Relationship Advice

Thrive Therapy - Colter Bloxom, Lauren Mokarry, and Cayla Bozovich
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Aug 27, 2025 • 52min

Dating: Fear of Intimacy

This episode unpacks the fear of intimacy—why closeness can feel good yet terrifying at the same time. Colter, Cayla, and Lauren explore how fear of intimacy shows up in subtle and obvious ways, from ghosting and over-picking flaws to struggling with vulnerability in relationships. They also highlight how childhood experiences, trauma, and personal wiring shape this fear, and offer hope that with curiosity, compassion, and therapy, people can learn to build deeper connections. They talk about topics such as:  - Vulnerability vs. dumping  - Signs of fear  - Roots of fear - Negotiation & sacrifice  - Dating dynamics - And more! Give Me Discounts! Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365 to anyone who signs up between July 7th and July 11th. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. PXG - Visit PXGApparel.com/IDO or use promo code: PODAPP-IDO to save 10% off your Spring/Summer 2025 Collection order. Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/IDO to get 10% off Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Colter, Cayla, & Lauren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Aug 20, 2025 • 53min

Navigating Friendship Conflict

This episode dives into the often-overlooked complexities of friendship conflict and breakups, highlighting that friendships can be just as emotionally significant—and challenging—as romantic relationships. The hosts discuss common causes of tension, from mismatched expectations and life transitions to breaches of trust, unmet needs, and changes in values. They share strategies for addressing disconnection with curiosity and honesty, while also giving permission to let certain friendships fade when they no longer align. Colter, Cayla, and Lauren talk about topics such as:  - Friendships as attachments - Common reasons for tension - Friendship pursuer/withdrawer dynamics - Healthy repair - And more! Give Me Discounts! Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365 to anyone who signs up between July 7th and July 11th. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. PXG - Visit PXGApparel.com/IDO or use promo code: PODAPP-IDO to save 10% off your Spring/Summer 2025 Collection order. Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/IDO to get 10% off Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Colter, Cayla, & Lauren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Aug 13, 2025 • 52min

Sensory Profiles & Sexual Intimacy w/ Dr. Sarah Anderson

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Anderson returns to explore how sensory processing patterns impact physical and sexual intimacy. The hosts use a creative "readiness for sex" scale to frame how sensory input—like lighting, texture, sound, and smell—can act as either accelerators or brakes for sexual connection. By understanding your own and your partner’s sensory profile, couples can communicate better, reduce misunderstandings, and intentionally create more satisfying intimate experiences. Colter, Lauren and Sarah talk about: The Eight Senses & Sexual Intimacy Brakes vs. Accelerators Sensory Preferences are Individualized Practical Tools & Ideas Communication is Central And More! Give Me Discounts! Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365 to anyone who signs up between July 7th and July 11th. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. PXG - Visit PXGApparel.com/IDO or use promo code: PODAPP-IDO to save 10% off your Spring/Summer 2025 Collection order. Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/IDO to get 10% off Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Colter, Cayla, & Lauren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Aug 6, 2025 • 52min

Sensory Profiles & How They Impact Our Relationships w/ Dr. Sarah Anderson

Dr. Sarah Anderson, a mental health occupational therapist, dives into the fascinating world of sensory profiles and their effects on relationships. She discusses the eight sensory systems, including the often-overlooked interoception and proprioception. Discover how these sensory dynamics influence communication and compassion between partners. Tips for navigating differing sensory needs and combating common conflicts provide actionable insights for couples. By learning to understand each other's sensory patterns, listeners can foster deeper connections and reduce emotional misunderstandings.
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8 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 48min

How To Support A Loved One

Discover how to effectively support loved ones through tough times! The hosts share insights on recognizing signs of struggle and managing emotional responses. They emphasize the importance of curiosity and validation in communication. Learn strategies for navigating sensitive conversations and setting healthy boundaries. The discussion highlights the balance between supporting others and practicing self-care to maintain strong relationships. Tune in for relatable anecdotes and practical advice to build deeper connections.
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12 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 51min

When To Bring Up Hard Things

Discover how to tackle tough discussions in relationships with grace. Timing is crucial, as the hosts emphasize when and how to approach sensitive topics. They share the HALT acronym to help gauge emotional readiness and suggest not bringing things up when you're upset. Strategies like priming for conversation and understanding the environment can strengthen connection. From dating dynamics to establishing trust, they offer insights on navigating these challenges effectively.
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9 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 41min

Sex Therapy Part 2: Sexual Differences Between Men & Women

Join sex therapist Bryttney Huseas, who specializes in intimacy and sexual health, as she unpacks the sexual differences between men and women. The discussion dives into cultural conditioning, body image, and power dynamics in relationships. Bryttney highlights the variations in desire, emphasizing the importance of open communication and self-awareness. Discover why understanding energy dynamics matters and how clitoral stimulation plays a vital role in female pleasure. This conversation offers insights and practical tools for fostering deeper connections in intimacy.
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8 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 47min

Sex Therapy Part 1: Where Do Couples Get Stuck?

Bryttney Huseas, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in sex and relationship therapy, joins the conversation to demystify common sexual challenges couples face. She highlights the differences between spontaneous and responsive desire, and how cultural myths can create misunderstandings. The discussion covers the importance of empathy, safe communication, and personal responsibility in fostering intimacy. Listeners gain practical tools to enhance their sexual relationships and navigate the intricate dynamics of desire.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 51min

The Secret Language of Empathy & How To Use It

Empathy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a skillset, and in this episode, we break down its secret language. From how to stop jumping to advice-giving to what true emotional presence really looks like, we explore the four essential attributes of empathy. If you’ve ever wondered why your support sometimes falls flat—or how to help your partner feel more understood—this episode is your guide to getting out of the “fix-it” trap and into deeper connection. We talk about topics such as:  - The Four Attributes of Empathy - Why We Default to Fixing Instead of Empathizing - Empathy ≠ Agreement - How to Build the Empathy Muscle - and more! Brene Brown Empathy Video mentioned Give Me Discounts! Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. PXG - Visit PXGApparel.com/IDO or use promo code: PODAPP-IDO to save 10% off your Spring/Summer 2025 Collection order. Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/IDO to get 10% off Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Colter, Cayla, & Lauren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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14 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 52min

How To Dismantle Shame

Explore the roots of shame and its sneaky impact on relationships. The hosts dive into personal stories from childhood that illuminate how early experiences shape feelings of inadequacy. They discuss the difference between shame and guilt, revealing how shame can lead to defensiveness and emotional withdrawal. Listeners learn the importance of grieving unmet needs and replacing shame with truth for healthier connections. Through insightful reflections, they encourage self-acceptance and navigating emotions in relationships without shame.

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