The Intimate Marriage Podcast, with Intimacy Coach Alexandra Stockwell, MD

Are marriage myths quietly sabotaging your relationship?  In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell sits down with returning guest Monica Tanner to challenge the most common (and misleading) advice couples are told. From “happy wife, happy life” to “compromise is key,” they unpack why these popular sayings fall short—and what to do instead.  If you're ready to trade clichés for true connection, this conversation is for you.   Episode highlights: Why “happy wife, happy life” doesn’t lead to a wonderful marriage The power of collaboration over compromise in solving relationship challenges How choosing your partner daily leads to growth and deeper connection The role of honest communication in breaking free from unhelpful marriage advice How being intentional and understanding each other’s needs creates lasting fulfillment About The Guest: Monica Tanner, RLT trained, Relationship Coach and host of the Secrets of Happily Ever After podcast, transforms marriages with simple communication, connection, conflict resolution and commitment strategies. Her mission is to lower the divorce rate and improve marital satisfaction. Through her engaging podcast, new book, Bad Marriage Advice, vibrant social media community, and couple’s coaching practice, Monica's expert guidance has impacted thousands of couples, by helping them ditch resentment and roommate syndrome and get back to living their happily ever after love story.   https://monicatanner.com  https://badmarriageadvice.com  https://www.instagram.com/monitalksmarriage/ https://youtube.com/@secretsofhappilyeverafter       Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram     Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book   Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com   Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

Did you know better sleep can significantly enhance your sex life? In this episode of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell delves into the often-overlooked link between rest, desire, and emotional intimacy. You’ll hear how just one extra hour of sleep can increase libido by 14%—and why prioritizing rest is essential for sustaining passion, vitality, and deep connection in your relationship. Tune in and explore how nourishing your body with better sleep awakens more intimacy, joy, and fulfillment in your marriage.   Episode Highlights: One extra hour of sleep can boost libido by 14%—a small shift with a big impact on intimacy Rest restores hormonal balance, including testosterone, which naturally supports desire Better sleep lowers stress and creates space for emotional and physical closeness As in so many other areas of life, sleep is foundational for a thriving relationship Prioritizing sleep is an act of devotion—to your well-being and to the love you share       Ready to feel more confident initiating intimacy—and get that “yes”? Join Initiating, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell’s program where she teaches men how to create deeper connection, spark desire, and lead with clarity in your relationship. Whether you've been married for years or just want to feel more empowered in intimacy, this is your next step. https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/initiating     Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram     Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book   Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com   Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

You may think that after years of marriage, intimacy should get easier. After all, you know one another better than anyone, you have a routine. So why is it that for so many couples, sexual intimacy becomes more complicated with time? In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell explores why initiating sexual intimacy isn’t always intuitive—even in long-term relationships—and what you can do about it.  With a blend of psychological insight and real-world advice, Dr. Alexandra shares why rejection often creates distance and how to shift that pattern.  She introduces her five-week program, Initiating, designed to help educated, successful men lead with confidence and create deeper, more connected relationships. Episode highlights: Initiating intimacy isn’t always easy—even in long-term marriages Rejection creates distance, but it doesn’t have to stay that way Alexandra’s Initiating program helps men lead with confidence Simple tools will improve connection and boost relationship energy Ready to feel more confident initiating intimacy—and get that “yes”? Join Initiating, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell’s program where she teaches men how to create deeper connection, spark desire, and lead with clarity in your relationship. Whether you've been married for years or just want to feel more empowered in intimacy, this is your next step. https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/initiating       Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram     Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book   Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com   Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

Want to learn how to reliably ask for sex in a way that leads to connection instead of rejection? In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell explores this often-overlooked skill. She speaks directly to high-achieving men who struggle with initiating sex and offers a grounded, compassionate approach rooted in respect and emotional intimacy. Once you learn how to ask for sex well, it will transform your intimate life! Dr. Alexandra also shares details about her upcoming masterclass, where you'll learn clear, actionable ways to become more confident and successful in creating more closeness in your relationship.   This episode breaks down: Why asking for sex is a skill—and how learning it will shift your relationship How to build confidence initiating intimacy, with respect and clarity The truth about common myths that hold couples back in the bedroom Simple, practical ways to improve your intimate connection Details about Alexandra’s upcoming masterclass designed to help men ask for sex in a way that deepens connection and enhances relationship. 👉 Ready to feel more confident and connected in your relationship?   Join Dr. Alexandra Stockwell’s live masterclass “How to Ask Your Woman for Sex (So She's More Likely to Say YES)” happening on July 28, 2025.   Sign up now to save your seat and learn the skills that will change everything. https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/yes/       Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram     Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book   Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com   Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

Feeling more like roommates than romantic partners? Learn how igniting your marriage through relationship coaching enhances everything in life. In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell interviews her client Sebastian Smelko—an accomplished lawyer, and a devoted husband and father—about how relationship coaching helped him and his wife turn their “roommate-style” marriage into a deeply connected partnership. Sebastian opens up about the mindset shifts, personal growth, and inner work that reignited his connection with his wife.  This is an honest, hopeful conversation about taking responsibility, embracing vulnerability, and building lasting love. If you’ve ever wondered how relationship coaching works, this conversation will convey what’s possible when relationship coaching is coupled with a deep desire to reignite your marriage.   In this episode: Break the roommate cycle with vulnerability and self-awareness Use workplace skills like problem-solving to build connection It’s essential to own your role in order to create real change Grow individually to deepen love and intimacy   About The Guest: Sebastian Smelko is a husband, father of two, and an attorney. He and his wife are private coaching clients of Alexandra.   Resources mentioned: “How to Ask your Woman for Sex (so she’s more likely to say Yes)” Alexandra’s upcoming masterclass for men: https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/yes/   Initiating, Alexandra’s program for educated, successful men: https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/initiating       Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram     Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book   Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com   Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

Ever wonder what power couples do differently to thrive in life, and love?  In this episode of The Intimate Marriage podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell speaks with Rono Smith and Sierra Sullivan—relationship coaches and visionary partners—about the secrets that transformed their business partnership into a deeply connected marriage. You’ll learn about their Epic Date Formula, how intimacy fuels purpose, and why committed couples are uniquely positioned for personal and professional growth.  Whether you’re building a life or a business together, this episode will help you unlock the next level in your relationship.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How friendship, business, and romance can strengthen your marriage What it means to be a power or visionary couple Why committed relationships accelerate personal growth How community support plays a role in lasting love The EPIC Date Formula: Erotic, Playful, Intimate, Creative  Meet Rono and Sierra: Rono and Sierra are passionate relationship mentors and social alchemists, guiding visionary couples toward deeper connection, purpose, and growth. With over 16 years of experience in the relationship industry, their work is rooted in their own evolutionary journey as a couple. After making bold life changes early in their marriage they learned firsthand how life’s challenges can either strain or strengthen a relationship. Through these experiences, they’ve gained potent insights into building conscious, thriving partnerships, especially during pivotal transitions. Their mission is to help couples turn their relationship into a powerful source of energy and growth, not only for personal fulfillment but for creating lasting impact in the world. Together, they founded Eden World, a peer-to-peer private membership association and exclusive mastermind club for high-impact, visionary couples. Eden World provides a sanctuary where couples come together to elevate their relationships and lives, while forging meaningful connections with other like-minded leaders. If you’re ready to take your relationship to new heights and join a community of visionary couples committed to personal growth and collective success, Eden World is the space for you.   Connect with Rono and Sierra https://edenworld.org/  https://edenworld.org/principles     Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

What if deeper intimacy begins by facing the emotions you’ve been avoiding? In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell explores why avoiding emotional pain is blocking you from true pleasure. Discover how emotional numbness doesn’t just protect you from hurt—it also dulls your capacity for joy, passion, and connection.  Learn what it really means to embrace Uncompromising Intimacy and why the courage to feel it all is the key to a more vibrant, emotionally rich relationship.   This episode breaks down how: Avoiding pain also blocks pleasure and connection. Uncompromising Intimacy means truth over compromise. Discomfort can lead to deeper intimacy. Growth requires feeling, not numbing. Real connection starts with authenticity.     Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

Is it possible for a long-term marriage to become more fulfilling over time, better than the early years of dating and the newlywed phase? (We’re talking all aspects of marriage, including sex!) In this episode of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, Drs. Alexandra and Rodd Stockwell share their real-life journey through many phases of their marriage—from tending small children, to the early years of demanding careers, to a deeper, more connected relationship in midlife. Through honest communication and shared effort, they prove that lasting love is something you can cultivate and lean into, as opposed to letting the spark fade away. Their heartfelt stories and practical tips will help your relationship grow stronger and improve over time too.   In this episode: Marriage Changes Over Time: You grow through navigating different phases, together. Challenges Help You Grow: Feeling stuck can ultimately lead to deeper connection. Honest Talk Matters: Being open brings you closer. Marriage Takes Work: Like a home, it needs care and attention. Face the Hard Stuff: Naming your fears can strengthen your bond.     Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

Intentional love isn’t just a goal—it’s a daily practice. Ling and Lamb, married content creators, beloved influencers, and authors, exemplify this through their blend of playful pranks and honest conversations.  In this episode of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell chats with Ling and Lamb about how they’ve mastered the art of blending humor, culture, extreme differences in upbringing, and deep connection. He grew up in Nigeria. She grew up in Connecticut. They have had to learn SO MUCH about one another in order to enjoy a vibrant intimate marriage. Now their Nigerian-American marriage is a beacon for couples wanting an intentional, fun, mutually respectful, awesome relationship. This conversation offers practical advice for couples from different cultures as well as couples who merely come from different families, because each of us grows up with different reference points and assumptions. Ling and Lamb also share evocative insights from their new book, Beautiful Foolishness which is their story plus guidance on how to nurture a joyful, lasting bond.   This episode breaks down: Playfulness & Peace: How fun moments and emotional calm strengthen a marriage. Intentional Love: Why supporting each other’s growth matters in a strong relationship. Cultural Connection: How honoring each of their Nigerian and American backgrounds enriches their bond. Real Communication: The role of honesty and patience in resolving conflict. Beautiful Foolishness: Key takeaways from their book on love, growth, and intentional living.     About The Guests: Taccara Lawanson (aka Ling) and Yinka Lawanson (aka Lamb) are married content creators sharing their antics, pranks, everyday moments, and honest conversations online. With Taccara being American and Yinka originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Ling and Lamb's content is concentrated on the complexities and rewards of their intercultural relationship. They tackle the peaks and valleys of sharing each other’s roots, all with a generous dose of humor. Yinka is a well known Afrobeats dancehall recording artist in Nigeria, performing under the stage name Lamboginny and using his music to create awareness for humanitarian causes. In 2023 he released the single "God Is Not Done.” Ling is an actress and model, having studied at Strasberg and Weist Barron.   Connect with Ling and Lamb: https://www.lingandlamb.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lingandlamb/   Check out their​ book “Beautiful Foolishness" https://amzn.to/4jqBpk6 Favorite Positions reel:​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akl-KCgHcwE     Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact    

Craving more presence, passion, and real connection in your relationship? This episode is your gentle nudge to slow down, truly show up, and deepen intimacy in a meaningful way. In today’s episode, Intimacy Coach Alexandra Stockwell, MD dives into the issue of modern technology and other common distractions that pull us away from meaningful moments—and shares simple but powerful tools like deep breathing and emotional honesty to bring you back. Learn how being fully present can transform your intimate experiences and help you shift from feeling distracted to deeply connected.   In this episode: Technology often disrupts intimacy—awareness is the first step. Deep connection happens when partners are fully present. Breathing, physical awareness, and emotional honesty enhance intimacy. Authentic emotional presence strengthens physical closeness. Explore private coaching to deepen intimacy.   Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra’s bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact