Bye Awkward Side Hugs! Getting Over Our Fear of Opposite-Sex Friendships, #323 episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 9, 2026 · 42 MIN

Bye Awkward Side Hugs! Getting Over Our Fear of Opposite-Sex Friendships, #323

from Java with Juli - Making Sense of God and Sex · host Juli Slattery, Bronwyn Lea

Are awkward "side hugs" the best we can do when it comes to opposite-sex friendships? Juli sits down with author Bronwyn Lea, who helps us rethink what it means to live as brothers and sisters in God's family. They talk about why we often confuse intimacy with sexuality, how Jesus modeled close, non-romantic relationships, and what healthy Christian community can look like (even in a sex-saturated world). Listen in to discover how moving beyond fear-based boundaries can lead to more connection and stronger, life-giving friendships in the body of Christ. Guest: Bronwyn Lea   Follow-up Resources: Beyond Awkward Side Hugs: Living as Christian Brothers and Sisters in a Sex-Crazed World by Bronwyn Lea What Defines an Intimate Relationship? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Q&A: What is the Purpose of My Sexuality as a Single? w/Dr. Juli Slattery Q&A: How Can I Tell The Difference Between Sexual Desire And A Desire For Intimacy? w/Dr. Juli Slattery  Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes . . . Everything  by Dr. Juli Slattery  Follow Bronwyn at @bronwyn_lea Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 9, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Bye Awkward Side Hugs! Getting Over Our Fear of Opposite-Sex Friendships, #323

0:00 42:59

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Java with Juli - Making Sense of God and Sex?

This episode is 42 minutes long.

When was this Java with Juli - Making Sense of God and Sex episode published?

This episode was published on February 9, 2026.

Can I download this Java with Juli - Making Sense of God and Sex episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!