Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy

In this episode, Ellen discusses the profound impact of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession on improving sex life and marital intimacy for Catholic women. Drawing insights from 'The Imitation of Christ,' she highlights the healing and restorative power that these sacraments offer, emphasizing their importance in curing vices, overcoming temptations, and enhancing love and grace in marriage. Ellen encourages regular participation in these sacraments as a way to strengthen marriages, suggesting practical strategies for attending Mass and confession together with a spouse, even in challenging circumstances. The conversation aims to inspire listeners to integrate sacramental grace into their relationships, complementing human efforts such as marriage counseling for holistic healing and growth.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

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Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen emphasize the importance of discussing sex daily with your spouse as a way to improve communication and eliminate the negativity often associated with these conversations. They suggest setting aside just five minutes each day to ensure regular, comfortable discussions about sex. Topics include how to initiate conversations, preferences, personal hygiene, foreplay, and addressing past experiences. They provide practical tips and conversation starters to make these talks more effective and enjoyable.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

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Here's the conversation starters we recommend!

• What do you like about the way I initiate
• Would you like me to initiate in a different way
• What kind of atmosphere do you like for sex
• What kind of personal hygiene do you prefer before sex? Shower, teeth, sweaty/stinky, cigar
• What kind of lingerie do you like
• Do you like talking during sex? What kind of talking do you like
• What is something you’ve always wanted to do?
• What is something about sex you often think about?
• What is something you wish/fantasize about sex?
• How often would you like to be having sex?
• What is your favorite position?
• What is a position you would like to try?
• What are your favorite things that I do during sex?
• What are things you dislike that I do during sex?
• What was your favorite sexual encounter we have ever had?
• What things do you like during foreplay?
• Is there something you would like to try?
• Is there something that embarrasses you about sex?
• What helps you relax before sex?
• What would you like to have done around the house before sex?
• Is there anything you need to have in place before being comfortable having sex?
• What are your past experiences of sex?
• How do your past experiences affect our sex life? How you view sex?
• Do you like wearing socks during sex?

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Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

Ellen discusses the moral licitness of using marital aids, commonly known as sex toys, in Catholic marriages. She explains that while replacing sex with such aids is immoral, their use to enhance pleasure and intimacy within the marital act is acceptable. Specific aids like vibrators and penis rings are discussed in detail, emphasizing their role in improving the sexual experience without compromising the moral requirements of intercourse, such as ejaculation inside the woman. Ellen highlights the importance of using these tools as enhancements rather than necessities and offers guidance based on theological insights and teachings.

___________________________________

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

In this episode, Ellen and guest Ginny Noce discuss the critical role of nutrition and lifestyle in enhancing men's sexual health. Ginny, a registered nurse and fertility awareness instructor with a master's degree in nutrition, shares insights on how diet impacts hormone health, libido, and overall well-being. Key topics include the importance of antioxidant-rich foods, managing blood sugar, pairing carbohydrates with proteins, and the benefits of strength training. The conversation also offers practical advice for women to support their husbands in making healthy lifestyle changes, emphasizing the significance of a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Get connected with Ginny here! Or on Instagram

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

___________________________________

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

Ellen addresses the challenge of feeling uncomfortable with any touch from your husband automatically leading to sex. She introduces 'touch time' as a technique to build comfort and safety with non-sexual touch between spouses. Touch time involves structured sessions of touching each other in non-sexual ways to break the association of touch leading to sex, fostering a healthier tactile relationship.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

___________________________________

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

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.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

___________________________________

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

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.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

___________________________________

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

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.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

___________________________________

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

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.

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

___________________________________

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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

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.

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The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.

___________________________________

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it

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

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