In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the impact of busyness on intimate relationships. They highlight how constantly busy schedules can strain the connection with spouses and offer practical strategies to maintain intimacy.  Additionally, they share personal experiences and the role of faith in navigating stressful, chaotic periods, emphasizing the significance of prioritizing family and marriage over societal pressures and financial worries.Check out the O Course for Catholic Women right here! ___________________________________ 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

In this episode, Ellen discusses the common habit of saying no to sex initiated by a spouse. She shares her personal experience of realizing this habit and challenges listeners to reflect on their reasons for frequently declining intimacy. Ellen encourages evaluating whether these reasons are genuine or simply habitual excuses, urging a more mindful approach to fostering a loving and unifying sexual relationship with their husbands.Get the Catholic Sex Course for Women right here!___________________________________ 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

Ellen discusses the essential role of forgiveness in maintaining a healthy sexual and marital relationship. She emphasizes that forgiving a spouse, while difficult, is crucial for opening up emotionally and physically within the marriage. Ellen outlines what forgiveness truly means and why it is necessary, dispelling common misconceptions. She also connects unforgiveness with physical tension and reduced sexual pleasure, offering practical steps to forgive through faith in Jesus.Check out the Catholic Sex Course for Women right here!___________________________________ 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

Discover how couples can navigate the differences in arousal during intimacy, focusing on the importance of mutual responsibility for pleasure. Learn about effective communication and patience, and explore practical strategies for men to enhance their partner's experience. The discussion also delves into the significance of foreplay and the selfless nature of sexual intimacy, portraying it as a cherished gift between spouses. Tune in for tips on fostering deeper connections and satisfying mutual experiences.

In this episode, Ellen discusses the profound impact of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession on improving sex life and marital intimacy for Catholic women. Drawing insights from 'The Imitation of Christ,' she highlights the healing and restorative power that these sacraments offer, emphasizing their importance in curing vices, overcoming temptations, and enhancing love and grace in marriage. Ellen encourages regular participation in these sacraments as a way to strengthen marriages, suggesting practical strategies for attending Mass and confession together with a spouse, even in challenging circumstances. The conversation aims to inspire listeners to integrate sacramental grace into their relationships, complementing human efforts such as marriage counseling for holistic healing and growth.Check out the Catholic Sex Course for Women right here!___________________________________ 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

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen emphasize the importance of discussing sex daily with your spouse as a way to improve communication and eliminate the negativity often associated with these conversations. They suggest setting aside just five minutes each day to ensure regular, comfortable discussions about sex. Topics include how to initiate conversations, preferences, personal hygiene, foreplay, and addressing past experiences. They provide practical tips and conversation starters to make these talks more effective and enjoyable.Get the Catholic Sex Positions Guide Here!Mentionables Website (CHARTING10 gets you 10% off!)Here's the conversation starters we recommend!What do you like about the way I initiateWould you like me to initiate in a different wayWhat kind of atmosphere do you like for sexWhat kind of personal hygiene do you prefer before sex? Shower, teeth, sweaty/stinky, cigarWhat kind of lingerie do you likeDo you like talking during sex? What kind of talking do you likeWhat is something you’ve always wanted to do?What is something about sex you often think about?What is something you wish/fantasize about sex?How often would you like to be having sex?What is your favorite position?What is a position you would like to try?What are your favorite things that I do during sex?What are things you dislike that I do during sex?What was your favorite sexual encounter we have ever had?What things do you like during foreplay?Is there something you would like to try?Is there something that embarrasses you about sex?What helps you relax before sex?What would you like to have done around the house before sex?Is there anything you need to have in place before being comfortable having sex?What are your past experiences of sex?How do your past experiences affect our sex life? How you view sex?Do you like wearing socks during sex?___________________________________ 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

Ellen discusses the moral licitness of using marital aids, commonly known as sex toys, in Catholic marriages. She explains that while replacing sex with such aids is immoral, their use to enhance pleasure and intimacy within the marital act is acceptable. Specific aids like vibrators and penis rings are discussed in detail, emphasizing their role in improving the sexual experience without compromising the moral requirements of intercourse, such as ejaculation inside the woman. Ellen highlights the importance of using these tools as enhancements rather than necessities and offers guidance based on theological insights and teachings.___________________________________ 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

In this episode, Ellen and guest Ginny Noce discuss the critical role of nutrition and lifestyle in enhancing men's sexual health. Ginny, a registered nurse and fertility awareness instructor with a master's degree in nutrition, shares insights on how diet impacts hormone health, libido, and overall well-being. Key topics include the importance of antioxidant-rich foods, managing blood sugar, pairing carbohydrates with proteins, and the benefits of strength training. The conversation also offers practical advice for women to support their husbands in making healthy lifestyle changes, emphasizing the significance of a balanced diet and regular exercise.Get connected with Ginny here! Or on Instagram Check out the Catholic Sex Course for Women right here!___________________________________ 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

Discover a transformative approach to intimacy that challenges the belief that touch must always lead to sex. Learn about 'touch time,' a technique designed to enhance comfort through non-sexual touch between spouses. This concept encourages couples to reconnect physically without the pressure of sexual expectations. Strategies for fostering a safe environment and effective communication are also discussed, paving the way for a healthier tactile relationship.

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the common struggle of saying 'should' in your sex life and how it can negatively affect your intimacy. They explore the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for these feelings. The hosts emphasize the need to shift from a scarcity mindset and provide practical advice on embracing a healthier, more fulfilling intimate life. They also touch on the spiritual aspects of sex and remind listeners to seek both physical and spiritual solutions.Check out the O Course for Catholic Women right here! ___________________________________ 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