharpest example is what she describes as an unholy alliance between Disney, OpenAI and Mattel to put chatbots inside plush toys: a Mickey Mouse that tells a three-year-old I love you, I'm your person, what's going on with your parents? That, she says, is hacking the attachment system of a young child, and it will do irreparable damage, because in the earliest years you are forming an object relationship with something where nobody is there.•       Obsequious on a Slider. AK's challenge: the sycophancy complaint is overdone, because you can program these things however you like — he instructs Claude to be as heartless and critical as possible. Turkle's reply is the best moment of the hour. Telling a chatbot not to be obsequious is itself obsequiousness: you say don't flatter me, and it says sure, I won't. If AK asked her to spend an interview disagreeing with him because it makes better television, she would refuse — that is a person responding with her own agenda and her own values, and you cannot set it on a slider. At MIT, she notes, they are building exactly that slider, from sycophantic to feisty. On the rogue-AI incidents now in the news, her point is adjacent: a bot that will happily commit a crime demonstrates the gap, because it has no stake in whether the water is clean, the air is breathable or the child is safe. It is not the bot's fault. It is a program.•       Two Easy Markets. The elderly and the very young, she argues, are being targeted precisely because they are vulnerable: sell parents an AI best friend for every child, and pipe chatbots to isolated old people instead of funding senior centres, community groups and the third places where they might be together rather than alone together. The industry argument she now hears in every room is that there are no people for these jobs. Her response, which she says silences the room: take the money from one data center and put it into childcare for a city. She also notes the tell — Steve Jobs kept his own home a technology-free zone while selling iPads for every classroom, and Montessori and Waldorf schools are famously oversubscribed in Silicon Valley. But ...

The story of HIV prevention has changed dramatically over the past four decades. What was once dominated by fear and limited options has become a field shaped by scientific breakthroughs, greater understanding, and a growing appreciation of personal choice. Yet while medicine has transformed the ways people can protect themselves, one element remains as important as ever. Prevention depends on communication. Every intimate encounter involves two people, each bringing their own experiences, expectations, and preferences. Reaching a shared understanding is rarely as simple as it appears.

Modern dating is shifting as women prioritize safety and financial independence, while men navigate changing social norms. Relationship expert Susan Bratton highlights how long-term open relationships rely on clear communication, proactive STI testing, and balancing masculine and feminine expressions rather than rigid gender roles. Susan emphasizes that improving sexual health and intimacy requires replacing mainstream myths with technical skills, personal wellness, and open dialogue to build deeper connections.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/depraved-and-debaucherous--5267208/support.Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.comSupport KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of PodcastsFollow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!)Listen to KOP's other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast.Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVLDrop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

Learn about why a getaway begins before you pack your bags so you enjoy each other once you leave. | “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” —Alan Lakein 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: Apply for Marriage Coaching The 6 Pillars of Intimacy® Certified Coaching Program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is your relationship running on autopilot, derailed by misunderstandings, stress, or simply the exhaustion of daily life? Too often, we fail to recognize how the health of our brains—our most vital organ—directly shapes the way we connect, love, and even argue with those closest to us. What if the difference between disconnection and deep intimacy is all in your head—literally? In this episode, listeners will discover how brain health impacts everything from emotional regulation to sexual intimacy, and why tending to your mind's well-being is foundational for thriving relationships. The conversation explores how stress, fatigue, trauma, and even everyday routines influence the way we interact with our partners, sharing practical neuroscience-backed strategies to build resilience, practice self-awareness, and foster genuine connection. Dive in to learn why caring for your brain might just be the ultimate relationship hack. Dr. Majid Fotuhi, MD, PhD, is a world-renowned neurologist and adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins. In his new book, The Invincible Brain: The Clinically Proven Plan to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life (March 3, 2026 // Harper Wave), Dr. Fotuhi reveals that in just 12 weeks, it's possible to prevent and even reverse cognitive decline - at any age - in over 80% of patients.   Episode Highlights 03:30 The brain as the source of emotions and relationship reactions. 09:33 Personal awareness and communicating emotional states in partnerships. 11:30 Taking pauses: Self-check and sharing needs during stress. 13:43 The nervous system's role in stress, intimacy, and brain health. 19:33 Trauma, memory, and the brain's ability to rewire through experience. 23:15 Challenging old narratives and the power of cognitive behavioral change. 26:07 Metacognition: Understanding and questioning our perceptions. 28:43 Belief systems, relationship interpretations, and subjective reality. 33:36 Emotional vs. logical brain circuits and habits of thought. 36:45 Healing from trauma: Neuroplasticity and creating new life patterns. 40:47 Sexual intimacy: The brain's role in arousal, connection, and desire. 43:42 Stages of sexual arousal and gender differences in orgasm. 45:36 Building a healthy brain: The five pillars and empowerment strategies.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Pause and Check In: Before reacting in a relationship, take a moment to pause and ask yourself if your brain is in a healthy, rested state. Communicate Your State: Let your partner know when you are feeling tired, stressed, or grumpy, and request space or support as needed. Practice Metacognition: Develop insight into your own thoughts and reactions, recognizing that your perceptions are shaped by past experiences. Use Calming Techniques: Implement short breathing exercises, such as the 6-3-6 breath technique, to reset your nervous system and reduce stress in moments of conflict. Be Mindful of Sympathetic Overdrive: Identify if you are constantly in stress mode (rushing, feeling late, overbooked) and intentionally schedule downtime to invite the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") system. Engage in Brain-Healthy Habits: Prioritize exercise, optimal sleep, Mediterranean nutrition, stress reduction, and brain training for overall brain health and relationship functioning. Slow Down Intimacy: Extend foreplay and create a relaxed, affectionate environment before sexual activity to foster better physical and emotional connection. Challenge Old Narratives: Work with a therapist or on your own to identify and question limiting beliefs from your past, and consciously reinforce positive new pathways in your brain.   Mentioned The Invincible Brain (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The Invincible Brain Masterclass (free online course) The Invincible Brain App (Apple App Store link) (app) The Invincible Brain App (Google Play Store link) (app) Relational Health Assessment   Connect with Dr. Majid Fotuhi Website: drfotuhi.com Facebook: facebook.com/drmajidfotuhi X: x.com/drfotuhi YouTube: youtube.com/@DrFotuhi Instagram: instagram.com/dr_fotuhi LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/majid-fotuhi-md-phd TikTok: tiktok.com/@dr.fotuhi  

This week, I'm talking with board-certified sexologist Diane Mueller about bridging desire differences and building a sex life that feels good for both partners without chasing someone else's idea of normal. We explore how intimacy supports connection, how shame and old beliefs get in the way, and how to start the kind of sex conversations that actually bring you closer. • why “normal” is the wrong target and how to ask “are we happy and healthy” instead • how sexual intimacy supports bonding and lowers everyday irritation • widening the definition of sex beyond intercourse to reduce pressure and increase options • using novelty to break rigid sexual scripts and stay mentally present • the three pillars behind low desire: physical health, self-knowledge, communication skills • common physical factors including hormones and circulation for both women and men • spotting shame-based patterns and tracing a core belief with repeated “why does that matter” • shifting beliefs with a realistic “what else is true” replacement statement • starting sex talks with specific positives to build safety before making changes • resources from Diane including havehotsex.com and her yes, no, maybe checklist You have 2 more days to get a discount on the Intimacy Vault. This is a resource that includes submissions from 15 experts. Check out the details HERE.If this conversation encouraged you, would you do me a favor and share it with someone you love? Your spouse, a friend, or another couple who could use a little hope today. Send us Fan Mail

Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti has spent years entering the private worlds of people he had never met. In Toy Stories, he photographed children around the world surrounded by their favorite toys. In Home Pharma, he portrayed people alongside the medicines they keep at home. And for his CouchSurfing project, he traveled through 58 countries, staying with perfect strangers. https://gabrielegalimberti.com/projects/In this conversation, Gabriele Galimberti takes us behind the photographs and into the encounters that made them possible. How do you convince parents to let you photograph their children? How do you ask someone to expose something as personal as the contents of their medicine cabinet? And what happens when you arrive in a foreign country and put your trust in someone you have never met?We talk about photography as a way of meeting people and crossing cultural boundaries and about what these intimate encounters reveal about our homes, possessions, vulnerabilities and relationships with strangers.

We've talked a lot on the podcast and in our newsletters about what to do when your spouse doesn't want to talk. But what we haven't really done is explore all the ways “not talking about it” can negatively impact a marriage—and trust us, there are a lot.In this episode of the Ultimate Intimacy Podcast, Nick and Amy dive deep into the ripple effects that happen when one spouse shuts down communication. From emotional distance and resentment to sexual disconnect and lost trust, we break down each consequence and explain why ignoring issues doesn't make them go away.If you're in a marriage where difficult conversations feel impossible, or you find yourself avoiding talking to your spouse and having good communication, this episode is a must-listen. You'll walk away understanding why it matters so much to engage, and how even small steps toward communication can begin to heal your relationship.Tune in and learn:How not talking creates emotional walls between you and your spouseWhy unresolved conflict can harm intimacy and trustHow avoidance can affect your physical connection and daily interactionsPractical ways to encourage safe, honest conversationsDon't miss this episode if you want to stop letting silence undermine your marriage and start building the intimacy and connection you both deserve.

I speak with SHERRY TURKLE, MIT professor & Founding Director of the MIT Initiative on Technology & Self, author of Alone Together and Reclaiming Conversation, about her new book, ARTIFICIAL INTIMACY: Who We Become When We Talk to Machines. What do we lose by outsourcing emotional needs to machines? How much of the gaps we seek to fill with AI were made worse by social media? Preparing for this conversation, I felt overwhelmed at times by the challenges we face and the power of social media and artificial intimacy to take us away from our only hope, our humanity. You can learn more at sherryturkle.com 

Emotional intimacy and its role in marital sex.

Justin Patrick Pierce is back for his third round on Heart of Man, and this conversation is just as good as our first two...For those new to his work, Justin is a sacred intimacy teacher who co-founded the Yoga of Intimacy with his wife, Londin Angel Winters.Our first conversation touched on desire itself and how we can use it deliberately to enliven our love life...In our second, Londin joined us to explore keeping the fire alive long-term in partnership...And in this conversation, we examine the common conflict, especially within a lot of high performers:this persistent question around how we can feel more free, specifically how we can experience freedom regardless of our circumstances.Many men attempt to get there through external means, whether it's through building status, power, or influence.Others might pursue it through optionality with women: variety, and not wanting to be tied down to one woman.And what we examine is how the underlying pain of not feeling free and the actions we take from that place actually intensify the experience of not feeling free.We also explore how we can actually work with this inner conflict in ourselves through an exploration of the inner marriage.Here, Justin brings me through a guided practice:and this one gets raw. It gets real. It gets vulnerable, as I reveal the inner battles I was experiencing with myself before I left Bali.And if that's not enough, rest assured, things get spicy towards the end of our interview, where Justin offers us a preview of his upcoming book.In this conversation, discover:Why desire is a quiet rejection of the present moment, showing up as "not enough" or "too much"How a deck of cards took Justin from perceiving he feels nothing to becoming emotionally literateWhat the inner marriage is: the relationship between the part of you that judges and the part that feelsThe feelings that are often underneath a man's angerA live practice where Justin guides me through my fear before leaving BaliWhy no amount of success or recognition will make you feel seen if you cannot see yourselfHow to put your inner critic to work instead of being ruled by itA first look at the Seven Scales of Sexual Desire: grounded body, directive breath, and commanding voiceWhat stuck with me personally is how much of my own striving has been an attempt to be seen as a good man. To be of use. To be of value.And in our 15-minute practice together, I had the chance to find all of that acknowledgement in myself...This episode's for anyone who's chased freedom through success, status, or women, and still feels trapped.—Connect with Alex: ◼ Think we might be a good fit to work together? Schedule a free connection call: https://ahb8n7i1908.typeform.com/to/ddTCwpJP◼ Website: https://www.alexlehmann.co◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlehmann_/◼ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartofmanpodcast◼ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-of-man/id1697289478◼ Email: alexlehmanncoaching@gmail.com—Connect with Justin:◼ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.justinpatrickpierce.com/⁠◼ Yoga of Intimacy: ⁠https://yogaofintimacy.co/⁠◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinpatrickpierce/?hl=de◼ Read Justin's widely acclaimed co-authored book "Playing with Fire": ⁠https://a.co/d/0g8ovHdB⁠◼ Read The Awakened Woman's Guide to Everlasting Love: ⁠https://a.co/d/0fGmJZAA⁠◼ Join Justin's Live Online Group Calls:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/yogaofintimacy

Episode Overview:  On this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa Hadley Barrett speaks with Adam, an exercise physiologist, content creator (@balancedbyadam) and father of two, about being diagnosed with prostate cancer at just 43 years old.  Adam's story starts with a routine blood test. As an exercise physiologist with a family history of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease, Adam had been adding a PSA test to his own annual bloods since turning 40. At 42, his PSA jumped, a follow-up biopsy found early, low-grade, prostate-confined cancer, and Adam was left with a decision most men his age never expect to face: active surveillance or surgery.  Adam talks candidly about the mental toll of “watch and wait” the low mood, the twenty-plus kilograms he quietly put on over the following year, and how he kept what was really going on to himself, using a “bulking phase” story on social media as cover. He also opens up about using a GLP-1 medication (the same class as Ozempic and Wegovy) ahead of surgery, treating himself as a first-hand case study the way he often does for his followers.  Ultimately, Adam chose surgery, having a radical prostatectomy in March 2026. Melissa and Adam talk through the realities of recovery that rarely make it into the “you'll be fine, you're young and fit” conversation many men are given beforehand.    Throughout the conversation, Adam speaks openly about his marriage, his two young daughters, and how the diagnosis has changed the way he thinks about time, mortality and being present. He's also using the experience to shift what he talks about on social media, with weekly “Willie Wednesday” posts. ,   This is an honest, unfiltered look at what recovery can really look like for a young, fit man proof that “you'll bounce back quickly” isn't always the story, and that there's no shame in a slower, wobblier road.     In This Episode, We Cover  The mental load of “watch and wait” can be just as hard to carry as treatment itself  Recovery timelines for continence and erectile function are usually measured in months to a year, even for young, fit men   Pelvic floor physiotherapy matters just as much, sometimes more, for men who are already very fit, since an overactive pelvic floor can slow continence recovery  A supportive partner and open, age-appropriate conversations with kids can make a hard diagnosis easier to carry as a family    Key Message from Adam Be proactive rather than reactive. Know your family history, get your bloods done from 40, and don't wait for symptoms. And if recovery is slower than you were promised that doesn't mean something has gone wrong  it just means your journey is your own.  Resources & Links  Follow Adam's Instagram account: @balance_by_adam  Book a telehealth appointment with our sexual health nurse practitioners at https://rshealth.com.au/book-appointment or email admin@rshealth.com.au    We also have a free Resource Library, sign up for access here: https://rshealth.com.au/resource-library  For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com.au   Click here to shop for medical devices and other products mentioned on the show https://restorative-health-clinic.myshopify.com/   Click here to watch Melissa's YouTube videos: Melissa Hadley Barrett    Need Support?  At Restorative Health Clinic, we support men and their partners with:  Penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment  Erectile dysfunction  Vacuum pump and constriction ring education and prescription  Penile injection therapy  Intimacy and sexual recovery  Partner-inclusive support where appropriate  Practical, evidence-based strategies for rebuilding confidence and function    We offer telehealth consultations Australia-wide and internationally, making it easier for men to access experienced, compassionate support no matter where they live. If Steve's story sounds familiar, we would love to hear from you.    Restorative Health Clinic also has a psychologist-sexologist in the team. If you are struggling with the emotional or psychological side of erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer recovery, or intimacy, we can support you there too as an individual or as a couple.    Listen & Subscribe  If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review The Penis Project Podcast. Your feedback helps more men and their partners find these conversations. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app.  We also have a free Resource Library, sign up for access here: https://rshealth.com.au/resource-library  Connect With Us  We love hearing from real people navigating their health. If you would like to share your story or ask a question, get in touch.    Email: admin@rshealth.com.au    Websites:  rshealth.com.au   makehardeasy.com.au  melissahadleybarrett.com    Instagram:  @melissahadleybarrett  @restorativehealth.clinic    YouTube:  Melissa Hadley Barrett    TikTok:  @melissahadleybarrett    Facebook:  Melissa Hadley Barrett  Restorative Health Clinic    LinkedIn:  Melissa Hadley Barrett    TEDx Talk:  Watch on YouTube       

MIT professor and bestselling author Sherry Turkle has spent more than four decades studying our relationship with technology. Now she says we've entered a fundamentally new era: one where artificial intelligence isn't just helping us think—it's asking us to form relationships with it. In this conversation, Sherry joins Ginny to discuss her new book, Artificial Intimacy, and why AI companions, chatbots, and even AI-powered toys pose unique risks for children. They explore how outsourcing reading, writing, conversation, and emotional connection can “de-skill” young people, why solitude and boredom are essential for developing empathy, and what happens when friction-free relationships with machines begin replacing messy human ones. Sherry also explores AI friendship, grief technology, privacy, and why parents still have the power to push back. A timely conversation about protecting childhood, human connection, and the experiences that help us become fully human. Get Sherry's book here! ** A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them out below:  My Green Mattress: Visit www.mygreenmattress.com  and save 15% on your order during their Labor Day Sale. Plus, use code 1000hours for an additional $10 off your cart total when you purchase any mattress. BetterHelp: Visit  www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS  today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns IXL Learning - Head to www.ixl.com/1000hours to get an exclusive 20% savings on your membership Whisker - Take care of your cats while taking an additional $50 off bundles with code 1000HOURS when you shop www.whisker.com/1000HOURS  Looking for guided adventures that will blow you away with their attention to detail? Head to www.exploreworldwide.com and tell them 1KHO sent you! Muzzle Sleep Tape - Go to MuzzleSleep.com and use code 1000HOURS for 10% off.  Zenni Optical- Go to www.zenni.com/podcast  and use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your first order, plus free shipping on all U.S. orders over $65. Active Skin Repair - Don't forget to put this in your first aid kit! Visit ActiveSkinRepair.com and use the code 1000HOURS to save 20% on all Active Skin Repair products. Boll & Branch - Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/1000hours  with code 1000hours Ka'Chava - Go to https://kachava.com and use code 1000HOURS for 15% off your first order. Hey Polo - Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/1000hours or use code 1000HOURS and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wendy Strgar shares her personal journey and expertise on women's health, intimacy, and vaginal microbiome, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting women's sexual and reproductive health at every stage of life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wendy's journey and expertise02:21 Starting the conversation on women's health post childbirth06:44 The initiation question and long-term desire11:12 Wendy's book 'Love That Works' and relationship longevity19:34 The evolution of love and intimacy over decades24:08 Menopause and the myth of loss of sexuality30:16 Balancing sex, energy, and life stages40:35 Vaginal health and microbiome insightsSponsors: ANIMA MUNDI (COLLAGEN BOOSTER Powder | Dirty Rose Chai)OFFER: Anima Mundi is giving Feel Good Podcast listeners their largest discount of the year. It's a great opportunity to treat yourself or a friend to some soothing self-care by going to animamundiherbals.com and use the code: SOLLUNA20 for 20% off your purchase. USE LINK: animamundiherbals.com and use the code: SOLLUNA20 for 20% off your purchase.LMNTOFFER: Right now, for my listeners LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/FEELGOOD. That's 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT any LMNT drink mix purchase. This deal is only available through my link so. Also try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water.USE LINK: DrinkLMNT.com/FEELGOODWendy Strgar Guest Resources:Website: goodcleanlove.comBio: Wendy Strgar is a sexual health educator and loveologist. She is a featured writer and renowned speaker on the topics of love, sexual health, and positivity. Her work has been featured by Mindbodygreen, Bustle, StyleCaster, SheKnows, Galore, and Revelist, among others.She is the author of two books: Sex That Works: An Intimate Guide to Awakening Arousal, the companion to her first popular book, Love That Works: A Guide to Enduring Intimacy.Wendy is also an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Good Clean Love, a pioneer in the organic personal-care product industry. She launched Good Clean Love in 2003 after hearing from many women—and personally experiencing—the painful side effects of using petrochemical-based hygiene products. Today, Good Clean Love's products are sold internationally and endorsed by physicians nationwide for their safe and pure ingredients. A recent NIH-funded study found Good Clean Love's line of personal lubricants to be among the safest products in its class.Wendy has been married for 34 years and has four adult children who teach her heart to feel everything.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most entrepreneurs are taught how to build a business. Very few are taught how to build a business without losing themselves—or the people they love.In Part 1 of this special two-part Valentine's conversation, Dr. Alisa Whyte welcomes back Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, founders of Power Couples by Design™, for an honest discussion about the hidden cost of success.Together, they unpack why so many entrepreneurs postpone happiness while chasing the next milestone, how constantly moving the goalposts can quietly damage relationships, and why defining success only by revenue is one of the greatest traps business owners face. They also share deeply personal stories about loss, rebuilding life, relocating across the country, making courageous decisions together, and learning to enjoy life now instead of waiting for "someday."What We DiscussIf you're building a business, leading a career, or striving for more while trying to protect your relationships, this episode will challenge the way you define success—and remind you what truly matters:Magnifying Strengths & Weaknesses: Why entrepreneurial success amplifies both the best and hardest parts of life.The "Someday" Trap: Dismantling the dangerous myth of "I'll be happy when..."Ambition vs. Intimacy: How corporate and entrepreneurial ambition can quietly compete with your primary relationship.Life Now vs. Retirement: Why waiting until retirement to enjoy your life is often too late.Redefining Wealth: The importance of defining success on your own terms beyond revenue.Living Intentionally: How intentional alignment creates both stronger businesses and healthier relationships.This conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn't just measured by what you build—but by who you're becoming while building it.Exclusive Free Resource for ListenersFree Assessment: Tandem Marriage & Business Assessment — Discover where your business and personal relationship stand.Connect with Robert & Kay Lee FukuiOfficial Website: marriedentrepreneur.coBook: Tandem: The Married Entrepreneurs' Guide for Greater Work-Life BalancePodcast: Thriving In Tandem™ PodcastMedia Kit: Robert & Kay Lee Fukui Media KitMusic licensed through Soundstripe:Code: AEQTXJWIZYBD3DYF"Success becomes more meaningful when love and leadership grow in tandem."Send us Fan MailReady to turn your message into a profitable speaking career? Join Dr. Karim Ellis for a FREE live masterclass and discover the proven strategies to get booked, increase your influence, and build a speaking business that creates lasting impact and income. Reserve your seat today: https://thegpsspeakersacademy.com/freeclassSupport the show

Send Us a Message!What actually happens in the bedroom when you bring Tantra into your relationship?We decided to talk about it.In this episode of Wisdom Rising, Christine Renee sits down with her partner, Jim Macdonald, for a very real conversation about sacred sexuality—not as an idea or a spiritual concept, but as something they are actually living and exploring together.We talk about the beautiful parts, the awkward parts, the funny parts, and the deeply tender parts of bringing Tantra, Shamanic Reiki, embodiment, energy, and conscious communication into our intimate relationship.In this episode, we'll explore:• What Tantra actually looks like inside a real relationship• How we experience sexual energy as something that can move through the body rather than something we simply “use” to reach orgasm• Breath, movement, and sound as practices for awakening and circulating sexual energy• Anatomy, arousal, and understanding your own body as part of your orgasmic potential• Consent as an ongoing conversation—not just a one-time yes or no• The role of play, creativity, curiosity, and relaxation in pleasure• What happens when emotions, vulnerability, or unexpected energy arise during intimacy• Shamanic visioning, sexual magic, and the spiritual dimensions of sexuality• The importance of aftercare, nesting, and giving the body space to integrateWe also talk about the realities of teaching Tantra and creating spaces where people can explore intimacy, sexuality, energy, and embodiment with integrity. That includes the ethics and boundaries that matter when you bring this kind of work into workshops, retreats, and trainings.This isn't a step-by-step formula for having better sex. Some things simply can't be turned into a formula—and we don't think they should be. Instead, we're interested in what makes deeper intimacy possible: presence, trust, communication, curiosity, play, and the willingness to let go of performance.Because sacred sexuality isn't about becoming better at sex.It's about becoming more present to yourself, your body, your partner, your energy, and the experience you're actually having.And sometimes, that means getting really honest about what happens in the bedroom.We also share ways our workshops and trainings support this path, including upcoming offerings through Moon Rising Shamanic Institute and an Intro to Sacred Tantra training in Austin. You can find Christine's Substack here. If this conversation sparks something in you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. What's one thing you want to feel more of in your intimacy right now?Moon Rising Shamanic Institute Links:Website: https://moonrisinginstitute.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/moonrisinginstituteFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/moonrisingmysticsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonrising.instituteYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@moonrisinginstituteSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://moonrisinginstitute.kit.com/spiritguideBook a session with Christine: https://calendly.com/christinerenee/90-minutes-intensiveBook a FREE 10 minute connect call with Christine: https://calendly.com/christinerenee/10-minute-connect-call-srpt

We're all looking for love, but where we look for it matters.In John 4:4–29, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman searching for love and fulfillment in the wrong places. Her story reveals how our deepest longings can lead us toward relationships and intimacy that can never fully satisfy.As we continue 'You're Looking for Jesus,' discover how Jesus offers the love we've been looking for. You're looking for Jesus, and He's closer than you think.

Nilki is a Certified Life Coach specializing in sex, intimacy, and confidence coaching. With a background in massage therapy, her experience also draws on modern Western chiropractic theories and her extensive work in wellness and holistic Eastern practices. This background has shaped her coaching approach and helps clients live happy, healthy, connected lives. One foundational idea in her coaching is that meaningful change begins with self-awareness, which can mature into self-acceptance. Before we can build healthier relationships, stronger intimacy, or more confidence, we first have to be willing to understand what is actually true about us, including our desires, patterns, needs, shame, attachment tendencies, fears, and the parts of ourselves we may have learned to judge, hide, or suppress. Nikki is also the author of The Intimacy Archives, a library of thoughtful, straight-talking articles about sex, relationships, confidence, desire, communication, and the psychology behind how we connect, free from shame or judgement. Get ready to get intimate.

Send us Fan MailThinking about swinging? Before you start looking for events, downloading apps, or trying to convince your partner to give it a shot, you need to have a few conversations first.Dr. Stephanie sits down with Jason Lee of That Other Lifestyle for a RAW, REAL, UNFILTERED conversation about what it actually takes to navigate the swinging lifestyle in a healthy, respectful way.They dig into the culture and etiquette of the lifestyle, why swinging should enhance rather than repair a relationship, and why the word “convince” should probably disappear from conversations about opening a relationship.They also tackle some of the issues men don't always talk about: performance pressure, erectile disappointment, masculinity, friendships, hygiene, communication, and the expectations men bring into lifestyle spaces.In this episode:• Why you can't “convince” your partner to swing• Is swinging a hobby—or part of your identity?• Boundaries vs. agreements vs. rules• What are “vanilla swingers”?• Why opening a relationship won't fix an unhealthy one• Consent and etiquette in lifestyle spaces• Why men experience sexual performance pressure• Erectile disappointment and getting out of your own head• Toxic masculinity and male friendship• Hygiene, appearance, and what people actually notice• Why communication needs to happen before you ever enter the playroom• The importance of not “yucking someone else's yum”Whether you're curious about swinging, brand-new to consensual non-monogamy, or you've been in the lifestyle for years, this episode goes beyond the fantasy and gets into the relationship skills that make navigating the lifestyle actually work.Connect with Jason Lee:That Other Lifestylehttps://thatotherlifestyle.comConnect with Dr. Stephanie:Evolve Your Intimacyhttps://www.evolveyourintimacy.comRAW. REAL. UNFILTERED.Support the showEVOLVEYOURINTIMACY.COMSex Therapy |Travel | Retreats| Courses| Podcasts | Articles | Blogs, & VlogsAre you looking to enhance your sexual communication skills? Do you crave a safe space to explore your sexual desires with your partner but aren't sure where to start? Look no further than the Evolve Your Intimacy Podcast, hosted by the renowned Dr. Stephanie.Join Certified Sex Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Dr. Stephanie Sigler as she interviews top experts in the field of clinical sexology, veterans in the lifestyle, and popular influencers, bringing you the most accurate information regarding your sexual health and pleasure.NEW SHOWS EVERY SaturdayIf you enjoy the content we produce, show your love by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/evolveyourintimacy

The Feast of Tabernacles is the final Biblical feast, pointing toward the ultimate moment of closeness with God: the wedding supper of the Lamb where we will finally see Him face to face. It marks the day when we will no longer need teachers, for we will all know Him fully. In this culture of distraction, God is calling you into a deeper, personal relationship with Him. It's time to move beyond our dependence on others to experience God, and start drinking directly from the Living Waters ourselves. He is inviting you to tabernacle with Him today. Have a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles! Support Rise on Fire Ministries by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/rise-on-fireRead transcript

Being in your body is not just about feeling grounded, calm, sexy, peaceful, connected or alive. That is part of it. But being in the body also means being willing to feel what you have spent years trying to outrun. The tight chest. The grief. The anger. The ache. The old fear. The truth that has been waiting for you to stop long enough to hear it.So many of us say we want to be embodied, but what we often mean is that we want to feel the good parts of being alive without having to meet the uncomfortable parts. But the body does not work like that. The body holds what we have not had the space, safety or courage to feel. And at some point, coming home to yourself means coming home to all of it.This episode is about the difference between thinking about your pain and actually being with it. Because the mind can analyse, explain, justify, spiritualise and make meaning out of everything, but the body tells the truth in sensation. It will show you where you are bracing. Where you are protecting. Where you are gripping. Where you are still holding what your heart has not been able to put down.Being in the body is not about forcing yourself to heal faster. It is not about making pain pretty. It is about building the capacity to stay when something uncomfortable rises.The way back to yourself is not always soft and lovely. Sometimes it asks you to meet the pain you have been managing, numbing, performing over or pushing through.www.katjohn.com.auThe Membership WaitlistSupport the show

We're all looking for love, but where we look for it matters.In John 4:4–29, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman searching for love and fulfillment in the wrong places. Her story reveals how our deepest longings can lead us toward relationships and intimacy that can never fully satisfy.As we continue 'You're Looking for Jesus,' discover how Jesus offers the love we've been looking for. You're looking for Jesus, and He's closer than you think.

Want double the fun and pleasure? Being intimate with Christ can bring happiness into your life double time! -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Many couples think intimacy should just happen on its own — but what if that belief is harming your marriage? Today we dig into what the Bible actually says about consistency, connection, and why "spontaneous" might not be the correct goal.• Master marital communication: https://speak.fiercemarriage.com• Take the 31-Day Pursuit Challenge: https://31daypursuit.com• Pray for your spouse with intention: https://40prayers.comTo learn more about becoming a Christian: https://thenewsisgood.comIf this content helps you, please consider subscribing. New marriage and parenting videos weekly.Support: https://fiercemarriage.com/partnerSubscribe to audio: https://fiercemarriage.com/podcastSocials: https://instagram.com/fiercemarriage, https://facebook.com/fiercemarriageMore marriage content: https://fiercemarriage.comOur books and devotionals: https://shop.fiercemarriage.comTake online marriage courses: https://gospelcenteredmarriage.com For parenting resources and content, visit https://FierceParenting.comLet's be friends! Find Ryan and Selena on their personal socials. Ryan: https://instagram.com/ryan_fredhttps://twitter.com/ryanfredhttps://facebook.com/ryanfredSelena:https://instagram.com/selenafredhttps://facebook.com/selena.frederick

What if intimacy with another person begins with learning how to be intimate with yourself? Ian talks with Enneagram teacher and transformational coach Suzanne Dion, co-author with the late Dr. David Daniels of The Enneagram: Relationships and Intimacy, about vulnerability, self-acceptance, defense mechanisms, and the ways our personality patterns can keep us disconnected from ourselves and the people we love. Suzanne introduces David Daniels' Five A's of the Universal Growth Process—awareness, acceptance, appreciation, right action, and adherence—and explains how this practice can help us stay present when we're confronted with fear, shame, mistakes, and the painful gap between who we are and who we think we're supposed to be. It's a conversation about the undefended heart, the courage to be known, and what it means to cultivate a more spacious, magnanimous presence in our relationships.

Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page: The Hope of Heaven – Drawing from personal experiences and vivid imagery from Scripture, Joni Eareckson Tada helps readers grasp just how rich the hope of heaven is. She helps us understand why the Bible uses symbols to describe it and gives helpful answers to questions many readers may have. She paints a compelling vision of heaven as a place of restoration, beauty, and perfect communion with God – a vision that will rekindle our excitement about the true "happily ever after" that awaits us. Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping! *Limit one copy per person* --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Our question this week is - Would you have seggs with a robot? As loneliness rises and AI becomes increasingly woven into our relationships, Florence and Reed ask a very important question: what happens when technology can give us pleasure, companionship and even something that feels a little like intimacy? In this episode, we explore the future of sex, from AI companions and sex robots to the loneliness epidemic and whether technology could make pleasure more accessible or make real human connection even harder. We get into: - Seggs dolls vs seggs robots and what AI actually changes - AI companions, loneliness and the future of intimacy - Can technology provide pleasure without replacing human connection? - Why Gen Z and millennials are turning to synthetic intimacy - The benefits and potential pitfalls of AI seggs tech - We try out SensOn, an AI-powered interactive pleasure experience where stories, characters and physical sensations respond in real time - Plus we reveal whether we'd actually consider having seggs with a robot... This episode is sponsored by SensOn. Want to try it yourself? Use code CURIOUS15 for 15% off. SensOn AI Web - Explore the experience SensOn S1 - Discover the device Plus, Reed shares details of an upcoming k'nky, queer-friendly and sustainable marketplace in London, and we ask you the question that might define the future of seggs: Would you do a robot? Watch the full video on YouTube and see exclusive content and support the podcast over on ⁠⁠⁠Patreon ⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@comecurious⁠⁠⁠ and DM us your questions, stories and voicenotes! Follow Florence ⁠⁠⁠@florencebark⁠⁠⁠ Follow Reed ⁠⁠⁠@reedamberx⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Intimacy anorexia" is one of the most talked-about — and most misunderstood — terms in betrayal recovery. In this episode, I set out to understand it honestly, with one of the most credentialed voices in the field - Dr. Janice Caudill.This conversation is built for couples. Whether you're the betrayed partner or the one working to rebuild trust, we look at how intimacy breaks down, how to tell the difference between active withholding and a trauma response, and what realistic, body-aware recovery can look like when two people choose to heal together. It's a grounded, compassionate, and refreshingly honest look at a hard topic — with practical takeaways you can both carry into the week.Connect with Dr. Janice Caudill: Janice is a psychologist, licensed through PSYPACT for tele-therapy in most states. She is a certified Intimacy Anorexia Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist-Supervisor, Certified Clinical Partner Specialist-Supervisor, Certified Partner Trauma Therapist–Supervisor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She is one of the founding members of the APSATS, and participated in the development of a trauma model for partner betrayal. Janice is the founder of Intensive Recovery Healing and Intensive Recovery Coaching. Janice and Dan Drake are the authors of his and hers companion workbooks for helping couples navigate a therapeutic disclosure of sexual betrayal: Full Disclosure: Seeking Truth After Sexual Betrayal – 3 Volume SeriesFull Disclosure: Sharing the Truth After Sexual Betrayalhttps://intensivehope.com/info@intensivehope.comhttps://www.facebook.com/IntensiveRecoveryHealing?mibextid=ZbWKwLIntimacy Anorexia Freebies: https://intensivehope.com/resources/freebiesEnjoyed This Episode?⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Leave a Review

Fran Frye is a sex educator, counselor, and advocate for men's mental health. She helps men understand themselves sexually so they can have a more fulfilling life. She works with men who watch more porn than they mean to, feel gone from their bodies during sex, keep a secret sex life, or sit in the shower after infidelity thinking, "Why did I do that again??", and much more.Fran is a rape survivor, an athlete, and a death doula.We talk about the years she disappeared from her own body after she was raped in college, and how movement brought her back. We talk about arousal when we are actually angry, scared, or just flooded - and why 'getting off' does not answer what the body was asking. We get into the shame after cheating and after masturbation, the missing words for what you actually want in bed, porn as both a relief and a stand-in for sex you are not having, how Fran took her power back after harm, and the intimacy nobody wants to name when someone is dying.The way Fran sees it: You don't have a sex problem. You have a nervous system problem. Let's find out why -If you're ready to expand your mind and explore your body - please welcome to the fray: Junkyard Love special guest: Fran Frye.Fran's site: https://www.franfrye.com/*Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franfryecounseling/- Email: fran@franfrye.com- Based in Charleston / Mt. Pleasant, SC. Fran Frye, LLC.- Training: Sexual Health Alliance certified; Somatica Institute trained; Modern Sex Therapy Institutes trained; American Board of Sexology certified; compulsive-sexual-behavior focus; death doula trained.- Lived: sexual assault survivor; athlete; former military spouse; rape-crisis hotline + rooms (~3 years); human-trafficking prevention at Tampa International Airport; food-scarcity / soup kitchen volunteering in Tampa; hospice / in-home death-doula work; supports Veterans.- Practice frame in her own words: helps men break compulsive sexual behavior without shame, sobriety chips, or the word “addict.” Notable quotes from Fran during this chat:“You can only grow as much as you are honest with yourself.”“I support men in getting more of what they want in the bedroom.”“I had to become dangerously competent.”“The hurt hurt. There aren't necessarily bad people. They do maybe bad or unhelpful things.”“What we look for, we find. If I'm looking for men to be bad, damn well I'm going to find them.”“Men have changed my life drastically.”“When I was raped, I stopped moving. And that was deliberate.”“You don't have a sex problem. You have a nervous system dysregulation problem.”“The penis becomes that conduit for emotion. Sexuality is praised when you're a boy. Emotions are not.”“Not every time you feel this need to release does that mean you are horny and you need to use your partner as a masturbatory appliance.”“Take that pause… then come back to yourself and say, am I ready for connected, intimate sex?”“We lack vocabulary for getting what it is that we want.”“Porn is ideas, not information.”“I think we need to become friends with erotic material.”“Put on your oxygen mask before putting on the other's. That applies in sex.”“You are responsible for you. I am responsible for my orgasm.”“How can anyone use me? That's for me to give.”“I give myself in every sexual situation. I am there for me.”“There's power in knowing your pleasures.”“Sex and death are both states of transcendence.”“I've been accused of helping people live a little too long.”“Maybe you're just not with the right person.”“Form is important.”00:00  Intro00:15  Who Fran Is and the Men She Works With01:43  Why Men: Growing Up Athletic and Close to the Guys02:32  The Rape in College and Becoming "Dangerously Competent"03:13  Volunteering Her Way Back to Trusting People06:10  "Why Don't You Hate Men?"09:11  Movement as Medicine11:02  Tucson, Depression, and the Cannabis Turning Point14:16  Jacob on Cannabis, Yoga, and Coming Back to the Body18:30  What "Somatic" Actually Means19:07  The Rattlesnake That Was a Stick20:54  The Brain and the Body as Coach and Quarterback23:56  Boys Can See Their Erections. Girls Can't.25:58  The Fifth F28:24  The Body as a Conduit for Emotion30:38  Take the Pause Before You Reach for Your Partner31:52  Infidelity, Shame, and the Vocabulary We Never Got40:20  ADHD, Dopamine, and Compulsive Behavior42:54  The Myth of Sex Addiction: Maybe You're With the Wrong Person45:48  Porn and Masturbation in the Modern World48:50  "You Don't Have a Sex Problem. You Have a Nervous System Problem."52:05  When Porn Becomes a Problem Between Partners55:48  Radical Responsibility for Your Own Pleasure57:01  Titrate, Don't Quit: Becoming Friends With Erotic Material1:00:09  Healing From Rape Through BDSM and Power Exchange1:01:35  "Do We Coddle Survivors So They Stay Victimized?"1:04:00  "How Can Anyone Use Me? That's for Me to Give."1:06:24  Asking For What You Want Is the Hot Part1:11:57  Fran's Work as a Death Doula1:13:36  Intimacy and Dignity at the End of Life1:17:02  "I've Been Accused of Helping People Live Too Long"1:19:47  Paradox, and Taking What Resonates1:22:03  Where to Find Fran + ClosingJunkyard Love, unorthodox teachers, spiritual podcast, men's mental health, Fran Frye, shame, sex, nervous system, longform interviews, somatic healing, Jacob Rhines, Jake Rhines, mental health, self-help, healing, spirituality, 

Intimacy Without Shame: Desire, Communication & Sexual Wellness with Shruti LakhotiaIntimacy is an important part of wellbeing, yet conversations around desire, pleasure and sexuality are still shaped by silence, shame, social conditioning and unrealistic expectations.In this episode of 4 Questions with Luke Coutinho, Luke sits down with Shruti Lakhotia, Intimacy and Self-Love Empowerment Coach, for an open and honest conversation about intimacy, desire, self-exploration, relationships and communication.What does intimacy really mean beyond sexual performance? Why do many women find it difficult to communicate what gives them pleasure? How do attraction, past experiences and social conditioning influence the way we experience desire? And how can couples become more comfortable talking about their needs, boundaries and preferences?Luke and Shruti also explore sexual compatibility, libido, initiation, sex toys, self-awareness, attraction and the role of communication in creating deeper intimacy.Rather than prescribing what intimacy should look like, this conversation encourages greater awareness, education and honesty—so individuals and couples can understand themselves and each other better.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Introduction00:57 Communication & Pleasure04:32 Intimacy Beyond Performance09:00 What Drives Attraction?14:30 The Role of Sex Toys21:10 Initiation & Sexual CompatibilityIntimacy is not just about physical closeness. It can also involve trust, emotional safety, communication, self-awareness and the ability to express what we need.This is a conversation about intimacy without shame, relationships without assumptions, and understanding ourselves with greater honesty and empathy.

Hey Heal Squad! We're back with Nobody Wants This star Jackie Tohn, and today she gets incredibly candid about what life actually looks and feels like after a preventive double mastectomy following her BRCA1 discovery. She talks about waking up with reconstructed breasts, what surprised her about recovery, losing sensation in her breasts and nipples, and the complicated reality of knowing you made the right decision while still grieving the body you had before. And this one hit us: before surgery, Jackie did a nude photo shoot to document her breast, but she still hasn't been able to look at the pictures.But in true Jackie fashion, there was also a LOT of joy with her mastectomy. She takes us inside her hilarious “Boob Voyage” party, the incredible women who showed up for her, and the support system that carried her through one of the hardest chapters of her life.Then we lighten things WAY up and get into Nobody Wants This! Jackie spills on her castmates, her longtime friendship with Kristen Bell, what everyone is really like when the cameras stop rolling, and a truly insane prank involving Justine Lupe, Kristen and what Kristen thought was a jug of pee. Yes, you read that correctly.  HEALERS & HEAL LINERS You can know you made the right decision and still grieve what you lost. Jackie opens up about accepting her reconstructed breasts while admitting she still isn't ready to look at photos of her body before surgery. Healing doesn't have to look serious all the time. Jackie turned an incredibly difficult chapter into a “Boob Voyage,” surrounding herself with the people who loved her and finding moments of joy even when she was scared and grieving. Sometimes the people who've been through it become your greatest resource. Jackie shares how women who had already faced mastectomy helped guide her, and how she's now passing that same support forward to other women navigating their own surgeries. HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Heal Squad Website:https://www.healsquad.com/ Heal Squad x Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HealSquad/membership Maria Menounos Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/host Medjet: medjet.com GUEST RESOURCES: Follow Jackie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackietohn/ Watch Nobody Wants This: https://www.netflix.com/title/81591296 ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos' passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content (published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or http://Mariamenounos.com and http://healsquad.com) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company's Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.

Healthy relationship tips are not just about communicating better. They begin with understanding the patterns, wounds, and survival strategies shaping how you love and connect. In this episode of The Mystic Millionaire Podcast, Danielle Amos sits down with transformational advisor and relationship teacher Stefanos Sifandos. Together they explore conscious relationships, vulnerability, emotional intimacy, inner child healing, and masculine and feminine energy. They also discuss how telling the truth about what's happening within you can help you stop repeating old relationship patterns and create deeper, safer, more fulfilling love.About Stefanos SifandosStefanos Sifandos is an author, transformational advisor, and relationship teacher with more than 25 years of experience working with high performers, entrepreneurs, couples, and individuals. Blending behavioral science, trauma-informed practices, somatic intelligence, and spiritual principles, he helps people understand the deeper patterns shaping their relationships and create greater emotional freedom, intimacy, and connection. Connect with StefanosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanossifandos/Get his book, Tuned In and Turned On: https://tunedinandturnedonbook.com/ Ready to Create the Love You Actually Want?If you're ready to stop settling, break old relationship patterns, and create a more conscious and connected partnership, join the 3 Day Workshop to Stop Settling and Doubting and Attract Epic Soulmate Love.Join here: https://christinehassler.com/DanielleIf you're ready to take the next step, learn more and get started here: https://danielleamos.co/the-millionaire-method/Get exclusive access to powerful behind-the-scenes riffs Danielle only shares with her inner circle. SUBSCRIBE to unlock it now and go deeper with me here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/818893/subscribeThe Success Society is your gateway to an elevated life - an empowering community for driven individuals who are ready to align with abundance, success, and purpose. Join us for less than a cup of coffee per month! https://empress.danielleamos.co/the-success-society/Want to start working with Danielle? Book a complimentary strategy call with The Success Society Team. We're here to support you. https://danielleamos.co/contact-usYou can catch the video version of this episode on Danielle's YouTube channel. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@thedanielleamosOne conversation with Danielle can change your life. Access my free gift, Success Mindset Workshop, here: https://successmindsetworkshop.danielleamos.co/If you love this episode, please share it on Instagram, tag Danielle, and send a DM @TheDanielleAmos; We'd be so grateful if you could leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Support the show

What if the reason you feel more like roommates than lovers isn't because the love is gone—but because somewhere along the way, your marriage started getting whatever was left?You love your husband. You've built a life together. But now that the kids are grown, you may be wondering, “How do we get us back?” You miss the emotional connection. You miss romance. You want to feel desired again. And yes—you want your sex drive, physical intimacy, and passion back too.In this episode of Midlife Marriage Makeover**, I'm sharing 5 simple ways to get out of roommate mode and rebuild intimacy in your empty nest marriage—without trying to change your husband or recreate the marriage you had 20 years ago.**We're talking about how to:Make room for your husband again after years of putting everyone else firstCreate small moments that rebuild emotional connection and affectionSee your husband with fresh eyes and rediscover attractionMake physical intimacy, romance, and sexual connection part of this new seasonStop trying to get your old marriage back and start creating something even betterI'm also sharing a funny moment at the swimming pool that reminded me that after almost 35 years of marriage, there are still things to discover about the man you married.Your best years of intimacy, connection, romance, desire, and sexual closeness do not have to be behind you.Maybe you don't need to find your way back.Maybe it's time to Let Him Matter Again… and see what happens.Ready for personalized help with your marriage?I'm opening a limited number of spots for my 1:1 Midlife Marriage Intimacy Reset.If you love your husband and want more emotional connection, intimacy, romance, and desire but you're not sure what's keeping you stuck or what needs to shift, let's sit down together.We'll look at where your marriage is right now and create a personalized roadmap to help you move toward the marriage you deeply desire.Schedule your 60-minute 1:1 Midlife Marriage Intimacy Reset:https://calendly.com/monettesedberry/60minCome join my private Facebook community:Empty Nest Wives — Rebuilding Intimacy & ConnectionThis is where we continue the conversation about rebuilding emotional connection, intimacy, romance, desire, and creating an incredible marriage in the empty nest.Join us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1415703180172989

Learn about what it means to quietly quit your marriage, how to recognize it, and what you can do before the silence becomes permanent. | “Silence doesn't always mean peace. Sometimes it means someone has stopped trying.” —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: Apply for Marriage Coaching The 6 Pillars of Intimacy® Certified Coaching Program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What really keeps attraction alive in a long-term relationship? Legendary relationship expert John Gray joins Rebecca Whitman to reveal how hormones, communication, and emotional needs influence chemistry, connection, and lasting love. In this powerful episode of The Balanced, Beautiful & Abundant Show, the bestselling author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus shares practical ways to better understand your partner, strengthen intimacy, and keep the spark alive at every stage of love. John Gray is one of the most recognized relationship experts in the world, and this conversation takes a fascinating look at the biology and psychology behind lasting passion. Rebecca and John explore how hormones can affect attraction, stress, mood, and the way men and women connect. They also discuss why couples can love each other deeply and still misunderstand one another—and how learning to recognize those differences can create more compassion instead of conflict. John shares insights into what helps women feel supported and cherished, what helps men feel appreciated and connected, and why maintaining polarity, affection, and emotional intimacy matters in long-term relationships. Whether you're single, dating, married, or simply want to understand relationships on a deeper level, this episode offers game-changing insights for creating more love, chemistry, and connection. In this episode, you'll learn: * How hormones can influence love, attraction, mood, and intimacy—and why understanding your biology can improve your relationship. * Why men and women may respond differently to stress and emotional connection, and how to stop taking those differences personally. * What helps men and women feel genuinely loved, valued, and appreciated in a relationship. * How to keep attraction and passion alive over time instead of allowing romance to get lost in routines and responsibilities. * Simple relationship shifts that can create deeper intimacy, better communication, and more lasting chemistry. John's wisdom is a powerful reminder that lasting love doesn't mean the chemistry has to disappear. With greater understanding, intention, and connection, relationships can continue to evolve—and passion can grow right along with them.

What if you could have a rock-solid marriage in just 15 minutes a day? This is not a gimmick. Emotional disconnection rarely happens all at once. It happens through small, subtle shifts as work, kids, schedules, and the demands of life slowly pull us away from each other.In this episode, Dr. Josh shares the fundamental exercise he's seen help marriages grow by leaps and bounds. It's a simple daily practice he calls the 15-Minute Exercise.You'll learn:The simple daily question every couple can ask each otherWhy your spouse is a person to love, not a problem to solveThe three most powerful words to transform a difficult conversationHow to listen without fixing, defending, or becoming defensiveHow this simple practice can become a lifestyle rather than another item on your to-do listYour marriage doesn't always need a major overhaul. Sometimes it needs a two-degree shift.*Thank you to Bernhardt Watches for sponsoring this episode!Click here and be sure to use the code FAMOUS at checkout for $100 off your timepiece! https://www.bernhardtwatch.com/Show Notes: Looking for one-on-one coaching to be famous at home? https://www.famousathome.com/individualcoaching Men, sign up for the Living Legacy Cohort. Starts Jan. 2027. Seats are limited. https://www.famousathome.com/menscoaching Looking for a marriage intensive with Famous at Home? Apply now.  https://www.famousathome.com/coaching Get a copy of the Famous at Home book: https://amzn.to/4cm9mRS Follow Josh on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joshua.straub Sign up for our email list and Famous at Home Starter Bundle: https://www.famousathome.com/newsletter

Scott J. Sottile, a partner at the prestigious residential architecture firm Ferguson & Shamamian, joins the podcast to discuss his firm's new book, Transformations. Published by Rizzoli and written by Guy Trebay, the book highlights 15 distinct projects spanning from subtle restorations to radical rebuilds across the United States. Scott shares his deep passion for traditional architecture, which was cemented during his time studying Thomas Jefferson's historic designs at the University of Virginia. He explains how to preserve the historical integrity of an old home while ensuring it functions seamlessly for modern, multi-generational living. The Mark of Great Architecture: A successful historical renovation should look completely effortless and timeless, leaving no heavy-handed imprint of the current architect. The goal is to make it look as though the modern updates have always been there. Keep Buildings Alive: Historic buildings should not be "mothballed" or turned into untouched museums; they survive best when they remain active, useful, and adapted for contemporary life. Designing for Reality: Before renovating, homeowners must separate their aspirational lifestyle from their actual daily routine. Do not dedicate vast resources to massive entertaining spaces or chef-level kitchens if you only host twice a year and primarily order takeout. Scale and Intimacy: When dealing with large rooms, create small, intimate seating arrangements—like a pair of chairs by a fireplace or a cozy bay window—so the space feels comfortable for intimate conversations, not just a crowd of twenty-four. Finding a True Builder: Seek out a "builder" who understands the art and craft of construction, rather than just a "contractor" who pushes paperwork. Ask to tour projects they completed five to ten years ago to see how their hidden weatherproofing, finishes, and exterior technologies have actually held up against the elements. Elevating Historic Details: To achieve a historic look without an unlimited budget, focus on substantial millwork. Skip standard big-box trims and visit a local lumber yard for thicker, more shapely door casings, bases, and cornices inspired by historic pattern books. Additionally, major window manufacturers often have specific historical lines featuring traditional putty-stop profiles that add immediate gravitas. Also Mentioned: Transformations by Ferguson & Shamamian Architects. Follow on Instagram: @fergusonshamamian. Historic architecture resources: The White Pine Series, pattern books by Asher Benjamin, and the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) via the Library of Congress. Please send in your decorating dilemmas to podcast@ballarddesigns.net so we can help you with your space! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that jealousy can strengthen a relationship? That's what my podcast guest, Ally Iseman, believes. She's an award-winning creator, author, Certified Relationship Coach and Kink Aware Professional. Ally works with couples and individuals who are at transition points in dating and relationships. Whether they want to open their relationship to include more people, explore play parties together, or just open up more authentically to each other about their kinks and curiosities, Ally helps them open up without breaking up. In this episode:Is jealousy nature or nurture?How understanding jealousy can be beneficial to our relationshipsWhat jealousy tells us about ourselves and our partnersWhy some people get more jealous than othersConnect with AllyWebsite https://www.passport2pleasure.com/ IG https://www.instagram.com/allyiseman FB https://www.facebook.com/official.p2p YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@passport2pleasure TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@passport2pleasure Free Jealousy quiz: https://Thejealousyquiz.com ►Please subscribe/rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts http://bit.ly/lastfirstdateradio or Spotify https://tinyurl.com/lfdradio ►If you're feeling stuck in dating and relationships and would like to find your last first date, apply for a complimentary 30-minute breakthrough session with me https://lastfirstdate.com/application ►Are you really ready for the relationship you want? Take my Free Quiz https://lastfirstdate.com/dating-relationship-readiness-quiz/ ►Free Facebook for women https://facebook.com/groups/yourlastfirstdate ►Get my books: Becoming a Woman of Value; How to Thrive in Life and Love https://bit.ly/womanofvaluebook , Choice Points in Dating https://amzn.to/3jTFQe9 and Love at Last https://amzn.to/4erpj7C ►Submit your dating dilemma to be answered on my podcast https://tinyurl.com/datingdilemma ►Group Coaching: https://lastfirstdate.com/the-woman-of-value-club/ ►Website https://lastfirstdate.com/ ► Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lastfirstdate1/ ► TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lastfirstdate1 ►Get Amazon Music Unlimited FREE for 30 days at https://getamazonmusic.com/lastfirstdate