Charting Toward Intimacy

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the common struggle of saying 'should' in your sex life and how it can negatively affect your intimacy. They explore the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for these feelings. The hosts emphasize the need to shift from a scarcity mindset and provide practical advice on embracing a healthier, more fulfilling intimate life. They also touch on the spiritual aspects of sex and remind listeners to seek both physical and spiritual solutions.

Check out the O Course for Catholic Women right here! 

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode, Ellen addresses a listener's question about male sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile dysfunction and inability to finish, related to performance anxiety and natural family planning (NFP). She offers insights from a Catholic perspective on alleviating mental pressure, increasing intimacy frequency, and open communication between spouses. Ellen also discusses the importance of reframing thoughts around sex to reduce anxiety and highlights the significance of maintaining interest and support to help alleviate shame. The episode concludes with suggestions on bringing these issues to prayer and seeking God's grace in these challenges.

Get the Catholic Sex Positions Guide Here!

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the importance of pursuing your spouse outside of the bedroom, offering practical advice and theological insights. They stress the significance of intentional love actions and how they reflect our relationship with God. The hosts share personal experiences and practical tips. They also highlight the challenges humans face in initiating love and emphasize the need for constant prayer to combat negative influences that prevent us from loving our spouses fully.

Check out the O Course for Catholic Women right here! 

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Ellen dives into the frequently misunderstood Ephesians chapter 5, elucidating its true meaning and emphasizing the profound responsibilities it places on both husbands and wives. She explores how Ephesians chapter 4's call to holiness frames the subordination described in chapter 5, clarifying that husbands are to embody Christ-like virtues, making marriages beautiful through mutual love and sacrifice.

Get the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here!

___________________________________

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Ellen welcomes Dr. Sarah Bartell, a moral theologian specializing in marriage and sexuality, to discuss how to handle situations where a husband does not agree with Catholic teachings on sex, intimacy, natural family planning, and contraception. They explore the church's teachings, practical advice for maintaining intimacy during abstinent periods, and how to approach conversations with a non-compliant spouse. Sarah shares insights on prayer, the importance of emotional intimacy, and examples of holy couples who have navigated similar challenges.

Get on the waiting list for Sarah's My Delight Course

Get Sarah's FREE guide to Enhancing Marital Intimacy for Catholic women and learn 9 Skills for Mind, Body, and Spirit.



Check out the Catholic Sex Course for Women right here!

___________________________________

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Ellen and Kathleen discuss the crucial role of empathy in relationships, particularly in the context of a married sexual relationship. They emphasize the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of one's spouse, navigating differences in sexual desire, and the necessity of communication and compromise. The episode highlights that empathy is essential for both partners and stresses that both the spouse with higher and lower desire need to exercise empathy to foster intimacy and understanding in their marriage.

Catholic Sex Course for Women - get all the info right here!

___________________________________

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode, Ellen explores the complex concept of shame in the context of sex and intimacy for Catholic women. Drawing insights from St. John Paul II's "Love and Responsibility," she discusses the dual nature of shame—its protective aspect to prevent objectification, and its role in seeking true love. Ellen delves into how positive shame safeguards intimacy, while emphasizing the need to eliminate negative shame influenced by purity culture and Manichaeism. She explains how love can absorb shame in a healthy marital relationship, ensuring respect and the true value of each person.

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode Ellen and Kathleen delve into the highly requested topic of knowing when it's the right time to stop avoiding pregnancy and start trying to conceive. They explore the differences between the two approaches and discuss the beautiful openness couples can experience. Emphasizing a faith-based perspective, they talk about discerning God's will, the significance of prayer, and the importance of aligning one's will with God's. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Ellen and Kathleen offer guidance to Catholic couples navigating this stage of their marital journey.

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode Ellen delves into the common marital issue of differing sex drives between spouses. Ellen emphasizes that every couple faces this problem at some point and highlights the importance of understanding the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire. She offers actionable advice on dealing with these differences, including improving communication, managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and proper nutrition. Ellen encourages spouses to stop blaming the disparity itself and instead focus on understanding and empathizing with each other's needs. Tune in for a compassionate and practical discussion aimed at enhancing intimacy and marital happiness.

Get the Catholic Sex Course for Women RIGHT HERE!

___________________________________

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

In this episode I (Ellen) am joined by my husband Kurt to discuss the challenges we faced during the first year of our marriage, primarily focusing on our struggles with sex due to acute vaginismus and poor communication. We delve into how these issues affected our relationship, what we learned about the physical and mental aspects of sex, and how we ultimately overcame these challenges. We also introduce a new course on painful sex and the importance of a dual approach in addressing both the physical and mental aspects. Join us as we share our personal journey and offer insights and resources to help others facing similar struggles.

Grab the free guide for 5 tips for less painful sex here (and get updates about when the cart opens for the Painful Sex Course for Catholic Women)

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

Have a question you want to hear answered on a future podcast episode? Click Here to submit questions!

Looking for support around sexuality, NFP, sexual ethics, or something we talked about in this episode? Click here to learn more about Ellen's 12 week coaching program.

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

The Charting Toward Intimacy Exclusive Community is now closed, if you would like to support the podcast, please consider purchasing one of our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses