I can’t believe we’ve made it to episode 48—it honestly feels a little surreal. Whether you’ve listened to one episode or all of them, I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for taking time out of your day to be here, to be open, and to explore these sometimes heavy, sometimes joyful, but always important topics with me.

For decades, I’ve been fascinated by the intersection of sex and money. They’re two of the most influential forces in our lives- impacting our relationships, our decisions, and even our politics. And yet, they’re still treated as taboo. My mission with this podcast has always been to pull these conversations out of the shadows and into the light.

In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on the journey so far- the guests, the insights, and the personal growth that’s come from diving deep into these subjects. I also share why it’s so important for us to keep having these conversations at the dinner table, with our partners, and in our communities.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why sex and money remain such powerful yet silenced forces in our lives.
• The importance of having open, honest conversations with your partner about both sex and finances.
• How cultural conditioning and social norms often suppress these topics—and why we need to challenge that.
• My personal reflections on reaching episode 48 and what this milestone means to me.
• A challenge for you: bring these conversations into your own life. Talk to your friends, your family, and your partner. You might be surprised at the impact you have.

I’m incredibly grateful for every single person who has tuned in—whether you’ve been here from the beginning or just stumbled across the show. This podcast is a labor of love, and knowing that it’s resonating with you means the world to me.

As we move forward, I’m excited to keep exploring sex and money, but also to expand into new topics. I hope you’ll stick around for the ride. And if you’ve enjoyed the show, it would mean so much if you left a review or shared an episode with someone who could benefit from these conversations.

Here’s to continuing to break taboos and build deeper, more honest connections. Thank you for being part of this journey, I can’t wait to see where we go next.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Hey, hey! In this episode, I’m diving into something that sparked a conversation (and a bit of debate) on Facebook—trusting your partner with your finances. Someone posted that if you trust your partner enough to have sex with them and to marry them, then you should trust them with your money. And let me tell you, I did not agree.

There’s so much to unpack here—how financial dynamics have changed across generations, the importance of financial independence (especially for women), and why trust in a relationship isn’t just one-size-fits-all.

• Why I don’t think financial trust and physical/emotional trust are the same
• How generational shifts have changed the way couples manage money
• The reality of financial abuse and why keeping some independence is crucial
• Personal stories and real-life examples of why separate finances can be smart
• The different ways couples handle their money—and why there’s no one right way

At the end of the day, your finances are about more than just trust—they’re about security, autonomy, and protecting your future. So where do you stand? Are you all-in on joint accounts, team “keep it separate,” or somewhere in the middle? Let’s talk about it.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Ever felt stuck between where you are and where you want to be? Maybe you’re questioning a big decision, feeling the weight of change, or wondering if you’re on the right path.

In this episode, we’re diving into the reality of navigating uncertainty—whether it’s dealing with grief, unexpected life shifts, or chasing a dream that doesn’t fit the traditional mold. I’ll share my personal experiences with processing loss, discovering breathwork as a healing tool, and learning to trust my own timing (even when life doesn’t go as planned). If you’ve ever struggled with doubt or felt pulled in a new direction, this episode will remind you that there’s no perfect roadmap—just the one you create for yourself.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Navigating the ups and downs of 2025 so far
• How grief changes us and what I’ve learned through loss
• My journey into breathwork and why it’s been so healing
• The uncertainty of big life decisions (like buying a house!)
• Why there’s no manual for life—and why that’s a good thing
• The importance of following your own path, even if it doesn’t make sense to others

Thanks for listening! If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and let’s keep the conversation going. See you next time!

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Happy New Year! In this episode, we explore the excitement and potential of a fresh start in 2025. The beginning of a new year often feels like a reset, bringing opportunities to grow and build something new. I also share a personal story about the challenges I faced with my apartment lease renewal, offering insights into how to navigate unexpected hurdles and the importance of staying organized.

One of the biggest lessons from my experience is the power of documentation. Whether you’re dealing with personal, financial, or business matters, keeping a clear paper trail is invaluable. I share practical tips for tracking payments, emails, and conversations to protect yourself when things don’t go as planned. From writing down names and details during important phone calls to sending follow-up emails after in-person meetings, having a detailed record can save you time, money, and stress.

In this episode, I also emphasize the importance of taking small steps to stay organized in everyday life. This includes ensuring you keep receipts, tracking online orders, and maintaining records of significant transactions or agreements. Proper documentation isn’t just a chore—it’s a safety net that empowers you to advocate for yourself in tricky situations.

As we step into 2025, let’s embrace the opportunities ahead with intention and focus. May this year bring you growth, success, and the tools to tackle any challenge that comes your way. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with someone who could benefit from these reminders about staying organized and prepared!

In this episode, we dive into the expectations and pressures surrounding sexual intimacy in relationships and explore ways to connect with your partner beyond the physical. Host [Your Name] breaks down societal norms, discusses the impact of upbringing on intimacy, and provides actionable strategies for fostering a deeper emotional bond. Whether you’re navigating mismatched desires or seeking to enhance your relationship’s foundation, this conversation offers insights into building intimacy that goes beyond the bedroom.

Key Discussion Points:

Societal pressures often create unrealistic expectations around sex in relationships. Many of us grow up with narratives that prioritize sexual activity as the ultimate expression of love, leaving little room to explore other forms of connection. This episode challenges those ideas and encourages reflection on personal needs and communication with your partner.

When desires don’t align, it can lead to feelings of rejection or guilt. By taking a pause and having honest conversations, couples can create a safe space for intimacy to flourish in ways that go beyond the physical. Suggestions include cuddling, sharing activities, or simply spending uninterrupted time together. These moments foster emotional closeness and build trust, laying the groundwork for deeper intimacy—whether or not it leads to sex.

• “Our jobs as humans aren’t just to ‘bang one out’—it’s to grow, love, and connect in a multitude of ways.”
• “Intimacy isn’t just about sex; it’s about being present with each other in every sense.”

Start exploring ways to connect with your partner outside of sexual activity. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a shared chore, or a quiet moment together, these acts of intimacy can strengthen your bond and create a foundation of trust and understanding.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more conversations on relationships and personal growth. Leave a review and share this episode with someone who might benefit from it!

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Hey there, I hope this holiday season finds you well, whether you're celebrating with joy or navigating a more challenging time. Wherever you are on the spectrum, my wish for you is a moment of peace and clarity during this season.

In this episode, I’m diving into something that so many of us struggle with—facing our finances. With the year-end approaching, I’ve heard from friends, family, and even myself about how daunting it feels to sit down and look at the numbers, whether it’s for holiday spending, prepping for tax season, or setting goals for 2025.

Let’s be real—money can be scary. From late fees to overspending on convenience (hello, takeout!), we’ve all been there. I’ll share my own recent experiences, like splurging on Black Friday deals and missing a rent payment deadline, and how I’m working to overcome that fear of facing financial realities.

Here’s what we’ll talk about:

• Why avoiding your finances only makes things worse.
• How to give yourself grace when you’ve made mistakes.
• Simple ways to reconnect with your financial goals without shame.
• The importance of being honest with yourself and pivoting when needed.

We’re all human, and we all mess up sometimes. But the key is learning to sit with the discomfort, forgive yourself, and take small, intentional steps toward your goals. Trust me, even multimillionaires feel the fear—it’s natural. The difference comes in how we face it and grow from it.

Recognize that fear is normal, but avoidance won’t solve the problem. Give yourself grace—it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Start small: plan your meals, track your spending, and build a game plan to get back on track.

Remember, facing your finances is less about perfection and more about progress. Let’s step into the new year with a mindset of growth, grace, and responsibility.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season!

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Does this align with the tone and structure you’re looking for?

Hey friend! Today’s episode is a bit of a personal one, and I’m inviting you to join me as I unpack a mix of emotions. You’ll hear me reflect on the beauty of celebrating life while also honoring grief. I share how today marks three special birthdays—my best friend, my grandma, and another best friend’s daughter. At the same time, it’s also the anniversary of a tough moment in my life: the fall that led to my mom’s passing two years ago.

This duality—joy and grief—feels like a mirror to so many other areas of life, including our financial and personal journeys. When we’re working toward change, like improving our finances or deepening intimacy in our relationships, we often stand in the tension between old habits and new goals. It’s that “both-and” mindset—where celebration and struggle coexist—that teaches us what truly matters.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Embracing life’s dualities: How to hold space for both joy and grief.
• Personal growth in finances and relationships: Identifying what to keep, what to release, and what to build anew.
• The power of “both-and” thinking: Why it’s okay to celebrate wins while navigating setbacks.
• The importance of feeling it all: Giving yourself permission to experience the full spectrum of emotions.

Whether you’re in a season of celebration, grief, or somewhere in between, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel it all. Life is full of these complex, beautiful moments, and they shape who we are.

Thanks for tuning in today, and remember—you are loved, just as you are.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Today’s episode is a bit of a redo — I originally recorded it on Election Day, but we had some audio issues, so here we are. By now, we know the results: President Trump will be serving his second term. For some, this brings excitement; for others, like me, it brings fear and uncertainty. Regardless of where you land, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the power of our voices — both at the polls and in our everyday lives.

We often get caught up in the importance of presidential elections, but the real change happens at the local level. Those House Representatives and senators? They’re the ones making the laws that shape our day-to-day lives. Think about issues like abortion rights or Supreme Court nominations — it’s Congress that has the power to push things forward. So, if you didn’t vote this time, I encourage you to reflect on why and make a plan to show up for the next election, whether it’s local or national.

One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot is how change can feel slow, even pointless. It’s easy to believe that one person — one vote, one conversation, one action — doesn’t matter. But it does. I was deeply inspired by Sharon McMahon’s book, The Small and the Mighty. It’s full of stories about people who made a big impact through small, intentional actions. It reminded me that our influence, even if it feels tiny, can ripple out in ways we don’t always see right away.

So, whether you’re grieving the election results, celebrating, or somewhere in between, I want to remind you that your voice matters. Your actions matter. Whether it’s showing up to vote, having those tough conversations, or making small changes in your personal life, you are making an impact.

As we move forward into uncertain times, I challenge you to reflect on what you can do today to create the change you want to see tomorrow. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering. Small, consistent steps add up.

Sending big hugs to everyone — no matter how you voted. Let’s remember that love and understanding are always worth choosing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Sharon McMahon’s book: The Small and the Mighty
• Follow Sharon on Instagram: @SharonSaysSo

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Hello, hello, hello! Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that's not always black and white, but so important: consent. If you've ever wondered about what consent really entails, especially in intimate moments, this episode will give you an insightful overview. Here’s what we talked about:

Understanding Consent

Consent goes beyond a simple yes or no—it’s a complex and layered concept. We broke it down into four parts:

1. Capacity: Are you and your partner of sound mind to make a clear decision? This involves checking in on things like sobriety and mental state to ensure that both of you can confidently say yes or no.

2. Information: Clear communication about what you want to do. Expressing your desires explicitly helps your partner feel comfortable and informed, giving them the chance to say yes, no, or maybe at any point.

3. Agreement & Boundaries: Consent isn’t just about agreeing once—it’s about setting boundaries and getting consistent buy-in. We explored why discussing boundaries, hard limits, and flexibility throughout your time together is essential for mutual respect and pleasure.

4. Autonomy: Everyone has the inherent right to control their own body, mind, and spirit. Consent is about respecting this autonomy, recognizing that we can only control our actions and feelings, not those of another person.

Key Points to Remember:

- Consent is continuous: Before, during, and even after intimacy, consent can be revisited. It’s okay to change your mind.

- Communication isn’t unsexy: Some of us worry that asking for consent in the moment feels awkward or “kills the vibe.” But many people find it empowering and even a turn-on when their partner checks in with them.

- Respecting each other's boundaries: Rejection can sting, but remember that a “no” isn’t about you personally—it’s about ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable.

- Make the implicit explicit: Never assume silence means agreement. A genuine yes should always be clear and enthusiastic.

- Respect each other’s right to say no: Both you and your partner have the right to set boundaries. And if a boundary means stopping, then stopping is the best thing you can do.

Consent is about going with your feelings (literally—con + sent means "with feeling"). It's a practice that respects everyone’s right to control their own experience. Let’s keep having these conversations, respecting each other’s boundaries, and creating safe, empowering spaces for intimacy.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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Today’s topic is one that I have a lot to say about: the old saying, “You need to test drive the car before you get married.” You know, that idea that you have to “try out” sex with your partner before committing to marriage. Let’s dive into why I think this saying is, well… kind of ridiculous.

If you’re someone who’s heard this and felt pressured, know that you’re not alone. We live in a world where people have opinions about everything, especially when it comes to sex and relationships. But here’s the truth: sex is so much more than just a skill you can “test drive.” It’s a constantly evolving part of a relationship, and what works now may change as life unfolds. Just like my trusty car that’s been through a few upgrades, our bodies and desires shift as we go through life.

Throughout this episode, I share personal stories and insights from my own experiences, including how things like grief and aging can impact intimacy. At its core, the best sex in a partnership often comes from deep communication, trust, and a willingness to learn together, not from an initial “test drive.”

So, if you’re someone considering waiting until marriage or feeling pressure from those around you to “try it out” first, I’m here to remind you: you do you! Let’s throw out this outdated adage, honor what feels right for us, and embrace the evolving, beautiful journey of intimacy in whatever way feels genuine.

Thanks for joining me on this very real (and yes, a little spicy) conversation. Enjoy the episode, and let’s keep building relationships on our own terms.

Connect with Jess

Website: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexuality

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