In this episode, I'm talking about the lies your brain tells you about sex and how those thoughts quietly sabotage connection in your marriage. I explain why your brain is wired to see sexual vulnerability as a threat, how past experiences and conditioning shape the stories you believe, and why those stories feel so true even when they aren't. We look at the specific lies that tend to show up for both higher-desire and lower-desire partners, and how those patterns keep couples stuck in fear, shame, and disconnection. I also share practical ways to recognize when your brain is lying, how to question those thoughts without judging yourself, and how curiosity can open the door to real intimacy again. If sex feels complicated, heavy, or confusing in your marriage, this episode will help you understand what's actually happening and how to move forward with more clarity and compassion.
This episode marks my 400th conversation about sex, marriage, and building a relationship that actually feels good to live inside, and I'm incredibly grateful you're here for it. To celebrate, I dive into why flirting can either create connection and desire or quietly turn into pressure that pushes your spouse away. I explain how flirting is meant to be playful and connective, not a disguised request for sex, and why the underlying dynamic matters more than the behavior itself. We talk about different flirting styles, how mindset shapes how flirting lands, and what to do when affection has started to feel loaded or tense. If you want flirting to feel lighter, safer, and genuinely connecting again, this episode will help you understand what's getting in the way and how to shift it. Find the Podcast Guide here.
In this episode, I'm talking about what it really looks like to infuse sexual energy throughout your marriage, not just during planned intimacy, but in the everyday moments that make you feel desired, connected, and alive together. I share stories, examples, and real quotes from couples who've learned how to build a playful, pressure-free erotic undercurrent that carries through their whole day. You'll hear how touch, texting, flirtation, emotional intimacy, and even mindset shifts can help you create that simmering connection you loved when you were first dating. I also walk through the difference between healthy sexual energy and unwanted pressure, and how each partner can contribute in ways that feel safe and genuine. If you want a marriage where sexual energy is woven into your daily life in a natural, meaningful way, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I will walk you through a question I've heard from so many women over the years: How do I know if I'm actually having an orgasm? I'll explain what weak orgasms, subtle climaxes, and full-body releases really feel like and why it's so common to be unsure. I'll share the most frequent reasons orgasms feel muted and teach you practical techniques—like the plateau method, pelvic floor engagement, deeper breathing, and mindset shifts—to help you build stronger, more satisfying orgasms. I'll also guide you through why solo and partnered orgasms can feel different and how to bring that same confident pleasure into your relationship. If you've ever wondered whether your orgasms could feel clearer, stronger, or more intense, this episode will feel like the conversation you've been needing.
In this episode, I'm breaking down the practical side of sexual hygiene and why it matters so much for intimacy, confidence, and overall sexual health. I walk through the basics of caring for your body, hands, nails, toys, and the environment you're having sex in, and I explain the common mistakes couples make that lead to infections and discomfort. I share real examples from clients to show how small hygiene habits can make a big difference in your relationship and your body. You'll also hear simple, actionable intimacy tips to help you build safer, healthier, more comfortable sex routines with your spouse. If you've ever wondered what actually matters when it comes to better sex and good hygiene, this episode will give you clear guidance without the overwhelm.
I get asked all the time how to keep sex and intimacy alive after having a baby, so in this episode I'm breaking down what really happens during this huge transition. Last week we talked about sex during pregnancy, and today we're looking at what comes next, because bringing home a baby reshapes your relationship in ways you can't always prepare for. Whether you're expecting your first or remembering those early days, I want you to feel seen, supported, and reminded that nothing is "wrong" with you if things feel off. I'll walk you through what the research shows about why so many couples struggle, and the practical habits that help the strongest partnerships find their way back to connection. My goal is to help you understand what's normal, what's fixable, and how you can rebuild intimacy with compassion - for yourself and for each other. Book mentioned: And Baby Makes Three
Pregnancy brings so many changes, and your intimate life is one of them, but it doesn't have to disappear for nine months. In this episode, I'm answering real listener questions about sex during pregnancy, including what's safe, what feels comfortable, and how to stay emotionally and physically connected through every trimester. We'll talk about shifting desire, body image, and practical ways to communicate and adapt as your body changes. My goal is to help you and your partner approach this season with curiosity, confidence, and closeness instead of fear or frustration. You'll walk away feeling more at ease, better informed, and equipped with real strategies to keep intimacy thriving during every stage of pregnancy. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider about any concerns related to intimacy during pregnancy. Every pregnancy is unique, and individual medical guidance is important.
In this episode, I'm sitting down with Justin and Natalie Weeks, the founders of Evree Intimate Massage Oil and Lubricant, to talk about how one thoughtful idea completely transformed their intimacy and could change yours too. We dive into the surprising benefits of using a truly natural, skin-loving intimate product, why lube is essential (not optional!), and how communication and playfulness can take a good marriage and make it great. Justin and Natalie share their story of creating a product that's 100% natural, edible, safe for sensitive skin, and doubles as both a massage oil and lubricant, plus how it's changed the way they connect in and out of the bedroom. Whether you're navigating dryness, menopause, or just wanting more pleasure and connection, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical insight for couples of faith. Tune in to hear why investing in intimacy matters and how something as simple as the right lubricant can bring more joy, confidence, and closeness into your marriage.
In this episode, I dive into one of the most damaging beliefs I see in relationships: the idea that sex equals love. I'll share why this thinking creates unnecessary pain, pressure, and misunderstandings between partners, and how it often masks the many other ways love is expressed. You'll learn how to recognize love outside of sexual intimacy, why separating sex from love can actually strengthen both, and practical shifts you can make to bring more connection, authenticity, and joy into your relationship. By the end, you'll walk away with tools to reframe how you see love and intimacy so you can build a healthier, more fulfilling marriage. This is a great episode! I can't wait for you to listen.
Sexual rejection is one of the most painful experiences in marriage, but is your spouse really rejecting you or just rejecting sex? In this episode, I break down the two types of rejection, how to tell the difference, and why understanding this can change everything in your relationship. We'll talk about what rejection looks like when it's personal, what it looks like when it's not, and how to stop letting painful stories in your head dictate the way you feel. If you've ever wondered, "What's really happening when my spouse says no?" this conversation will give you clarity, hope, and practical steps forward.
So many men tell me, "I meet all her needs, why can't she meet mine?" Almost always that "need" is sex. I understand the frustration behind that question, but here's the truth- it's not helping your sex life, it's hurting it. In this episode, I talk about why framing sex as a "need" actually shuts down desire, and what to do instead if you want real intimacy and connection. If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of obligation, resentment, or just going through the motions, this conversation will give you a new perspective and a path forward.
Have you ever wondered why you can feel like a totally different person during sex than afterward? In this episode, I break down what's actually happening in your brain before, during, and after intimacy, and why it matters for your sex life. I'll show you how your neurobiology impacts desire, openness, and connection, and how you can use that knowledge to feel more present, communicate better, and stop judging yourself for normal responses. If you've ever been confused about why you or your partner seem "on different pages," this conversation will make so much sense.
In this episode, I'm diving into a pattern I see so often in marriages: good men with the best intentions who unintentionally invalidate their wives' feelings. I'll share real stories of couples who get stuck in this cycle and explain why it happens, especially when a husband's identity is tied so closely to being "the good guy." You'll hear how this dynamic leaves wives feeling unseen and husbands frustrated, even though neither partner wants that outcome. Most importantly, I'll talk about what both husbands and wives can do to break free from this pattern and build deeper connection and intimacy. Whether you see yourself in these stories or simply want a stronger marriage, this episode has something for you.
Sexual grief is something many experience but few talk about. In this episode, we explore what it means to grieve the sex life you thought you'd have, and why making grief your companion instead of your enemy can lead to deeper healing, connection, and hope. You'll hear how sexual grief shows up in different ways, from unmet expectations to struggles with desire or intimacy, and why acknowledging it matters. Most importantly, you'll learn how grief, when faced with compassion, can become a guide toward creating a more authentic and meaningful intimate life. If you have ever felt grief, and then shame, about your sex life, this is the episode for you.
In this episode, I'm tackling one of the most common questions I hear in my coaching practice: why do so many women say no to sex? The truth is, it's often not about low libido, it's about the kind of sex they're having. When intimacy feels like an obligation, when body image fears take over, or when pleasure and freedom are missing, it's no wonder women start turning away. I'll walk you through the real reasons behind sexual rejection in marriage and share how couples can rebuild connection, joy, and desire so intimacy feels safe, fun, and fulfilling again.
In this episode, I welcome back Katie Runyon of Faithful Fling to explore how playfulness, novelty, and emotional intimacy can transform long-term marriages. Katie shares how role play dates help couples break free from routine, rediscover curiosity, and keep monogamy passionate. Together, we discuss why emotional connection and sexual novelty aren't opposites but actually fuel each other, creating stronger trust and desire. With over 50 creative "flings," Faithful Fling offers tools to bring fun, mystery, and intimacy back into your relationship. If you've ever wondered how to keep passion alive after years of marriage, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration. You can find Katie and Faithful Fling on: Instagram: @faithfling Their Website: faithfulfling.com
In this episode, we explore why sexual certainty, which is the belief that you already know exactly how intimacy should look, might actually be blocking passion and connection in your relationship. You'll learn the difference between confidence and certainty, how curiosity creates space for growth, and why faith and openness are key to deeper intimacy. Through personal stories, brain science, and real-life coaching examples, you'll see how letting go of rigid beliefs and asking better questions can transform your marriage, strengthen your connection, and help you discover new levels of joy in your intimate relationship. Source: Quotes from "Conclave" (2024 film directed by Edward Berger)
In this episode, we're unpacking a powerful insight that could completely transform the way you experience intimacy in your marriage. It's all about the surprising difference between safety and security in your sexual relationship and why understanding it might be the missing piece to reigniting the passion you've been longing for. Most people think they're the same thing, but once you see the distinction, it can change everything about the way you connect with your spouse. Sources: Safety vs. Security concept credit: Whitni Miller (BDEmoves on Instagram) on "You Are Not Broken" podcast with Dr. Kelly Casperson Episode: "325. Sex, Safety and Embodied Intimacy" (July 5, 2025) Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-not-broken/id1495710329?i=1000715944578&r=495 "Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence" by Esther Perel
In this dynamic episode, Amanda sits down with Hope Orr, the owner of Elevated Boudoir, Utah's premier boudoir photography studio. Hope shares her personal journey from body insecurity and diet culture to self-acceptance and how one DIY boudoir session completely shifted her mindset. Now, she helps other women (and couples) experience that same transformation through photography that's more about healing than it is about posing. We dive into how boudoir photography can spark self-love, rebuild confidence after trauma, and even strengthen marriages and intimacy. You'll hear deeply moving client stories - from new moms rediscovering their beauty to longtime couples reconnecting in ways they never expected. Whether you've always been curious about boudoir sessions or thought, "That's not for me," this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Plus, learn exactly what a session with Elevated Boudoir looks like and how it's designed to be a safe, empowering experience—no matter your size, age, or comfort level. You can find Hope at: Her website: http://elevatedboudoir.com Email: info@elevatedboudoir.com Instagram: @elevatedboudoir
In this episode, we're diving into a powerful idea I recently heard on the Sex Therapy 101 podcast - a conversation between Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers and my friend Dr. Cami Hurst. Dr. Sellers shared a thought-provoking insight about the difference between sex drive and sexual desire. It's something we've touched on before, but today I want to give it the attention it deserves. This is one of the most misunderstood concepts in marriage, and I truly believe that understanding this difference might just revolutionize your relationship. Let's unpack it together.
J T
BS. This is why there is confusion in our entire health model. Experts keep changing the definitions. Unless the goal happens to be to become a expert via perpetual confusion. A good expert would call BS on other experts whom love to change the definitions.
Michelle Barbieri
such a fascinating topic! loved this.
L Branson
I used to enjoy this podcast, and one of the episodes started a conversation with me and my husband that was needed. But something she said really bothered me. She said the church "retracted" a stance on something which APPEARED to be true because it wasn't in the place it used to be. But I knew it was somewhere. And after months of searching in the wrong places, I found it in the right place. They had moved the guideline and stance from the FSY booklet to the Parent's Guide. In other words, Amanda didn't research enough and said something as a fact when it was only an assumption. She's preaching advising something is okay with her church when it isn't. Several podcasts after seem to deviate from that core religious belief. She can believe what she chooses, but to twist what a religious organization has said and state it as a fact instead of an opinion proves she is sharing the "philosophy of man mingled with scripture" and I no longer feel comfortable listening to her. Episode 139, by
Roberta A. Wilson
I love listening to your podcasts, and this episode, aka "therapy session" episode, was exactly what I needed to hear right now. Yet, forgiving my husband and moving on has been so hard for me! what would you recommend for me who's struggling? I need to call you...
Shea C. Sorensen
I love that you say to drop the manual. Every time I have ended a friendship it seemed that one of us wasn't holding up our end of the friendship agreement. Great content!