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In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes explore the common belief that NFP is the problem in Catholic marriages. They share personal experiences and discuss how the true issue is often a lack of non-sexual intimacy. The conversation offers practical tools for cultivating emotional closeness and connection outside the bedroom, helping couples reconnect and feel united, even during seasons of abstinence. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Please take a moment to rate and review Charting Toward Intimacy! It helps other women find the podcast and transform their marriages. 

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway explores the Feast of the Immaculate Conception through a powerful and rarely considered lens: the sanctity of the sexual union that conceived Mary. She reflects on how Anne and Joachim’s openness to grace reveals God's profound affirmation of the dignity of sex within marriage.

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Please rate and review Charting Toward Intimacy! It helps other women find the podcast and benefit from it!

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway dives into the damaging expectation that your husband should be able to read your mind (especially when it comes to emotional and sexual needs). She explores why this belief undermines true intimacy and reframes what genuine, loving actions look like in marriage. Ellen breaks down the importance of asking clearly for what you want, and how your husband's choice to respond, even reluctantly, can still be deeply loving. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Last chance to get courses at Vines in Full Bloom. These will no longer be for sale after November 30, 2025

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes explore the difference between eroticism and holy sex, drawing insights from Dr. Gregory Popcak's book Holy Sex. They discuss how purity culture, shame, and cultural misconceptions distort our understanding of sexual pleasure and God's design. This conversation unpacks what it means to embrace your full self in the bedroom, how arousal and intimacy work together, and why holy sex actually grows more joyful over time. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Vines in Full Bloom Courses right here! 

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway dives into the struggle of making time for sex in the midst of a packed, modern-day schedule. She challenges the cultural norm of constant busyness and offers a clear, practical strategy for prioritizing intimacy. Ellen explains why spontaneity might be sabotaging your sex life and how intentional prioritizing can reignite desire and connection in marriage. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Get the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here! 

So many Catholic women secretly struggle with body image, but few realize how deeply it’s sabotaging their desire for intimacy. In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen unpack how negative thoughts about your body directly impact your sex life, why losing weight doesn’t automatically fix body image issues, and how to begin healing your mindset so you can show up more confidently and joyfully in the bedroom. They talk about the spiritual side of body image, how the devil uses self-hatred to divide marriages, and practical ways to rebuild trust—in God, your husband, and yourself. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

 When sex is completely off the table and there’s no end in sight, it can leave you feeling isolated, frustrated, and unsure of what God is doing in your marriage. In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway helps you understand how long term abstinence, whether from a high risk pregnancy, illness, or painful sex, can become an unexpected path to deeper connection. Learn how to find peace in God’s plan, grow closer to your husband without physical intimacy, and hold onto hope even in the midst of suffering. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Get the positions guide and try a new position tonight!

You’re married now, so why do you still feel guilty wearing that flattering dress? In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen talk about what modesty really looks like after marriage, how purity culture messages can linger, and why your wardrobe might be quietly affecting your confidence and intimacy. We’re diving into how to find the virtuous middle ground, dress the body you have right now, and embrace your beauty as part of God’s design for love and marriage. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

grab the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women right here

In this episode, Ellen Holloway talks about why so many Catholic women struggle with sexual desire and what to do about it. She explains the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire and how understanding this can transform your experience of intimacy in marriage. You’ll learn practical ways to cultivate openness to arousal, strengthen emotional and spiritual intimacy, and align your approach to sex with Catholic teaching. This conversation helps Catholic wives embrace sexuality as a source of joy, unity, and holiness within marriage. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

grab the Catholic Sex Positions guide here!

Sex is messy, and that is completely normal. In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and co-host Kathleen Chovanes get super practical about what to do after sex. From preventing UTIs, managing the inevitable drips, protecting your sheets, and handling lube cleanup, you will get down-to-earth tips to make post-sex cleanup less stressful. Whether you are a newlywed or have been married for years, this episode will help you feel more confident, prepared, and at peace with the mess that comes with intimacy. 

Waterproof blanket on Amazon!

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at [email protected]

Ready to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses