The Conversation Most Couples Are Too Afraid to Have

Episode SummaryMarie and Adam open with personal and professional good news — including celebrating a successful first keynote together where they delivered their SPARK Framework (Safety, Play, Alignment, Rhythms, and Kaizen) — before diving into a candid conversation about how pop culture, romantic comedies, and porn have shaped our understanding of sex and sexuality, often in unhealthy ways.What We CoverHow sex education in the '80s and '90s was woefully incomplete — from banana-and-condom videos to scrambled late-night TVWhy romantic comedies are considered "porn for women" — and how they set unrealistic expectations about spontaneity, desire, and relationshipsThe role shame plays in sexual behavior and how suppressing sexual education can actually lead to more unhealthy outcomesHow learning from pop culture (instead of real education) leaves both men and women with distorted views of sex, consent, and pleasureThe connection between sexual openness and a stronger relationship — and how that spills into your business if you're an entrepreneurial coupleWhy scheduling sex isn't unromantic — it's practicalHow Marie and Adam went from intimacy once or twice a month to many times per week by normalizing open, honest conversationsResources Mentioned📺 The Diary of a CEO featuring Dr. Rachel Rubin (urologist)🎙️ Sex With Emily — Emily Morse🎙️ Shameless Sex podcast🎙️ Where Should We Begin? — Esther Perel (also has a podcast)📚 Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel💻 OMGYes.com — research-based resource on women's pleasureCore Values SpotlightEach week, Marie and Adam highlight where their spouse lived out one of their shared core values: Continuous Growth, Play, Openness & Honesty, and Connection.This week: Adam recognized Marie for Continuous Growth — owning the stage at their first keynote. Marie recognized Adam for Openness & Honesty — being vulnerable during a significant family transition at home.Free ResourceDownload the Weekly Connection Workbook — the exact tool Marie and Adam use in their own weekly relationship meetings. It includes the right prompts and agenda to spark deeper connection, communication, and continuous growth as a couple.👉 Link in show notesConnect with Startup SpousesIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend! Growing this community is how more entrepreneurial couples discover that a strong relationship fuels everything else — including a stronger business.