The Human Intimacy Podcast

If you are looking to improve your relationship skills, this episode features Dr. Kevin Skinner and Amy Andrus discussing how to create better relationships through appropriate self-disclosure. In this episode, “The Art of Self-Disclosure,” you will learn the research-based benefits of learning to open up and allow others to see into you. Self-disclosure in close relationships can create a foundation of trust, empathy, and emotional connection that sustains and enriches the bond between you and the people you care about. Learn how to put these skills into action in your relationships.   A special thanks to McKay Hatch for sharing his music in each episode. If you haven’t heard McKay’s “Quench My Heart,” here’s a link to listen to this fun and entertaining song.  https://youtu.be/BPmF47qHYbg?si=yWRL3H47q2f6HHZt

Unresolved shame simply ruins our chance of creating deep connections in our relationships. Have you ever felt parental shame? Do you have voices running around in your head that make you feel like you are not enough? In this episode, Dr. Kevin Skinner and Amy Andrus discuss how shame prevents us from creating intimacy in our relationships. They conclude with a discussion on how we all can address the shame we feel inside. If you want to achieve deep and lasting relationships, make sure that shame is not holding you back.  

Overcome 5 Barriers to Intimacy and Connection Have you ever asked yourself what keeps you from creating the type of relationship you long for? If so, in this episode, Dr. Kevin Skinner and Amy Andrus discuss five of the most common barriers we have to overcome to achieve the type of intimacy we desire.  Due to these barriers, we live far below our relationship potential. The five barriers include: Unresolved issues from our past Fear of intimacy Shame Pleasure seeking Lack of relationship skills. During the show, Dr. Skinner asked you to consider this question: "On a scale between 0 (ineffective) and 10 (very effective), how effective were your partners at teaching you how to have healthy relationships? This is a question that Dr. Skinner has asked audiences throughout the world. You may be surprised at the audience's answers to this critical question. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Test Your Relationship — A  guide for couples wanting to improve their relationship. Begin your journey by taking the test. Then review your personalized results. Next implement the suggestions and watch the videos to improve your relationship and increase your connection. If you haven’t checked out McKay Hatch’s music, I encourage you to do so. You can find his music at the following links: https://youtu.be/BPmF47qHYbg?si=yWRL3H47q2f6HHZt https://youtu.be/bBeRLjI1nt0?si=-N0UbN-h97Sj9wvT https://youtu.be/qHhQoebmizE?si=oaL2QG_E3wCL2I7t

The State of Human Intimacy in a Culture Filled with Fear We live in a society filled with trust issues. This is especially true when so many relationships fail due to betrayal, addiction, and anger. The end result is that far too many people are in relationships but feel lonelier than ever. In this podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner discusses how our society can overcome our fears of intimacy and offers three things we can do to improve our relationship skills. Suggested Resources: Test Your Relationship — An online course for couples wanting to learn how to improve their relationship. When you Test Your Relationship, you will be given an 85 page report that will pinpoint the areas in which you can improve your relationship. Begin by identifying the barriers to intimacy and then learn how to overcome the issues that are hurting your relationship.   

Dating After Divorce: Are You Ready to Date? Did you know that 52% of women and 64% of men remarry after a divorce? So, if you are divorced, are you ready to date? Maybe a better question is, how can you tell if you are prepared to move forward in a new relationship? In this episode, Dr. Kevin Skinner and his new co-host, Amy Andrus, discuss the importance of preparing yourself to date after divorce. They also discuss their new online course, Dating After Divorce. Recommend Resources: Dating After Divorce - Online course designed to help you succeed in your next relationship. Rebuild Your Life After Divorce - Online course with a support group. The Essentials to Healing After Divorce - Online course to help you address unresolved issues from your past relationship. This course includes the Post-Divorce Adjustment Inventory. Learn more at HumanIntimacy.com  

The Relationship Dilemma —Is Your Relationship on the Brink? Far too many couples on the brink of divorce struggle in their decision. Should I leave? Should I stay? Can we work it out? Can we be happy again? In Episode #5 of The Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr.'s Kevin Skinner and Dave Robinson discuss ideas to help you make an informed decision. Together, these relationship experts have nearly 60 years of clinical experience. Join them as they discuss ideas and strategies you can use to make this crucial decision.  Resources Discussed: The Relationship Dilemma — Online Course designed to help couples make the best decision regarding their relationship. Test Your Relationship (TYR)— An online course and assessment that helps couples pinpoint areas in their relationship that need to be improved. If you struggle connecting in your relationship, but don’t know how to change the unhealthy patterns TYR is for you. Make sure to join Dr. Skinner and his guests each Wednesday at they discuss all things related to human intimacy.  

Communication Tools to Improve Intimacy and Create Connection Intimacy requires healthy communication. When couples get bogged down in unhealthy relationship patterns, they often feel unheard, struggle to communicate unmet needs, and don’t quite know what to say or how to resolve their differences. In desperation, many individuals and couples turn to counselors for help. In this podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis share and discuss several effective communication strategies that will help listeners to improve intimacy and create more meaningful connections in their relationships.  Resources Discussed in this Show: 7 Skills for Enhancing Communication and Connections (Free Course) Building Bridges: The Art of Communication  

Dr. Kevin Skinner and special guest Dr. Jill Manning discuss the healing process from infidelity and other forms of sexual betrayal. In this episode these two seasoned professionals dive into the topic of emotional immaturity and how it prevents relationship healing. Finally, Dr. Jill Manning shares her research findings on the influence of pornography on couple relationships. She presented these findings before congress.  

In episode #2 of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Skinner interviews Dr. Stefanie Carnes the President of the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals. In this session, these two professionals with almost 60 years of experience discuss the following: Whether couples should discuss the details of an affair or other sexual betrayal. How to discuss unwanted sexual behaviors with children (what to say and what not to say) Insights into Patrick Carnes from Stefanie’s perspective If recovery is possible for couples dealing with sexual betrayal Resources mentioned: https://sexhelp.com (Find a Counselor) The Essentials to Healing from Sexual Betrayal (Online course) Treating Sexual Addiction: A 100 Day Course for Recovery (Online course) A Special Thanks to McKay Hatch for the music. You can follow McKay’s music at these links: https://youtu.be/qHhQoebmizE?si=oaL2QG_E3wCL2I7t https://youtu.be/BPmF47qHYbg?si=yWRL3H47q2f6HHZt

Welcome to episode #1 of The Human Intimacy Podcast with Dr. Kevin Skinner. If you want to hear a story of resiliency and strength through adversity, meet McKay Hatch. His story will bring tears to your eyes and show you the power of connection through adversity. McKay also shares his musical talents in this episode.