Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. 

Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.

Episode 22, Season II — “When the Spark Fades: Healing Sex, Shame, and Connection After Kids”

In this powerful and deeply intimate episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley sits down with licensed couples and sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, author of the newly released book "A Guide to Great Sex After Kids," to talk about one of the most quietly painful topics many couples face—what happens to intimacy after children. Together, they pull back the curtain on the real, research-backed struggles couples encounter as they try to reconnect sexually amid exhaustion, identity shifts, and the invisible weight of modern parenting.

Dr. Eudy, like Dr. Hensley, draws on attachment science to explain how emotional safety is the foundation of erotic safety. When partners feel unseen, unvalidated, or emotionally disconnected, the body interprets closeness as pressure rather than pleasure. Dr. Eudy and the host discuss how postpartum changes, stress, and shifting roles can quietly activate old attachment wounds—anxious partners fearing rejection, avoidant partners withdrawing under the weight of expectation—and how rebuilding emotional intimacy often becomes the key to reviving sexual desire.

They also dive head-on into the topic of sexual shame, a quiet force that can fracture even the strongest partnerships. Dr. Eudy beautifully normalizes that nearly everyone carries some form of sexual trauma—whether from past relationships, body image conditioning, or religious and cultural scripts—and she reminds listeners that this doesn’t make anyone broken. Instead, she frames it as an invitation to heal. Through gentle language and tangible examples, she shows how curiosity, self-compassion, and vulnerability can transform shame into connection.

Another core theme of the episode is self-exploration—both emotional and physical. Dr. Eudy highlights the importance of learning your own body again after children, reclaiming desire through self-pleasure, and maintaining openness about what truly feels good. Masturbation, body awareness, and honest communication aren’t just acts of indulgence, she explains—they’re pathways back to self-ownership and authenticity, the very things that sustain long-term intimacy.

By the end of the episode, Dr. Hensley and Dr. Eudy remind listeners that great sex isn’t just about chemistry or technique; it’s about the emotional and relational ecosystem in which that intimacy lives. When couples learn to meet one another’s emotional needs, regulate their nervous systems, and release the weight of shame, they don’t just revive their sex lives—they rediscover safety, joy, and connection in every corner of their relationship. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has ever wondered where their spark went—and who’s ready to bring it back, with compassion, science, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

Please checkout Dr. Rebecca Eudy and her newly released book at:Rebeccaeudy.com
Instagram @rebeccahowardeudy.com
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Love-Guide-Great-After/dp/1683738551

Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. 

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.

Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.

We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.

By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.

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