Welcome to episode 4 of 5 in our Summer Series called, Cultivating an Emotionally Healthy Marriage. 

Joining us for a conversation about sex is our dear friend, a licensed marriage and family therapist whose specialization in graduate school was sex therapy, Laura Dugger.

In this episode, Laura talks about how sex makes everything better. Wait until you hear the research! With honesty, vulnerability, and a solid dose of fun, Josh and Christi's interview with Laura includes:

• The hidden benefits of sex
• How to talk to your spouse about sex
• Reasons for, and how to, schedule sex
• Individual differences when it comes to sex
• The God-given purpose of sex in marriage 

We hope you download the pdf files that go along with these episodes (found in show notes below) and use them in your small groups, with your spouse, or as a companion guide to the content.

Show Notes: 
How Marriage is Saving Me: Sign up for weekly devotional
https://shorturl.at/NtnCq 

Download the free discussion guide pdf for the Summer Series. https://www.famousathome.com/summerseriessignup 

Ladies, register now for Tender & Fierce!
https://www.famousathome.com/tenderandfierce 

Men, join the interest list for our exciting, upcoming men's discipleship journey! https://www.famousathome.com/mensinterestform

Listen to this episode on Youtube by clicking here.
https://youtu.be/NzgcDR013P0

RESOURCES MENTIONED BY LAURA DUGGER: 

Listen to the Savvy Sauce Podcast! hosted by Laura Dugger
https://thesavvysauce.com/

Dr. Jennifer Konzen podcast episode: Fostering a Fun, Healthy Sex Life with your Spouse with Dr. Jennifer Konzen
https://shorturl.at/mPQvW 

Visit The Art of Intimate Marriage Website: Access to Dr. Konzen's book, podcast, sex therapist training, and a marriage video series.
https://www.theartofintimatemarriage.com/

Listen to Dr. Douglas Rosenau podcast episode: Ways to Deepen Your Intimacy in Marriage with Dr. Douglas Rosenau
https://shorturl.at/EfLZ8

Read A Celebration of Sex by Dr. Douglas Rosenau: A guide to enjoying God's gift of sexual intimacy
https://amzn.to/4cMWVfk 

Listen to Dr. Michael Sytsma podcast episode: Enjoying a God-Honoring, Healthy Sex Life with Your Spouse with Certified Sex Therapist and Ordained Minister, Dr. Michael Sytsma
https://shorturl.at/A2pHO

Listen to Francie Winslow podcast episodes: Sex in Marriage and Its Positive Effects with Francie Winslow, Part 1
https://shorturl.at/Mx9Iw 

Science and Art of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Part 2
https://tinyurl.com/bddr6b58 

Listen to Drs. Clifford and Joyce Penner podcast episode: Easy Changes to Enhance Your Sexual Intimacy in Marriage with Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner
https://tinyurl.com/5n897dpn 

Time stamps:
(0:38 ) Introduction
(3:31 ) An introduction to Laura Dugger
(6:00 ) Laura’s journey into becoming a sex therapist
(8:15 ) Disclaimer about the sex conversation
(9:33 ) Specific ways sex makes everything in your life better
(11:28 ) Biblical foundation for sex
(15:45 ) Addressing body image
(21:11 ) Healthy ways to have conversation about sex
(27:30 ) Common differences in couples
(31:08 ) Purity culture, pornography, and rewiring our brains for healthy connection
(33:35 ) Talking about desire discrepancy and scheduling sex
(38:27 ) Testosterone in women and best time of day for sex
(40:40 ) One piece of advice for husbands
(42:44 ) One piece of advice for wives
(44:54 ) How to know when to reach out for outside support
(49:00 ) The last word