Love and Libido

Do you long for a sense of effortlessness, harmony, and synchronicity when you make love to your partner? Do you want to experience a sense of unity and surrender to the moment? Then you need to listen to today’s episode. The feelings I just described can only happen when you and your partner are highly attuned. Being attuned means that your bodies sync up with each other. Your breathing and heart rates move in unison, which – the latest research shows – massively amplifies sexual pleasure and satisfaction. I am fortunate to be joined by sexual attunement expert, Dr. Bridget Freihart. Bridget is a Ph.D. candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently completing her training as a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Her research, which focuses on the role of relationships in sexual and reproductive health, has been featured in a range of leading medical journals. In addition to her work as a scientist, Bridget specializes in the delivery of cutting-edge interventions designed to optimize emotional and sexual health. If you like what you hear, don't forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. Exciting news! You can now pre-order my book, "Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion," from your favorite book retailers. Don't miss out on securing your copy early! And don't forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.

Social media has completely changed the landscape of relationships. It gives couples a lot of gray area to consider when thinking about what constitutes as cheating or even little boundary violations. How does social media affect relationships? Can it offer any benefit? How do you talk to your partner about boundaries regarding social media use? We are going to chat about all of that and more in today’s episode.  I’m joined by my friend and colleague, Dr. Rachel Needle. Dr. Needle is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist in private practice as well as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University. She is the founder and CEO of the Advanced Mental Health Training Institute and Co-Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes which provides continuing education to Mental Health and Medical professionals and Sex Therapists around the world. She has been featured in a number of popular magazines such as Glamour and Cosmopolitan. If you like what you hear, don't forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. Exciting news! You can now pre-order my book, "Anatomy of Desire: Five Secrets to Create Connection and Cultivate Passion," from your favorite book retailers. Don't miss out on securing your copy early! And don't forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.

Have you ever wondered what the secrets are to long-term love and attraction? Well, we have some interesting new research that sheds light on what the happiest couples already know. Get your pen and paper ready because whether you’re dating or partnered, you’re about to learn the key ingredients for lasting intimacy.  I’m joined once again by Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, who conducted the research I mentioned and compiled it for us in her new book, Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love.  Dr. Sara is a Social Psychologist who specializes in Sexuality, Relationships, and Intercultural fluency. Her commitment to the growth of our human community manifests itself through her multi-dimensional efforts as a thinking partner, educator, consultant, author, keynote speaker, and media commentator. Thank you to BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that has already helped millions, for sponsoring the show. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting www.betterhelp.com/dremily or by using code DREMILY at check out. If you like what you hear, don't forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. And don't forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.

If you’re like most folks, you probably think that sex is something that comes naturally. Who needs a guidebook for something we are hardwired to do, right? Wrong! The truth is, good lovers know and accept that lifelong learning is an essential component of great sex, which is the topic of today’s episode. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mariah Freya, a sex coach and the co-founder of Beducated, an online platform for sex education, where she offers a vast library of resources for inclusive, comprehensive, medically accurate, and pleasure-focused sex education for adults. In her early 20s, Mariah Freya faced the trauma of multiple sexual assaults. This challenging period marked by low libido and strained relationships became a turning point for her. Driven by her background as a social worker and the transformative experience she gained from therapy and sex-positive workshops, Mariah was inspired to become a sex coach. Recognizing an evident gap in inclusive and accessible adult sex education, she, along with her partner Philipp Steinweber, launched Beducated, an online platform offering affordable and digestible teachings. Dedicated to "bed-ucating" the world, Mariah stands as a beacon of resilience, advocating the belief that everyone, regardless of their life stage, deserves comprehensive, pleasure-based sex education. Thank you to BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that has already helped millions, for sponsoring the show. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting www.betterhelp.com/dremily or by using code DREMILY at check out. If you like what you hear, don't forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. And don't forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.

What does your personality type say about your sexual and relationship tendencies? The Enneagram has become an increasingly popular personality assessment and can tell us so much about our romantic and sexual nature. What does it mean if you score high on Number 2, which is a Helper, but low on Number 5, which is the Investigator? We’re going to dive into each of the 9 types with sex and personality expert, Lyndsey Fraser. I took the personality assessment myself and Lyndsey shared some interesting insight about what it might say about my sexuality. I’m getting vulnerable today!Lyndsey is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, and an International Enneagram Association (IEA) Accredited Enneagram Professional. She has presented on the intersection of the Enneagram, relationships, and sexuality in various U.S. and international forums.Lyndsey also has had a small private practice for the last twelve years in South Minneapolis where she specializes in relationships and sexuality utilizing the Enneagram.You can find Lyndsey on Instagram @lyndseyfraserlmft.The Nine Enneagram Type Descriptions1 THE REFORMER The Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic2 THE HELPER The Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive3 THE ACHIEVER The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type: Adaptive, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious4 THE INDIVIDUALIST The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental5 THE INVESTIGATOR The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated6 THE LOYALIST The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious7 THE ENTHUSIAST The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered8 THE CHALLENGER The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational9 THE PEACEMAKER The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and ComplacentIf you are interested in taking the test yourself, visit https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/.Thank you to BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that has already helped millions, for sponsoring the show. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting www.betterhelp.com/dremily or by using code DREMILY at check out.If you like what you hear, don't forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released.If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if

Sex shouldn’t hurt unless you want it to, but that’s not the case for a lot of people. The fact is, 1 in 4 individuals, yeah 25% of people, experience some kind of pain that affects the quality of their sex. As we’ll discuss on today’s show, pain can be caused by several factors, which is why I’ve called in sexual pain expert and host of the Sluts and Scholars Podcast, Nicoletta Heidegger. Nicoletta Heidegger is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and Sexologist practicing in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in trauma-informed sex therapy for diverse populations and is also an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).  She provides coaching, consulting, education, and retreats to folks around the world. When not seeing clients, Nicoletta creates weekly content via her hit show Sluts and Scholars: a sex-positive, shame-free, educational podcast for professionals who like pleasure. Nicoletta contributes regularly to a variety of columns, podcasts, classrooms, and blogs about sex, relationships, and mental health. Thank you to BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that has already helped millions, for sponsoring the show. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting www.betterhelp.com/dremily or by using code DREMILY at check out. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. And don’t forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.

Are you a mother or partner of a mother who feels like your relationship has gone downhill since kids entered the scene? You love your partner and you love your kids, but you feel like you’ve lost yourself somewhere along the way. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, our sexuality is inextricably linked to our individuality. Without a strong sense of self, your relationship and sex life are going to suffer. So, how can we love our kids without losing ourselves and still find time for love and romance in the mix? That’s the topic of today’s episode. Dr. Morgan Cutlip, who has a Ph.D. in psychology and is a highly sought-after relationship expert, knows what it feels like to lose yourself in motherhood and she’s determined to help mothers navigate it better. Throughout her career, she has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide learn how to form and maintain healthy relationships. Dr. Morgan has been a featured relationship expert with Good Morning America, Teen Vogue, New York Times, Women’s Health Magazine, MOPS International, Loveology, and Flow, which is the number one app in Health and Fitness. Her book, Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself, is available now. Thank you to BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that has already helped millions, for sponsoring the show. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting www.betterhelp.com/dremily or by using code DREMILY at check out. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. And don’t forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, an intimate marriage expert specializing in showing couples how to build beautiful, long-lasting passionate relationships. She is the bestselling author of “Uncompromising Intimacy” and host of The Institute of Marriage Podcast. A wife of 26 years and mother of 4, Alexandra believes the key to passion and fulfillment, intimacy and success isn’t compromise –it’s being unwilling to compromise -because when both people feel free to be themselves and know how to love and be loved for exactly who they are, the relationship is juicy, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Thank you to BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that has already helped millions, for sponsoring the show. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting www.betterhelp.com/dremily or by using code DREMILY at check out. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. And don’t forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.

Do you or your partner struggle to stay focused, present, and connected to your body during sex? Do you find yourself easily distracted? Well, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common complaints I get from my clients. Today, I’m joined by therapist Tara Galeano who is going to chat with us about ways to stay more embodied during sex so that you can amplify your pleasure. Author Tara Galeano is a certified sex therapist and sexual empowerment coach who has worked with women and couples for over two decades to get their sexy back. She knows that there is pleasure in the body and everyone can access it. In her book ‘Rediscovering My Body’, Tara teaches us how to show up for our desires by being more fully embodied. Thank you to BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that has already helped millions, for sponsoring the show. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting www.betterhelp.com/dremily or by using code DREMILY at check out. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. And don’t forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.

Is it true that women are from Venus and men are from Mars? Are men and women more alike or more different? Why do we seem to have totally different ways of communicating with one another, and how can we work together to build happier and healthier relationships? Dr. Ricky Arenson is a dual-trained Endocrinologist and Geriatrician who lives in Perth, Western Australia, with his wife of twenty years and their four children. As the head of a major hospital, working with patients who have reached 100 years of age, Ricky asked them what the secret to their longevity was… surprisingly it wasn’t eating acai berries and doing yoga… it was having long-term positive relationships. His outrageously funny yet serious book ‘Women Are Superior to Men’ explores why so many couples have the same arguments about how often to have sex, how men don’t notice or pick up the mess they leave lying around, and how men communicate in grunts or jokes when their wives are looking for a serious conversation. It’s an easy guide to creating and maintaining a magical relationship filled with love, joy, and better (and more frequent) sex. Ricky has helped over 30,000 patients, holds numerous medical awards, and was awarded a lifetime Outstanding Service Award by Royal Perth Hospital. He has also founded several businesses, owns a private medical practice, and is a stand-up comedian. Thank you to BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that has already helped millions, for sponsoring the show. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting www.betterhelp.com/dremily or by using code DREMILY at check out. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to leave me a five-star review. Your positive feedback helps me grow so that we can continue having these engaging, informative, and fun conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow & subscribe so that you’ll be notified when a new episode is released. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, you can submit it at www.loveandlibido.com. You can either email in your story or you can record your submission, whatever is easier for you. We always give you the option to have your voice professionally disguised with our fancy editing software, so no worries if you would like to remain anonymous. Or if you’re loud and proud, and you want to tell us who are as you share your question, that is fine too. We are also collecting story submissions as well. You can follow me across all the social media channels @dremilyjamea. That’s usually the best place to see what information we are looking for as it relates to topics we are discussing on the show. And don’t forget to check out my online workshop, Anatomy of Desire: 5 Secrets to Lasting Intimacy. Visit www.emilyjamea.com/workshop for your free sample. Subscribers can use code HALFOFF for 50% off.