Bare Marriage

Send us a textWe're constantly told that more sex will fix our marriages, but the research tells a completely different story. When couples are simply told to increase frequency without addressing quality, satisfaction, and women's actual experiences, it often backfires and decreases desire altogether. The real predictor of marital happiness isn't how often you're having sex—it's whether that sex is mutually satisfying, intimate, and pleasurable for both people. Unfortunately, evangelical sex advice keeps pushing obligation sex messages that treat women's exhaustion and needs as obstacles to overcome rather than valid concerns. It's time we start asking better questions about what makes sex actually good instead of just demanding more of it.OUR SPONSOR:Check out the book Better Ways to Read the Bible--to transform the way you see Scripture, and let it come alive again if it's been used as a weapon against you.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our workAnd check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Join our email list!LINKS MENTIONED:The Orgasm Course Psychology Today article on sexual frequency and happinessFocus on the Family State of Marriage in America surveyThe Whole Story puberty course for kids (coupon code: PODCAST)Our reel about the 24 hour ruleBreaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen love turns toxic, this podcast helps you make sense of the chaos and start to heal.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books: The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves Better The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex And she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Send us a textI brought together three dear friends to have an honest conversation about perimenopause and menopause because so many of you have been asking about it. We shared our real stories and talked about the challenges like brain fog, weight changes, and sexual adjustments, and my dry eyes that nearly drove me crazy! But here's what I want you to know: menopause isn't just about suffering through symptoms. Each of us found our voices during menopause, finally standing up in toxic relationships and getting angry about toxic teachings we’d tolerated for years.  OUR SPONSOR:Check out the book Better Ways to Read the Bible--to transform the way you see Scripture, and let it come alive again if it's been used as a weapon against you.TO SUPPORT US: Join our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our workAnd check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Join our email list!LINKS MENTIONED:The Orgasm Course Merry Lin's book RebecomingMerry Lin's LinkTreeMerry's Bare Marriage podcast episode with meKelita Haverland's song The Strong One Rosemary Flaaten's program at The Center for Healthy RelationshipsThe We Do Not Care Club video Breaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseWhen love turns toxic, this podcast helps you make sense of the chaos and start to heal.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!Check out her books: The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves Better The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex And she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, social media, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

Zach Lambert, lead pastor and founder of Restore Austin, shares insights from his book to help those feeling lost in their relationship with the Bible. He discusses how scripture can transform from a source of shame to one of healing. Lambert also advocates for compassionate interpretations, particularly regarding women's experiences in faith. The conversation addresses the need for trauma-informed approaches and critiques rigid biblical inerrancy, emphasizing love and empowerment over legalism.

Blake Roberts and Jamie Haig, therapists and co-hosts of the 3% podcast, dive into the complexities of healthy marriage and sexuality. They tackle common misconceptions about masculinity and relationship dynamics, advocating for open communication and vulnerability. The discussion highlights the emotional load shouldered by women and the impact of shared responsibilities on marital satisfaction. They also critique traditional views within the evangelical context, pushing for healthier narratives around intimacy and partnership.

Sheila Wray Gregoire chats with Professor Neil, an expert in men and masculinity in popular culture. They dive into the troubling messages propagated by some Christian leaders about gender roles and relationships. Neil critiques how these narratives often echo incel ideology. He emphasizes the importance of using research to challenge misogyny, particularly among young men. Their discussion highlights the impact of social media on attitudes towards women and advocates for healthier models of masculinity, aiming for respectful and equitable partnerships.

Dive into the unsettling crossover between authoritarianism and evangelical beliefs. The discussion unveils how toxic teachings can impact personal and societal morals. Tools for questioning rigid faith and embracing diverse perspectives are shared. The importance of open-mindedness in navigating belief evolution is emphasized, urging a compassionate approach to differing views. Engage with ideas on improving neighborly relations amid conflicting ideologies, while confronting hypocrisy and promoting intellectual inquiry within religious practices.

Discover the transformative power of fiction and how it fosters personal growth and empathy. The hosts share their journeys back to reading, discussing the joy it brings and how narratives deepen understanding of complex issues. They highlight the value of flawed characters in children's literature, promoting important conversations about social behavior. The discussion encourages readers to engage with diverse stories for better mental health and relational awareness, culminating in an inspiring poem about women's voices and empowerment.

The discussion tackles whether sex is a want or a need within marriage, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a mutually satisfying sexual relationship. It explores the impact of trauma on intimacy and the misconceptions surrounding female libido, challenging harmful beliefs from purity culture. The hosts advocate for open communication and personalized understandings of relationships rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Ultimately, they encourage couples to build a connection rooted in empathy and mutual fulfillment.

In this engaging discussion, biblical scholar Marg Mowczko, an expert in egalitarian theology, unpacks the concept of 'headship' in Ephesians and 1 Corinthians. She reveals that the Greek term 'kephale' often signifies mutual care rather than authority. Marg also highlights Paul's support for women's roles in ministry, advocating a rethinking of gender dynamics in Christianity. Furthermore, she critiques various English Bible translations, emphasizing the importance of accurate interpretation in understanding scripture and promoting inclusivity.

The hosts dive into the complexities of dating and singleness, urging a shift from passive waiting to proactive engagement. They critique common advice about patience in favor of innovative strategies like the 'Burn the Haystack Method'. Highlighting the need for self-awareness and compatibility, they discuss the hard truths about red flags and the importance of recognizing personal worth. The conversation also emphasizes effective communication and socializing as key elements in finding quality relationships, while advocating for a reflective approach to partner selection.