Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy

What can a beloved children's cartoon teach you about your sex life? More than you'd think. In this episode, Ellen Holloway draws unexpected wisdom from the hit show Bluey to reveal how just a few intentional minutes of connection each day can transform your marriage and your intimacy. If you've been waiting for a complicated fix, this episode will surprise you.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about talking during sex and how it helps you stay present and connected. They explain what kinds of words support the dignity of the act, why “dirty talk” can be harmful especially after purity culture, and how to approach pillow talk in a way that builds intimacy. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Sign up for Want it and Enjoy it right here!Enrollment is open through May 1.In this bonus episode, Ellen shares some responses from women in the most recent cohort of Want it and Enjoy it. There are wins, things they loved about the course, and encouragement for women trying to decide if they want to join the program. Take a listen to this episode if you are on the fence about joining. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Sign up for Want it and Enjoy it right here! Enrollment is open through May 1 at 11:59 pm PT In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why a “fine” sex life is actually keeping you stuck and slowly disconnecting you from your husband. She challenges all those thoughts like “this is just how it is” and explains why desire, pleasure, and excitement are things you can actually build.  It might make you rethink what you’ve been calling “fine.” ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about a hard truth most of us don’t want to hear: your sex life isn’t going to magically fix itself. They share why waiting for a different “season of life,” blaming your husband, or blaming hormones usually keeps you stuck. If things aren’t where you want them, this episode is a loving but honest push to take responsibility, make some changes, and start doing the work that actually makes sex better. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about what to do when you and your husband want sex at totally different levels. She explains why desire often comes from how rewarding sex feels and why many women struggle to want it if it hasn’t been very enjoyable. Ellen also shares simple ideas like building an intimacy “menu” and scheduling connection time so you can grow closer without all the pressure around sex. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares what it was like six months into her marriage when she honestly thought she might never like sex and could live without it. She talks about the purity culture messages that made sex feel bad and dirty, and the slow journey that helped her see it as something good, holy, and actually enjoyable. If you’ve ever wondered “what if I just never like sex,” this episode will feel very familiar and really hopeful. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode Ellen Holloway explains the concept of “spectatoring,” the mental habit of monitoring yourself during sex instead of being present in the experience. She explores why this is so common among women, including influences like purity culture, performance pressure, body image concerns, and anxiety about doing sex “correctly.” Ellen also shares practical tools to interrupt spectatoring, including sensory grounding techniques and mindset shifts that help you stay present with your husband. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about what purity culture actually got right and where it really hurt us. They share how all those fear-based messages about sex can stick with you into marriage and make it hard to relax and actually enjoy intimacy. Honestly, it’s one of those episodes where you’re like, oh…that’s why this still feels weird for me. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway explains the difference between spontaneous desire and responsive desire and why misunderstanding these patterns often causes frustration in marriage. She walks through simple questions that help women identify their primary desire style and explains why many wives struggle when they wait to feel “in the mood” before engaging. Ellen also shares how responsive desire actually grows in the right context and how shifting one key question during initiation can transform a couple’s sexual connection. This episode helps Catholic wives better understand their desire and approach intimacy with greater confidence and freedom. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes discuss the impact of romance novels, story based erotica, and popular television dramas on female arousal and marital intimacy. They explain how anticipation and imagination shape women’s desire, and why directing those dynamics toward fictional characters can undermine connection with your husband. The conversation explores the concept of emotional pornography, the differences between male and female arousal patterns, and practical ways to cultivate healthy sexual anticipation within marriage. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway discusses the connection between sleep and sexual desire for women. She explains how chronic exhaustion puts the body into survival mode, lowering both libido and enjoyment of sex, and why pushing through fatigue often backfires. Ellen offers practical guidance on how much sleep women truly need, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, and how to reprioritize responsibilities to support a healthier sex life. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Welcome to Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, the podcast for Catholic women that helps you improve your sex life, strengthen your marriage, and embrace God's design for love. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes challenge the belief that husbands should always be the pursuers in marriage and explain why wives are also called to pursue. They discuss the spiritual roots of this dynamic, the fear of rejection that can hold women back, and the resentment that often keeps intimacy stalled. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway explores how to prevent scheduled sex from turning into checkbox sex. She breaks down the real reason scheduled intimacy can start to feel like a burden and teaches you how to rewire your mindset so that sex becomes something you joyfully anticipate. Using relatable analogies and spiritual reflection, Ellen offers practical tools to bring excitement, connection, and intentionality back into your intimate life. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes explore the deep and often hidden impact of resentment in marriage. They discuss how unspoken feelings of unfairness and unmet expectations can slowly erode intimacy, especially in the bedroom. Through personal stories and spiritual insights, they reveal how resentment may be the true barrier to connection, not libido or effort. You’ll learn practical ways to root it out, start healing, and truly love both yourself and your spouse. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway unpacks the moral and theological considerations of stopping sex due to pain. She explains why halting the act isn’t sinful when the intention was to complete it, and emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of painful sex. Ellen also discusses the pain-fear-tension cycle, the potential consequences of delaying a stop, and how healing involves both pelvic floor therapy and mindset work. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

 In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes unpack the spiritual battle at the heart of intimacy, the impact of Satan’s lies on couples striving for holiness, and why struggle may actually signal sanctity. The conversation includes practical encouragement, spiritual tools like the St. Michael Prayer, and the importance of inviting God into every part of your marriage. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Join us in Want it and Enjoy it an 8 week group coaching program for Catholic women to reignite desire, pleasure, and joyful sex. Can't wait to see you inside!In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway explores why simply learning about intimacy doesn't automatically lead to change in your sex life. She explains how desire and pleasure are rooted in the nervous system, why emotional safety is essential, and how true transformation requires more than just information. Ellen also shares how her eight-week coaching program, Want It and Enjoy It, provides the supportive container needed to create lasting change. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Join our email list and be the first to know about the new coaching program launching January 19, 2026. In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway addresses the common feeling of wanting to enjoy sex but not knowing how. She explores the physical, emotional, and mental roadblocks that prevent pleasure, from lack of arousal to Catholic guilt around desire. Ellen explains why pleasure is part of God’s design and not a selfish pursuit, and she offers practical steps to begin enjoying sex, including the importance of body literacy and emotional connection. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Make sure you're on our email list to be notified when the new program is available!In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway addresses one of the most common struggles Catholic wives face: not wanting sex. She explains the five most common desire blocks and how to identify which one may be affecting you. Ellen also teaches the three foundational pillars that create real, lasting sexual desire. If you've been stuck in cycles of obligation or shame, this episode offers a clear path toward healing and rediscovering sexual desire in your marriage. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes to explore the overwhelming experience of feeling "touched out." They dive into why this sensation happens, why husbands often don’t understand it, and how to clearly communicate your needs without causing disconnection. Practical tools like grounding techniques, body-awareness exercises, and the “10-minute unwind” are shared to help you shift from sensory overload to sexual readiness. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway unpacks how disappointment can sabotage your sex life. She explores why unmet expectations, like not receiving the Christmas gift you hoped for, often lead to resentment and sexual withdrawal. Ellen offers practical mindset shifts and clear communication strategies to help you avoid turning sex into a transactional exchange. This episode equips you to protect intimacy in your marriage and show up fully, even when things don't go as planned. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Please rate and review Charting Toward Intimacy on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes explore the common belief that NFP is the problem in Catholic marriages. They share personal experiences and discuss how the true issue is often a lack of non-sexual intimacy. The conversation offers practical tools for cultivating emotional closeness and connection outside the bedroom, helping couples reconnect and feel united, even during seasons of abstinence. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Please take a moment to rate and review Charting Toward Intimacy! It helps other women find the podcast and transform their marriages. In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway explores the Feast of the Immaculate Conception through a powerful and rarely considered lens: the sanctity of the sexual union that conceived Mary. She reflects on how Anne and Joachim’s openness to grace reveals God's profound affirmation of the dignity of sex within marriage.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

Please rate and review Charting Toward Intimacy! It helps other women find the podcast and benefit from it!In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway dives into the damaging expectation that your husband should be able to read your mind (especially when it comes to emotional and sexual needs). She explores why this belief undermines true intimacy and reframes what genuine, loving actions look like in marriage. Ellen breaks down the importance of asking clearly for what you want, and how your husband's choice to respond, even reluctantly, can still be deeply loving. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives. In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes explore the difference between eroticism and holy sex, drawing insights from Dr. Gregory Popcak's book Holy Sex. They discuss how purity culture, shame, and cultural misconceptions distort our understanding of sexual pleasure and God's design. This conversation unpacks what it means to embrace your full self in the bedroom, how arousal and intimacy work together, and why holy sex actually grows more joyful over time. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway dives into the struggle of making time for sex in the midst of a packed, modern-day schedule. She challenges the cultural norm of constant busyness and offers a clear, practical strategy for prioritizing intimacy. Ellen explains why spontaneity might be sabotaging your sex life and how intentional prioritizing can reignite desire and connection in marriage. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.So many Catholic women secretly struggle with body image, but few realize how deeply it’s sabotaging their desire for intimacy. In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen unpack how negative thoughts about your body directly impact your sex life, why losing weight doesn’t automatically fix body image issues, and how to begin healing your mindset so you can show up more confidently and joyfully in the bedroom. They talk about the spiritual side of body image, how the devil uses self-hatred to divide marriages, and practical ways to rebuild trust—in God, your husband, and yourself. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

 When sex is completely off the table and there’s no end in sight, it can leave you feeling isolated, frustrated, and unsure of what God is doing in your marriage. In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway helps you understand how long term abstinence, whether from a high risk pregnancy, illness, or painful sex, can become an unexpected path to deeper connection. Learn how to find peace in God’s plan, grow closer to your husband without physical intimacy, and hold onto hope even in the midst of suffering. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.You’re married now, so why do you still feel guilty wearing that flattering dress? In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen talk about what modesty really looks like after marriage, how purity culture messages can linger, and why your wardrobe might be quietly affecting your confidence and intimacy. We’re diving into how to find the virtuous middle ground, dress the body you have right now, and embrace your beauty as part of God’s design for love and marriage. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen Holloway talks about why so many Catholic women struggle with sexual desire and what to do about it. She explains the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire and how understanding this can transform your experience of intimacy in marriage. You’ll learn practical ways to cultivate openness to arousal, strengthen emotional and spiritual intimacy, and align your approach to sex with Catholic teaching. This conversation helps Catholic wives embrace sexuality as a source of joy, unity, and holiness within marriage. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.Sex is messy, and that is completely normal. In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and co-host Kathleen Chovanes get super practical about what to do after sex. From preventing UTIs, managing the inevitable drips, protecting your sheets, and handling lube cleanup, you will get down-to-earth tips to make post-sex cleanup less stressful. Whether you are a newlywed or have been married for years, this episode will help you feel more confident, prepared, and at peace with the mess that comes with intimacy. Waterproof blanket on Amazon!___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen Holloway explores what to do when intimacy is interrupted and sex gets derailed by everyday distractions like kids, pets, or sudden discomfort. She shares practical mindset strategies Catholic wives can use to manage intrusive thoughts, refocus their desire, and re-engage with their husbands. This episode provides clear guidance on strengthening intimacy, prioritizing your marriage, and approaching Catholic sex with intentionality even when the mood is broken. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives. In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway explores the concept of edging, a technique that can enhance pleasure, comfort, and unity in your sex life. She explains how edging works, its benefits for those seeking to extend intimacy or synchronize climaxes, and how it can help make sex more enjoyable and comfortable, especially for women who experience discomfort or have not yet reached orgasm. Ellen also discusses important cautions, particularly for men, to ensure the practice aligns with Catholic teachings on sexuality.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen and Kathleen explore the question: "What is the male equivalent of flowers?" They discuss the importance of pursuing your husband with small, thoughtful gestures that make him feel seen and loved, even if those gestures look different from traditional gifts like flowers. The conversation covers why flowers are meaningful to women, how men may appreciate simple things like snacks or a favorite meal, and the value of intentionality in marriage.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen Holloway addresses the often confusing topic of female orgasm within Catholic teaching. She clarifies what is morally permissible, explains the importance of female pleasure in the context of marriage, and dispels common myths rooted in purity culture. Listeners will learn when and how female orgasm fits into the marital act, why it matters, and how both spouses can work together to foster unity and enjoyment. If you’ve ever wondered about the boundaries or significance of female orgasm, this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the real-life challenges of fertility decisions and what it means to be "open to life" from a Catholic perspective, emphasizing that openness is a posture of the heart rather than a checklist of actions, and encouraging listeners to seek God’s will through prayer, discernment, and honest conversation with their spouse, trusting that peace and clarity will come in many forms—whether through family, marriage, or deeper faith.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode of Ellen Holloway breaks down the myth that arousal just happens on its own. She explains why arousal is an active process and shares practical strategies for inviting desire and enjoying intimacy more fully. Ellen discusses the importance of mindset, environment, and intentional actions in cultivating arousal, and encourages listeners to take positive steps to strengthen their marriages. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.Here's all the things you and your husband should figure out with sex so that it's amazing and you can avoid disagreements and dissatisfaction. Click Here to download a PDF of the questions we shared on the episode!___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen addresses the common concern of needing to focus on yourself to orgasm and reassures listeners that doing so is not selfish, but rather an essential part of the mutual self-gift in marriage—emphasizing that vulnerability, presence, and receiving pleasure are key to deepening intimacy and unity with your spouse.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the topic of transactional sex within marriages. They share personal stories, emphasize the importance of non-transactional intimacy, and provide actionable steps to address and resolve feelings of transactional sex. From scheduling sex to understanding each other's love languages, this episode equips couples with practical advice to foster a healthy, loving sexual relationship.Interested in some new Lingerie? Try Mentionables, we love them because they don't use models and you can get 10% off with code CHARTING10___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.If you’ve ever felt unseen or pressured when your husband asks about sex, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, communicate your needs with confidence, and invite more intimacy and understanding into your marriage. Walk away feeling empowered, cherished, and ready to enjoy deeper connection with your spouse.Need more support? Check our courses linked below___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.Go to listen to episode 224 first, our intro to the Temperaments and Sex Life topic!In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen break down how each temperament pairing can affect intimacy and communication in marriage. They discuss the unique challenges and strengths of every combination, offering practical tips for understanding your spouse and building a stronger relationship.Temperament Pairings & Timestamps:Choleric + Choleric — 5:52Choleric + Sanguine — 9:43Choleric + Melancholic — 13:31Choleric + Phlegmatic — 20:40Sanguine + Sanguine — 26:14Sanguine + Melancholic — 29:10Sanguine + Phlegmatic — 34:28Melancholic + Melancholic — 37:42Melancholic + Phlegmatic — 41:32Phlegmatic + Phlegmatic — 45:09___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen shares a personal story from her third pregnancy, when the usual routines in the bedroom no longer worked. Instead of resigning herself to months of less enjoyable intimacy, she and her husband decided to try new positions—leading to a surprising transformation in their sex life.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen discusses the Catholic Church's teaching on the necessity of male ejaculation inside the vagina, even in cases of infertility, menopause, or pregnancy. She explains the deep theology and symbolism behind this teaching, emphasizing that sex is not just a physical act but a sacramental sign of total self-gift. Ellen explores how sex maintains its meaning and integrity by following God's design, reflecting on the body's language in Theology of the Body. Key references include Catechism 2366 and 2367 and Humanae Vitae.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss how everyday habits affect brain chemistry, focusing on hormones like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and cortisol. They explore the negative impacts of dopamine and cortisol on relationships, especially marriage and intimacy, and offer practical strategies for reducing excessive phone use and avoiding quick dopamine hits. They emphasize the importance of deep connection and long-term bonding for overall well-being and spiritual health.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen guides listeners through a powerful mental exercise to help envision and step into the version of themselves with the amazing sex life they desire. She emphasizes that the gap between your current self and your "future you" is often smaller than you think—it's all about shifting your thoughts and beliefs.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss why the Catholic Church opposes permanent sterilization methods such as vasectomies and tubal ligation. They explore deeper meanings behind the church’s teachings, the natural design and purpose of sex, and the importance of trust and intimacy in marriage. The episode also addresses medical concerns and distinctions between direct and indirect sterilization while emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of these decisions.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]

The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen discusses the concept of 'spectator mode' during sex, where overthinking and analyzing can hinder genuine enjoyment. She explains how common it is, especially for women, and offers practical steps to become fully present and improve intimacy with your spouse. Topics include recognizing spectator mode, focusing on sensations, and engaging in conversation during sex.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]