Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael J Russer

Whenever people talk about intimacy, their minds tend to drift automatically towards the sexual kind. However, there is so much more to intimacy than just the physical aspects — and the fact that so many people seem unaware of it means that now more than ever, it’s important to talk about it. After all, it is only through openness and being willing to listen that we achieve true intimacy, whether it’s with our acquaintances, our friends, our family, our significant others, and even ourselves. And so, before learning about how to handle and facilitate intimacy within our relationships, we must first understand what it is and what it requires.   Today, I share my thoughts on intimacy, focusing specifically on the need to be open and ready to listen with empathy in order to make it possible. I discuss the importance of being intimate with yourself, and how that opens the gateway to being intimate with the people you value most in your life. I share my personal experiences and stories regarding various kinds of intimacy over the years such as with clients, a colleague I hadn’t spoken to for a while, my family, and even with my pet. I also share the crucial aspects of intimacy and listening with empathy, and why intimacy requires a certain level of courageousness before it can happen.   “That is what fuels intimacy: An open heart of compassion, of empathy, of being moved by the world and by each other.” - Pripo Teplitsky     This week on Relationships! Let’s Talk About It:   Intimacy with others and with yourself. The importance of being genuine before you can be intimate with yourself. My recent interesting encounter with an old corporate colleague. The people I meet during the course of my professional career, and how intimacy plays a role in those encounters. Creating intimacy with your family, and its role in helping you be at peace. The difference between physical intimacy and emotional intimacy. How intimacy leads to our liberation. My experience at a memorable and unique workshop experience with my cousin. Taking risks to be intimate with others. Embracing self-compassion and self-appreciation. How my emotional bond with my father was forged through physical intimacy from a very young age and how it established the foundation for my perspective on intimacy today. Our tendency to be passive listeners to our partners and how it becomes a barrier to intimacy. The two crucial ingredients of listening with empathy. Intimacy with animals and the feeling of connecting with another species. The impact of being open to having an open heart and being vulnerable and present with your partner. How the poem, The Invitation, helps couples who are unsure about the level of intimacy they desire.   Resources Mentioned:   Creating Extraordinary Intimacy in a Shutdown World - Michael J. Russer’s TEDx Talk The Invitation - poem by Oriah Mountain Dreamer   Let’s Talk About It!   Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Relationships! Let’s Talk About It - the show to help you forge deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships with those around you. If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the show, and leave us a rating and review.   Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook at HeartShare Counseling, join our Relationships! Let’s Talk About It Facebook group, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Share your favorite episodes on social media to help others build better, more meaningful relationships.   And if our content has helped you forge deeper connections and more meaningful relationships, be sure to help support the show by visiting our Support the Podcast page!   Theme music “These Streets” provided by Adi the Monk   Relationships! Let’s Talk About It is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own great podcast - faster and easier - at Podcraft.com

Michael J. Russer and his beloved Jacqueline V. Lopez- Cancer Survival, Sex and Intimacy  Cancer is a frightening diagnosis - for both the individual, loved ones and friends.  How did Michael and Jacqueline find their way to maintaining emotional and sensual intimacy? This remarkable couple shares their journey through cancer, chemical castration, love, emotional healing and sensual recovery.

Michael J. Russer is an international speaker, TEDx Alum, author and intimacy expert.  He also is a survivor of two forms of cancer who, along with his partner, has discovered how to achieve deep, connecting and mutually fulfilling intimacy in the face of full clinical impotence. He has been interviewed on radio and TV many times and he is a featured weekly Sex & Relationship writer for MariaShriver.com (http://MariaShriver.com) Guiding Principle, Quote or Mantra [spp-tweet tweet="Be in the moment and be willing to feel everything."] Tripped Up in a Partnership His tendency to shut down and focus on his work ended up alienating his wife and family and eventually driving them apart. This experience led him to his Dream Woman project and his current partner. The “DUH” moment that changed your partnerships forever He went into business with a friend and mentor who was a silent partner but when they went to buy him out everything changed. The DUH moment was not having a written agreement, and it was a big mistake. Proudest moment in partnership Without a doubt it is his partnership with his life partner. Particularly due to a unique circumstance. Current Partnership that Has You Excited Michael’s decision to donate his time to speak to cancer survivor and their partners about regaining intimacy. What is the best partnership / relationship advice you have ever received? Never allow the word “performance” to enter your bedroom. Instead, replace that word with presence. Establish a base of emotional intimacy first. This requires full authenticity. Best Partnership Book or Resource (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1897238460/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1897238460&linkCode=as2&tag=speakofpartn-20&linkId=QQ4SYRAQ2INQJWJ6) The Presence Process: A Journey Into Present Moment Awareness (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1897238460/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1897238460&linkCode=as2&tag=speakofpartn-20&linkId=5JOPHVXN7XR74TAU) Interview Links - MichaelRusserLive.com (http://michaelrusserlive.com/) (https://speakingofpartnership.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Promo-Image-Michael-Russer-800x800.png)

Michael J. Russer is an international speaker, author and thought leader who also happens to be fully impotent as a result of prostate cancer. In turning what most would consider a huge tragedy into triumph, Michael considers his impotence to be one of the biggest blessings in his life. It is because of his impotence that he and his partner discovered an entirely new approach to experiencing levels of emotional and physical intimacy and connection that far exceeds anything either had prior. This show is broadcast live on W4CY Radio – (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (http://www.talk4radio.com/) on the Talk 4 Media Network (http://www.talk4media.com/).

Michael J. Russer is a fully impotent prostate cancer survivor who, with his partner, discovered the secrets to extraordinary emotional, physical and spiritual intimacy. He is an international speaker, author and the Founder and CEO of Heart Open LLC. He is dedicated to helping men, women and couples world-wide get their intimate life back bigger and better than ever before.