

Charting Toward Intimacy
Ellen Holloway
Looking for answers to the questions you don't want to Google? Not sure where to get help when your sexual life is on the rocks and everything the secular culture has to offer is only making things worse? Welcome to Charting Toward Intimacy where you learn to actually enjoy and desire good, holy sex with your spouse. Hosted by Ellen Holloway, Catholic Sex and Intimacy Coach.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 15min
What does the Church Teach About Female Orgasm? | Ep. 238
Check out the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women right here!In this episode, Ellen Holloway addresses the often confusing topic of female orgasm within Catholic teaching. She clarifies what is morally permissible, explains the importance of female pleasure in the context of marriage, and dispels common myths rooted in purity culture. Listeners will learn when and how female orgasm fits into the marital act, why it matters, and how both spouses can work together to foster unity and enjoyment. If you’ve ever wondered about the boundaries or significance of female orgasm, this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Sep 8, 2025 • 22min
How Open to Life Do We Really Need to Be? | Ep. 237
Grab the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here!In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the real-life challenges of fertility decisions and what it means to be "open to life" from a Catholic perspective, emphasizing that openness is a posture of the heart rather than a checklist of actions, and encouraging listeners to seek God’s will through prayer, discernment, and honest conversation with their spouse, trusting that peace and clarity will come in many forms—whether through family, marriage, or deeper faith.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Sep 1, 2025 • 15min
Arousal Doesn't Just Happen To You | Ep. 236
Stop dreading sex and take steps to get in the mood with the Getting in The Mood Guide right here!In this episode of Ellen Holloway breaks down the myth that arousal just happens on its own. She explains why arousal is an active process and shares practical strategies for inviting desire and enjoying intimacy more fully. Ellen discusses the importance of mindset, environment, and intentional actions in cultivating arousal, and encourages listeners to take positive steps to strengthen their marriages. ___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

11 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 39min
What Do We Need to Figure Out to Make Sex Amazing? | Ep. 235
Kathleen Chavonis joins the conversation, bringing her rich insights on intimacy and communication. She emphasizes key discussions couples should have to enhance their sexual relationships, especially newlyweds. The dialogue explores the intricacies of arousal, sexual initiation, and the importance of understanding personal preferences. Listeners learn about navigating intimacy through cycle awareness, effective communication strategies, and the art of humor in overcoming awkward moments. Practical tips for enhancing intimacy are also shared, making this a must-listen for couples seeking deeper connections.

Aug 18, 2025 • 13min
Is It Selfish To Put All My Focus On Myself In Order To Orgasm? | Ep. 234
Give me one hour and you'll learn how to orgasmIn this episode, Ellen addresses the common concern of needing to focus on yourself to orgasm and reassures listeners that doing so is not selfish, but rather an essential part of the mutual self-gift in marriage—emphasizing that vulnerability, presence, and receiving pleasure are key to deepening intimacy and unity with your spouse.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Aug 11, 2025 • 34min
What to do When Sex Has Become Unintentionally Transactional | Ep. 233
Grab the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here and try a new position tonight!In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the topic of transactional sex within marriages. They share personal stories, emphasize the importance of non-transactional intimacy, and provide actionable steps to address and resolve feelings of transactional sex. From scheduling sex to understanding each other's love languages, this episode equips couples with practical advice to foster a healthy, loving sexual relationship.Interested in some new Lingerie? Try Mentionables, we love them because they don't use models and you can get 10% off with code CHARTING10___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Aug 4, 2025 • 10min
Why it Bothers Us So Much When He Asks, "So...When Are We Gonna Have Sex?" | Ep. 232
Grab the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here!If you’ve ever felt unseen or pressured when your husband asks about sex, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, communicate your needs with confidence, and invite more intimacy and understanding into your marriage. Walk away feeling empowered, cherished, and ready to enjoy deeper connection with your spouse.Need more support? Check our courses linked below___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Jul 28, 2025 • 52min
How the Temperaments Affect Your Sex Life (part 2) | 231
Check out the Orgasm Course for Catholic WomenGo to listen to episode 224 first, our intro to the Temperaments and Sex Life topic!In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen break down how each temperament pairing can affect intimacy and communication in marriage. They discuss the unique challenges and strengths of every combination, offering practical tips for understanding your spouse and building a stronger relationship.Temperament Pairings & Timestamps:Choleric + Choleric — 5:52Choleric + Sanguine — 9:43Choleric + Melancholic — 13:31Choleric + Phlegmatic — 20:40Sanguine + Sanguine — 26:14Sanguine + Melancholic — 29:10Sanguine + Phlegmatic — 34:28Melancholic + Melancholic — 37:42Melancholic + Phlegmatic — 41:32Phlegmatic + Phlegmatic — 45:09___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Jul 21, 2025 • 12min
Pregnancy Does Not Need to be the End of Pleasurable Sex | Ep. 230
Just one position can change everything. Get the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here!In this episode, Ellen shares a personal story from her third pregnancy, when the usual routines in the bedroom no longer worked. Instead of resigning herself to months of less enjoyable intimacy, she and her husband decided to try new positions—leading to a surprising transformation in their sex life.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Jul 14, 2025 • 13min
Why Does Sex Have to End PIV if We're Infertile? | Ep. 229
Orgasm Course for Catholic Women is right here!In this episode, Ellen discusses the Catholic Church's teaching on the necessity of male ejaculation inside the vagina, even in cases of infertility, menopause, or pregnancy. She explains the deep theology and symbolism behind this teaching, emphasizing that sex is not just a physical act but a sacramental sign of total self-gift. Ellen explores how sex maintains its meaning and integrity by following God's design, reflecting on the body's language in Theology of the Body. Key references include Catechism 2366 and 2367 and Humanae Vitae.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses