Today, I’m going to discuss the five gears of touch by Barry W. McCarthy - a certified sex and couples therapist.  Gear 1 begins with affectionate touch and gear 5 is intercourse. I will teach you the value of each level of touch -  and how slowing down and moving forward together through these gears will propel your sexual relationship to a whole new level.  Learn more and get show notes here: https://amandalouder.com/podcast/137/ 

When your head hits the pillow exhausted - the last thing you might want is sex. But your partner may have other ideas.  Now what?  Give in with resentment and exhaustion? Reject your spouse. . .again?  Today I am going to offer you a third option.  I will share some ways to better communicate and I will walk you through how your body can actively respond to willingness. This episode will be a game-changer in the bedroom.

Join us on the podcast today to hear about Zach and Darcy Spafford’s journey to regain intimacy after Zach’s 25 year battle with pornography. They will take you on a beautiful journey of forgiveness, change, each owning their own sexuality, loving themselves and one another. They are fun, energetic and real. It is a podcast you will want to share with others. Get full show notes and more information here: https://amandalouder.com/135

I know that this topic may be a controversial one. Let me start by saying, I am not the expert for your life. I am here to offer you new and different ideas or options, greater understanding. It is up to you to contemplate these things for yourself and for your family and what works for you. In podcast 134, I will go through the course of changes that have taken historically within the church on this topic. It might surprise you. I highly encourage you to think about it and take your thoughts and questions to the Lord. For a greater understanding. . .stay tuned.

Does your spouse think he is not a priority in your life?  Could he be right?  Today I will dive into true desire and false desire and how to manage your brain around them.  The answer lies within the ability to use your higher brain above your lower brain and how the work you do can actually retrain your brain.  You can actually learn how to stay on your plan - and not eat the ice cream.  You can give up a few minutes of sleep to build a better relationship with your spouse and so much more this week!

Today’s podcast looks at how to deal with grief, intimacy and fear after losing a baby.  My guest, Amy Watson, is a life coach who helps mom’s who have had pregnancy or baby loss at any point.  Amy shares how she and her husband grieved differently and how they worked together to be intimate even when it felt terrifying.  Join me in this heartfelt story of carrying on through the challenge of loss.

I am excited to spend some time today with Sadie Banks.  Sadie is a photographer and owner of “Good Grief” journals.  Her company was born in the midst of - and due to the grief she was dealing with during her own infertility journey.  She shares how she came to understand the real meaning of intimacy and how to separate pleasure sex from clinical sex.  She shares insight into how to keep your marriage a priority - even during the most difficult times.

Pregnancy can be a magical time- but it can also be a scary time. There are so many unexpected changes, added hormones and a changing body. This can have an impact on not only the woman, but to her spouse and their relationship.This podcast is packed full of information. I will go through what you might expect concerning sex surrounding each trimester, myths and warning signs of when intercourse needs to be cleared with your doctor. Even if pregnancy isn’t in your future or it’s come and gone, this might be helpful to someone you know. It’s a good one to share.

Do you find yourself trying to be in control of situations or others? If you stop and question the emotion that is riding along with you. . .it is fear?  For some, having control makes them feel powerful.  This week I hope to teach you different ways you might be exerting control and what emotion it is stemming from.  I will also teach steps to work on overcoming this tendency.  If you are new to the podcast or if you have been here before - welcome!

I think we have covered all the reasons we don’t want sex.  But have you ever wondered why people do have the desire for sex? It is more than for physical release, relief of stress or because we love someone.   According to one group of young adults, they noted up to 237 reasons for sex.. . .but there is actually just one main reason.  I will share that secret along with a few more that follow. I will also share some valuable information on the not-so-obvious differences between men and women when it comes to your sex life. If this is your first time here- welcome.  Get ready to learn and grow in your relationship like never before.