

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

5 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 10min
Sex is Not a Spectator Sport | Ep. 225
Dive into the intriguing concept of 'spectator mode' during intimacy, where overthinking can stifle genuine enjoyment. Learn how this common experience, especially for women, can be transformed. Discover practical steps to enhance your connection with your partner, focusing on sensations and engaging in meaningful conversations. Improve your sex life by breaking free from observation and embracing the moment.

Jun 9, 2025 • 35min
Do Cholerics Want More Sex? | Ep. 224
Transform your sex life in just one hour with the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen dive into the four temperaments—choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic—and explore how these personality types can influence your sex life and relationships. They break down the core traits of each temperament, discuss common challenges and strengths, and share practical advice for embracing your unique personality in marriage. Ellen and Kathleen also reflect on their own experiences and encourage listeners to consider how understanding temperaments can lead to deeper connection and communication. ___________________________________ 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

Jun 2, 2025 • 11min
Sex After a (Confessed) Vasectomy | Ep. 223
Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic WomenEllen addresses a listener's question about having sex after a vasectomy now that they understand Catholic Church teachings on permanent sterilization. She explains the forgiveness received through confession, the lack of requirement for a vasectomy reversal by the Church, and the psychological journey of fully accepting God's grace. Ellen discusses the emotional impact of sin and offers insights on how to handle lingering discomfort and seek further healing through prayer and understanding.___________________________________ 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

May 26, 2025 • 31min
You're Actually Really Hard to Love | Ep. 222
Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic WomenEllen and Kathleen discuss the challenges of recognizing our own faults in marriage and how focusing on self-improvement can positively impact our relationships. They explore the importance of grace, self-reflection, and honest communication. The hosts emphasize that while it’s easy to pinpoint our spouse's shortcomings, acknowledging and working on our own flaws can lead to a happier, more virtuous marriage.___________________________________ 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

May 19, 2025 • 6min
Is Your Breathing the Reason You Can't Orgasm? | Ep. 221
Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic WomenExperiencing painful sex? Check out this 11 minute video on healing painful sex from a Catholic perspectiveIn this episode, Ellen shares a simple yet effective tip to help women reach orgasm by focusing on breathing. Ellen explains how holding your breath can create muscle tension, hindering the ability to relax and receive sexual pleasure. She discusses different breathing techniques such as 4-4-6 and box breathing, which help in regulating the nervous system. Ellen advises to prioritize deep and normal breathing, especially as the arousal builds, to facilitate orgasm. ___________________________________ 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

May 12, 2025 • 28min
Sex After a Fight | Ep. 220
Get the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women right here!In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the challenging topic of navigating sex and intimacy after a fight. They provide insights on balancing the physical and emotional aspects of intimacy, recognizing the importance of the sacrament of marriage, and the choice to be intimate despite lingering feelings of hurt. They also emphasize the significance of prayer, sacraments, and spiritual growth to strengthen marriage. Ellen and Kathleen share personal experiences and practical advice on overcoming mental blocks, addressing arguments, and nurturing the marital bond.___________________________________ 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

May 5, 2025 • 9min
Should We Always Say Yes? | Ep. 219
Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic WomenIn this episode, Ellen delves into the complex issue of whether one should always say yes to their spouse in a marital context. Drawing parallels with the Annunciation, where Mary freely chose to say yes, Ellen offers a practical meditation to help navigate these feelings of obligation. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their decisions without overthinking and to seek inspiration from Mary's example of a joyful and grace-filled yes.___________________________________ 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

Apr 28, 2025 • 28min
What If I'm Giving More Effort Than My Husband? | Ep. 218
Get Let's Talk About "It" right here and transform your marriage and sex lifeThis episode delves into the common experience in marriages where one spouse feels they are giving more than the other, particularly in the context of sex life and overall marital responsibilities. Ellen and Kathleen discuss the myth of a 50/50 marriage and share personal stories of times when they and their spouses bore unequal burdens. They highlight how these imbalances are a part of life’s seasons and encourage focusing on the effort and sacrifices each partner makes in different areas.___________________________________ 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

Apr 21, 2025 • 10min
Is Sex Obligatory in Marriage? Should it be? | Ep. 217
Get Let's Talk About "It" Right HERE!Ellen discusses the concept of marital debt and the perceived obligation for married couples to have sex. She explores this in the context of Catholic teachings on attending Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Ellen argues that the true essence of these obligations lies not in mere obedience but in a deep, life-giving desire. Just as attending Mass should stem from a genuine yearning to connect with God, marital intimacy should be driven by a desire for deep communion with one's spouse, rather than a mere sense of duty___________________________________ 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

Apr 14, 2025 • 35min
"I Hate NFP" and Other Things We Think | Ep. 216
Check out the Getting in the Mood Guide!In this episode Ellen and Kathleen explore the challenges and frustrations often associated with Natural Family Planning (NFP). They delve into the importance of choosing positive thoughts and gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, to improve one's marital intimacy and overall outlook on NFP. Through practical advice and thought-provoking insights, Ellen and Kathleen encourage listeners to shift their perspective, recognize NFP as a gift, and find strength in their faith and discernment.___________________________________ 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


