Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about what it really means to see sex as a gift from God instead of something that's just "allowed" in marriage. They share how changing the way we think about intimacy can help us grow closer to our husbands and even closer to God, especially if we've spent years believing sex was shameful or off limits.St. Ignatius of Loyola quote: "All the things in this world are gifts of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know him better, love him more surely, and serve him more faithfully."___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why so many women struggle to receive, not just in sex, but in everyday life too. She shares how learning to accept compliments, your husband's desire, and even pleasure can completely change the way you experience intimacy in marriage.___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]

❤ Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about why simple questions like "What can I do to help?" can feel completely overwhelming when your mental load is already maxed out. They share a surprisingly practical brain hack that makes those moments so much easier, plus why changing the way you respond can protect your peace, your marriage, and your intimacy.___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]

Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026. You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]

Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026. You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]

Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026. You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 talks about the biggest fear women have before joining Want It And Enjoy It: "What if it doesn't work for me?" She shares honest words from women who had those same doubts and explains why believing change is possible is often the first step toward finally enjoying sex and finding hope again. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 the next round of Want it and Enjoy it right here!Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment July 20, 2026 - July 31, 2026 for the next round. If you have questions about the program and what is included, this is the episode for you. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why improving your sex life isn't just about having better sex. She shares how growing in desire and enjoying sex more can actually help you better understand God's love and become a more complete gift to your husband. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]

Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about one of the biggest questions couples ask: how often should we be having sex? Instead of chasing someone else's numbers, they share why the better conversation is about feeling loved, communicating honestly, and finding a rhythm that fits your marriage, your season of life, and even your NFP journey.___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 talks about why sex can feel so exciting before marriage but lose its appeal afterward, especially for couples who had sex before they were married. She explains how our understanding of sex can get twisted and shares why there is always hope for healing through prayer, honesty, and letting God restore the true meaning of intimacy. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 how to help your kids grow up with a healthy view of sex without repeating the fear or shame so many of us learned. They share simple, everyday ways to answer questions, talk about changing bodies, and create a home where sex is seen as a good gift from God. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares why she stopped selling her popular Catholic Sex Positions Guide, even though it was a huge success. She talks about why most women don't need another tip or technique and what actually creates lasting change in your sex life. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 Father's Day, why so many husbands desire intimacy on special days, and how to approach that desire as a gift instead of an obligation. They also share ideas for couples who can't have sex right now, including ways to build emotional and physical intimacy that still help your husband feel loved and prioritized. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 talks about why your sex life in marriage actually matters way more than most women think it does. She shares how God completely changed the way she saw intimacy and explains why learning to enjoy sex with your husband is deeply connected to your vocation and your relationship with God.___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 talks about what to do when sexual arousal shows up at the “wrong” time and why you do not need to panic or shame yourself for it. She shares such a gentle way to think about arousal instead of stuffing it down, especially if purity culture made you feel like sexual feelings were bad. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 why initiation can feel so awkward, frustrating, or even hurtful in marriage and the simple things that make it so much easier. They get really practical about responsive desire, how to actually communicate what kind of initiation you like, and why saying yes does not have to mean sprinting straight to the bedroom. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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 talks about why foreplay can feel totally numb when your brain is still carrying the stress and mental load of the whole day. She shares this really helpful “parka” analogy about trying to jump into sex while still weighed down by your to do list, distractions, and exhaustion, and how preparing your mind before sex can completely change the experience. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]

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.___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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.” ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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.___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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. ___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually enjoy it? Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it now and join the next round!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]