Send us a text

In this episode, we reflect on our adventurous family cruise that was filled with unexpected challenges, including severe weather, flight cancellations, and illness. 

We discuss how we navigated these obstacles, while celebrating the strength of our relationship and the skills we've built over the years. From travel chaos to bonding and intimate moments, we examine the dynamics of our partnership and share insights on maintaining connection under stress. Join us as we recount the highs and lows of our journey and celebrate our resilience as a couple.

00:00 Introduction to Intimacy Evolution
00:30 Today's Episode Overview
02:18 The Cruise Adventure Begins
04:06 Wrestling Tournament and Weather Woes
07:35 Airport Chaos and Flight Delays
14:28 The Decision to Drive Through the Storm
18:25 Finally Boarding the Plane
19:25 Arriving in Galveston and Boarding the Cruise
24:07 First Day at Sea and Exploring the Ship
25:31 Exploring Honduras and Costa Maya
27:26 A Strange Encounter at the ATM
31:14 Swimming with Dolphins in Cozumel
33:43 Sickness Strikes the Family
41:24 Reflections on the Cruise Experience
43:51 Navigating Relationship Dynamics
50:17 Celebrating Relationship Success

• Want to build a solid foundation of communication, connection and intimacy you can rely on for years to come? Join us in Powerful Partnership, starting January 27th! Click the link or DM Bri on IG with any questions you have!

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

In this episode of Intimacy Evolution, we reflect on the highs and lows of 2024; from moving twice within 11 months, creating community in a new city, navigating challenges and the most challenging year of our 18 years together, we share it all!

We also talk about the importance of setting intentions and goals for the coming year, and how words like 'connection' and 'expansion' shaped our 2024. 

Looking ahead, we share our plans for 2025 including homeschooling, minimalism, and upcoming retreats. 

Tag us on social media or email us if this episode resonated with you, and let us know what goals/intentions you're setting for 2025!

Powerful Partnership Program begins January 20th--learn more here

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

Exploring Tantra and Sacred Sexuality with Leola Watkins

In this episode of Intimacy Evolution, I have an enriching conversation with Leola Watkins, a pleasure priestess, Tantra teacher, and bestselling author. Leola shares her journey into Tantra and shamanic sexuality, highlighting how these practices helped her heal from past traumas and foster deeper self-awareness. We explore the broad modalities of Tantra, including its applications in solo and partnered contexts. Leola explains the four types of sex—reproductive, recreational, restorative, and transformational—and their roles in fostering a fulfilling intimate life. We also discuss practical steps for incorporating Tantra into relationships, initiate conversations about exploring new intimate practices, and promote a presence-focused, curiosity-driven approach to sex. Tune in for insights on how Tantra can transform personal and relational intimacy.

00:00 Introduction to Intimacy Evolution
00:24 Welcoming Leola Watkins
00:54 Leola's Journey into Tantra
04:45 Healing Through Tantra
11:46 Exploring Different Types of Intimacy
24:32 Practical Applications and Workshops
27:44 Empowering Your Intimate Life
37:07 Resources and Closing Remarks

Connect with Leola:
TalkTantratoMe.com
Instagram: @talktantratome
Sacred Sex Ed book

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

In this episode, I have an engaging conversation with Abigail Gazda, a clarity coach and CEO of Hearts Unleashed. We discuss the evolution of relationships, emotional intelligence, and the personal growth journey. Abigail shares her experiences living the van life, her coaching career, and the importance of understanding emotional intelligence. We also delve into the dynamics of relationships, communication, projection, and parenting, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and integration. This episode is filled with insights on how to navigate personal development while maintaining meaningful connections.

00:00 Introduction to Intimacy Evolution
00:26 Excitement for the First In-Person Interview
00:53 Meet Abigail Gazda: Clarity Coach and Van Life Enthusiast
03:28 Diving into Emotional Intelligence
12:28 Understanding and Communicating Needs
16:39 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth
25:27 Navigating Family Dynamics
26:15 Expectations and Resentment
27:01 Sobriety and Personal Choices
27:50 Embracing Individual Interests
29:53 Isolation and Community
34:27 Integrating Awareness into Life
38:05 Supporting Partners and Children
44:47 Trusting the Journey
47:22 Conclusion and Resources

Past Episode with Abigail: A Journey to Self-Love
Connect with Abigail:
AbigailGazda.com
HeartsUnleashed.com
Youtube
Instagram: @instagail

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

Exploring Vulnerability and Intimacy with Rina Trevi

In this episode, Bri delves into a conversation with Rina Trevi, a vulnerability and intimacy guide, to discuss her work in Shibari and Tantra. Rina shares her journey from a corporate career in post-Soviet Russia to becoming a professional dominatrix in the U.S., and eventually integrating spiritual practices and holistic approaches into her BDSM work. She now offers Shibari journeys and tantric bodywork that provide safe spaces for self-exploration, emotional release, and connecting deeply with one's body. They explore the importance of aftercare, creating unconditional intimacy, and fostering trust and vulnerability in relationships.

00:00 Welcome to Intimacy Evolution
00:23 Introducing Rina Trevi: A Journey into Shibari and Tantra
01:13 From Corporate Burnout to Professional Dominatrix
01:57 Integrating Tantra and Spirituality into BDSM
08:06 Transitioning from Dominatrix to Vulnerability Guide
09:08 Exploring Shibari: A Safe Space for Self-Discovery
13:34 The Emotional Depth of Shibari and Tantra
27:12 The Importance of Aftercare
30:06 Tips for Building Intimacy in Relationships
33:28 Connecting with Rina Trevi


Connect with Rina:
VulnerabilityCoaching.com
IG: Rina_Trevi

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

In this episode of Intimacy Evolution, Mark + Bri explore the profound impact of various retreats on personal and relational growth. They recount their experiences with men's, women's, and couples' retreats, emphasizing the emotional highs and lows, deep connections, and the benefits of stepping out of daily routines. The discussion highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for physical and emotional challenges, integrating practices like breath work and sound baths, and sharing personal stories to foster community. Additionally, the episode addresses balancing parenting with personal well-being, stressing the need for clear communication and involving children in activities to enhance family bonds. Overall, the Careys offer insights into the immersive, transformative power of retreats and the joy of connecting people through these experiences.

00:00 Welcome to Intimacy Evolution

00:30 Diving into Retreats: An Overview

01:38 The Men's Retreat Experience

03:03 Emotional Roller Coasters and Personal Growth

05:33 The Importance of Community and Connection

08:02 Facilitating Retreats: Challenges and Rewards

11:11 Expanding Capacity Through Challenges

16:39 The Feminine Archetype Experience

18:52 Transformative Power of Breath Work and Sound Baths

19:22 Connecting Through Shared Experiences

19:50 Embracing Archetypes and Embodiment

21:32 The Importance of Body and Energy Work

27:29 Overcoming Guilt and Prioritizing Self-Care

33:01 Deepening Connections Through Separate Experiences

35:00 Concluding Thoughts and Invitations

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

In this episode, Bri converse's with Lindsay Lockett, exploring her journey through nervous system healing and trauma. Raised in a challenging environment within evangelical Christianity, Lindsay reveals how her background of emotional neglect and abuse shaped her life. Over time, she began questioning her deeply held beliefs, leading to a deconstruction of her faith. Her difficult journey through severe anxiety, PTSD, and ultimately healing involved therapy and an exploration of emotional patterns inherited from her mother. Lindsay shares tools for nervous system regulation, the importance of awareness, and improving relationships, like her marriage, by addressing abandonment triggers. Through her storytelling, she emphasizes mindfulness and the significance of understanding one's own emotional and physical sensations to foster healing and evolve beyond past traumas.

00:00 Introduction to Intimacy Evolution

00:24 Meet Lindsay Lockett

00:50 Lindsay's Background and Early Life

02:47 Marriage and Faith Deconstruction

04:23 Struggles and Therapy

06:26 The Turning Point

08:51 Healing and Self-Discovery

12:53 Motherhood and Emotional Neglect

17:27 Confronting the Past

28:04 Navigating a Complicated Relationship

28:33 Birthday Disappointments and Realizations

29:08 Self-Control and Emotional Growth

30:38 Anger, Sadness, and Acceptance

32:22 Writing a Healing Letter

36:03 Understanding and Neutrality

37:47 Impact on Marriage and Hypervigilance

47:20 Awareness and Nervous System Regulation

52:14 Final Thoughts and Resources


IG: iamlindseylockett

Episodes referenced in the show:
Holistic Trauma Healing Ep 103: A Year Without My Mother
Holistic Trauma Healing Ep 110: A Vulnerable Mother-Daughter Convo

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

In this episode of Intimacy Evolution, we welcome Dr. Stephanie Sigler, a licensed professional counselor, clinical sexologist, and author. Dr. Sigler discusses her work in clinical sexology, particularly in the ethical non-monogamy community. She emphasizes the lack of training in sex therapy for counselors and how her community has been turned away due to misunderstandings about their lifestyle. 

Dr. Sigler shares the importance of communication, the need for customized relationship dynamics, and how couples should explore their 'why' before entering the lifestyle. She talks about the necessity of setting boundaries, rules, and agreements, and offers insights into how to handle conflicts and enhance intimacy. Additionally, Dr. Sigler shares where and how to access her book and further resources related to sex education and relationship health.

00:00 Welcome to Intimacy Evolution

00:04 Introducing Dr. Stephanie Sigler

00:41 Journey into Clinical Sexology

01:54 Challenges in Sex Therapy

04:57 Personal Experience in the Lifestyle

07:06 Educating and Supporting Couples

12:02 Exploring the Lifestyle Safely

14:50 Setting Boundaries and Agreements

17:49 Communication and Debriefing

22:55 Maintaining Safety and Health

23:27 Importance of Sexual Health and STI Testing

23:41 Introduction to Shameless Care

24:17 STI Testing Process and Benefits

26:13 Conventions and Workshops Overview

27:17 Types of Workshops and Classes

29:34 Navigating Relationships and Communication

35:09 Addressing Mismatched Libidos

38:42 Conflict Resolution Strategies

39:31 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Dr. Stephanie:
WEB: evolveyourintimacy.com
10% off The Anti-Fight Journal; Fighting Fair in Relationships
Using Code: IEP10

FB: https://www.facebook.com/evolveyourintimacy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/evolve_your_intimacy/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephanie_cst_phd
X: https://x.com/Dr_StephanieEYI

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

In this episode Mark and Bri dive into Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives series, exploring the unexpected dynamics and relationship challenges faced by the show's cast. From the controversial “MomTok” swinging scandal to the pressures of religion, marriage, and young motherhood, Mark and Bri take a deep look at the emotional and psychological factors at play.

In this episode, we discuss:

• A quick recap of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and the origins of the “MomTok” community
• The fallout from the infamous swinging scandal and its impact on relationships
• How marrying and having children at a young age challenges identity and intimacy
• Religion’s influence on relationship roles and expectations
• The clash between traditional and progressive roles for women in the Mormon community
• Key relationship dynamics we observe, including the role of control, shame, and personal development

Links and Resources:

• 60 Date Ideas Guide
• Join the Powerful Partnership Program here
• Follow us on Instagram for more relationship tips @intimacyevolution

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!

Send us a text

In this episode, we dive into a deeply personal and enlightening conversation about parenting, mental health, and the power of community. We start with an unexpected connection made through our children that blossomed into a meaningful friendship, leading to a conversation on a critical article from the US Surgeon General about the mental health and well-being of parents. We explore the stress parents face today, discuss why this generation feels more pressure, and reflect on how societal changes, such as post-COVID isolation, are contributing factors.

We also break down the article’s proposed solutions—paid family leave, childcare improvements, and mental health investments—and offer our perspective on why they may fall short. Drawing from our own experiences and work as relationship and intimacy coaches, we discuss the importance of deep community connection and the role it plays in supporting mental health for both parents and children.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The challenges of making new friendships as adults and parents
• US Surgeon General’s advisory on parents’ mental health and why stress levels are higher today
• The lack of community and support for modern parents
• How societal and generational shifts have impacted the parenting experience
• Proposed solutions for parental stress and why they might be missing the mark
• The importance of investing in both mental and physical health
• The critical role of relationships in breaking cycles of divorce and disconnection for future generations

Takeaways:

1. Parenting today is filled with unique stressors, and the lack of community exacerbates mental health challenges.
2. Societal shifts and technology have made it harder for parents to feel supported, but by prioritizing connection and deep support systems, we can break negative cycles.
3. Solutions to these challenges go beyond paid leave or mental health investments—they require a fundamental shift in how we nurture communities and support parents through their journey.

Mentioned Resources:

• US Surgeon General’s Advisory on Parents’ Mental Health
• Our Powerful Partnership Program for couples looking to strengthen connection and intimacy

Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_

Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_

Website: IntimacyEvolution.com

Join our Intimacy Evolution Community

Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!