Intimacy, the Inner Critic & Discovering Your True Self with Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus

📄 Episode Description:This week we’re joined by sociologist, sex and intimacy expert, and TEDx speaker Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus for a conversation that starts with sex and goes straight into the heart of self-worth, storytelling, and how to build a life and business that honors your wise and vulnerable self.We talk about the evolution of her work from sexual health to emotional intimacy, what it means to truly feel safe in your body and your relationships, and how trauma, mindfulness, and modern disconnection all shape the stories we carry.This conversation moves between personal reflection, social insight, and shared struggle — from religious shame and delayed sexual initiation, to healing complex trauma and navigating avoidant attachment. We also unpack how digital life is interrupting connection, why vulnerability is the hardest and most beautiful thing we can offer, and how to know when your inner critic is holding you back.If you’ve ever struggled to feel fully seen, or wondered why intimacy sometimes feels unsafe or unavailable, this one is for you.🧠 Topics We Cover:What intimacy really means (and how it goes beyond the bedroom)Why emotional literacy is essential for connectionThe loudness of the inner critic—and how to meet it with compassionAging, dating, and desire in your 40s and beyondHow to stop hiding and start being seen—even if it feels messy👤 About Dr. Jenn:Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, PhD, is a sociologist, international intimacy speaker, and relationship & communication coach. She’s the author of From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women and the creator of the long-running YouTube series In the Den with Dr. Jenn, with over 1.8 million views. She’s given two TEDx Talks (1) (2), worked with organizations like Planned Parenthood and the YPO Global Network, and has been featured in Forbes, Cosmo, Oprah Daily, and more.She’s also a black belt in karate, a ukulele strummer, a women’s philanthropist, and a beach volleyball player based in San Diego.🔗 Learn more: www.DrJennsDen.com📲 Follow her on social media: @DrJennsDenDr Jenn’s Socials:Linkedin | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube