Episodit
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Juli sits down with bestselling author Gary Thomas for a conversation about some of the subtle lies Christians often believe without even realizing it. They're tackling tough questions , like:
Can family become an idol?
Why do we still struggle with sin after coming to Christ?
And what happens when loneliness and isolation become our normal?
While this conversation isn't specifically about sexuality, how we answer these questions shapes the way we approach our relationships. Join us to explore how God's truth can lead us into greater freedom, stronger relationships, and deeper intimacy with him.
Guest: Gary Thomas
Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy.
Follow Up Resources:
The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God by Gary Thomas
Ep. #589 Feeling Distant? How to Build Emotional Intimacy in Your Marriage with Gary Thomas
When Your Adult Child Makes Sexual Choices You Disagree With by Juli Slattery (blog)
Follow Gary at @garythomasbooks
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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If you grew up in church in the 90s or early 2000s, you probably received some confusing messages about sex and desire. This week, Juli and Hannah unpack how those messages shaped our understanding of sexuality and purity—and why so many Christians still struggle to say "yes, yes, yes" after years of "no, no, no."
This conversation will remind you that God is not ashamed of your sexuality and invite you into healing, wholeness, and the truth about your sexuality.
Co-host: Hannah Nitz
Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy.
We'd love to hear your thoughts about this conversation. Leave us a rating and review.
Follow-up Resources:
25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery
Passion Pursuit: What Kind of Love Are You Making? (A 10-Week Study Through the Song of Solomon)
Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life
Java #608 Purity Culture, Shame & the Grace of God with Dannah Gresh
What Do I Do With My Sexual Desires? (blog)
Video Q&A: What's the difference between sexual purity and sexual integrity?
Video Q&A: What's the purpose of my sexuality as a single?
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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Puuttuva jakso?
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This week, Juli, Hannah, and Joe answer one of the hardest questions many of us face: What do I do if my spouse is looking at porn?
This conversation is honest, compassionate, and full of hope. We talk through the pain, shame, confusion, and secrecy that pornography often brings into a marriage—and why healing is still possible for both the person struggling and the spouse who feels hurt and betrayed.
You'll hear practical wisdom on how to find the support you need, why you can't be your spouse's accountability partner, and how true intimacy is about so much more than just changing a behavior.
Whether this struggle has touched your marriage personally or that of someone you love, it's one you'll definitely want to share.
Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz & Joe Caruso
It's book launch week! 🎉🎉 Order your copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy. Or, become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get it for FREE!
Follow-up Resources
25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery
Hot Topic Kit: Pornography In Marriage
5 Healthy Ways to Respond to Your Husband's Porn Problem (blog)
3 Things Women Want You to Know About Their Addiction to Pornography (blog)
Video Q&A: Is porn sinful?
Video Q&A: Does my spouse watch porn because of me?
Find help and community with any of these trusted ministries:
Be Broken Ministries
Fight for Love Ministries
Hopequest
Pure Desire
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Joe Caruso at @joecaruso06
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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This week, Dannah Gresh shares the personal story behind And the Bride Wore White—one of a few books that launched conversations about purity, shame, grace, and redemption for an entire generation of Christian young people. Together, Juli and Dannah reflect on the wounds many women carry around sexuality, the beauty of God's forgiveness, and why purity was never meant to be about perfection.
Guest: Dannah Gresh
Join an Authentic Intimacy Online Book Study!
Follow-up Resources:
Pre-order And the Bride Wore White: Seven Truths to Living In Sexual Integrity No Matter Your Past by Dannah Gresh
Q&A: How can I overcome the shame I experience as a result of purity culture?
Follow Dannah at @dannah_gresh
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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This week, Juli and Hannah tackle the question, Am I entitled to sex—even good or regular sex—in my marriage?
Drawing on stories, biblical truth, and personal reflection, Juli challenges common assumptions about sex, covenant, and what it really means to love like Jesus did. This episode offers hope for couples navigating pain, unmet expectations, or seasons of healing—and it just might challenge everything you've been taught about sex and marriage.
Co-host: Hannah Nitz
What are your thoughts on this conversation? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a rating and review.
Follow-up Resources:
Check out our new Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life
God, Sex, & Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery
How To Go From Demand and "Duty Sex" to True Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog)
Is Sex Sabotaging Love in Your Marriage? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog)
Are You Entitled to (Good) Sex in Marriage? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog)
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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This week, Juli sits down with pastor and author Tony Scarcello to hear his story of wrestling with same-sex attraction from a young age, the weight of shame and silence he carried, and how God met him in the middle of it all.
Some conversations aren't meant to be easy, they're meant to help us grow. This is one of those. Tony's story will challenge you, encourage you, and remind you how deeply we all need the grace of God.
Guest: Tony Scarcello
Online Book Studies are open. Grab your spot today!
Follow-up Resources:
Preorder Love All Our Neighbors: How Churches That Hold a Traditional Sexual Ethic Can Care for LGBTQ People by Tony Scarcello (available May 19)
Regenerate: Following Jesus After Deconstruction by Tony Scarcello
Follow Tony @tony_scarcello
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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This week, Juli sits down with Joe and Hannah to tackle the question: What do you do when you're attracted to someone who isn't your spouse?
Together, they unpack the reality that attraction outside of marriage isn't a matter of if, but when. From the myth of "soulmates" to the powerful role of brain chemistry, this conversation explores why these feelings happen, and why they don't have to define your choices.
You'll also learn how small decisions, honesty, and intentional investment in your marriage can protect what matters most.
Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz and Joe Caruso
Check out our newest Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life
Tell us what you think! Leave us a rating and review.
Follow-up Resources:
Preorder 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Sex, Love, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery
Be the first to know when Online Book Studies open up
Sexual Attraction Isn't As Important as You Think, Here's Why by Juli Slattery (blog)
Follow Joe Caruso at @joecaruso06
Follow Hannah Nitz at @hannahnitz
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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Shame has a way of convincing us to hide. But Jesus doesn't turn away from your shame. He steps toward it.
This week, Juli sits down with Dr. Carol Tanksley and Allie Mazur to shed light on the often unspoken reality of living with an STI. Together, they unpack the weight of shame, the fear of rejection, and the questions that can follow a diagnosis like herpes.
You'll be reminded that while consequences of sin may linger, they don't have the final word. Jesus meets us right in the middle of our brokenness, offering freedom, healing, and hope.
If you've ever felt like your story is "too much" or "too broken," this conversation is for you.
Guests: Dr. Carol Tanksley, OBGYN and Allie Mazur
Follow-Up Resources:
Q&A: Are sexual sin and sexual brokenness the same thing? (video)
Q&A: Where do I begin healing? (video)
How to Get Past Shame from Sexual Sin by Juli Slattery (blog)
Dr. Carol Tanksley's website: drcarolministries.com
Follow Dr. Carol at @drcarolt
Allie Mazur's website: livebeyondherpes.com
Follow Allie Mazur at @allie_beyond
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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Married sex doesn't just "stay hot"...but you can fan the flames to create something even more meaningful (and longer-lasting) than honeymoon sex.
This week, we're talking about how to keep married sex exciting over the long haul. You'll learn about the shift that happens in long-term relationships, why desire can fade into routine, and what actually helps bring the spark back.
No theory. No pressure. Just real-life rhythms and practical ways you can reconnect emotionally and physically with your spouse. If you've ever thought "we're good... but it's not like it used to be," this conversation is for you!
Co-host: Hannah Nitz
What did you think of this conversation? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment and review.
Follow-up Resources:
Preorder 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Sex, Love, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery
Be the first to know when Online Book Studies open up
Join Dr. Jennifer Degler's Dare of the Month email list.
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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One of you is ready to leave early. The other is still looking for their shoes. Welcome to marriage.
This week, Juli and Mike are on stage at the Love Like You Mean It Cruise! Live and unfiltered, they talk honestly about how their differences have shown up in parenting, intimacy, and their pace of life—and how they've learned to let those differences draw them closer, instead of driving them apart.
Guest: Mike Slattery
Join Mike & Juli on the Love Like You Mean It Cruise in 2027!
Follow-up Resources:
3 Reasons Women Tend to Take Over in Marriage by Juli Slattery (blog)
Q&A: How can I help my husband grow up and take responsibility? (video)
The Very Important Difference Between Conflict & Fighting by Juli Slattery (blog)
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Some wounds don't just live in your memories… they live in your body, in your relationships, and in your sense of safety.
If you've ever wondered, "Can I be whole after sexual trauma?," you're not alone—and you're not beyond healing.
That's the question Juli is tackling this week. You'll hear why sexual trauma uniquely affects identity and intimacy, how shame and self-blame keep us stuck, and what real sexual wholeness looks like.
This conversation is for anyone who has experienced sexual trauma (or loves someone who has) and is wondering: Is healing really possible for me?
Co-host: Hannah Nitz
Register for the webinar Healing After Sexual Abuse: Practical Guidance for Pastors, Leaders, and Caregivers.
Follow-up resources:
Find a Christian counselor or sex therapist: check out ABCST or MyCounselor.online
Surprised By the Healer by Juli Slattery and Linda Dillow
The Wounded Heart by Dan Allender
Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
God's Healing Stinks by Juli Slattery (blog)
Q&A: Past sexual trauma inhibits my ability to enjoy sex. Is there hope that I can ever heal? with Dr. Juli Slattery
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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Their love story made headlines—but not for the reasons you might expect.
In this conversation, CD and Melody Fabien share a completely different vision for dating—one rooted in purpose, boundaries, and hearing God's voice.
If you're tired of hook-ups, ghosting, and the pressure of fast-paced dating, this episode is for you.
Guest: CD & Melody Fabien
Check out our brand-new Hot Topic Kit: Healthy Dating & Boundaries.
Follow-up Resources:
Check out CD & Melody's resources at https://cdandmelody.com/
Watch their news-worthy first kiss.
Q&A: What's the Difference Between Sexual Integrity and Purity? (video)
Q&A: How Can I Steward My Sexuality As a Single? (video)
What Do I Do With My Sexual Desires? by Juli Slattery (blog)
Follow Melody on IG at @melodyfabien
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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Many married couples carry a secret: one of them doesn't like sex—they may even dread it. For years, sex has felt more like obligation than pleasure, and they've quietly believed something must be wrong with them.
This week, we're tackling the unspoken question: "What if I'm married and I don't like sex?"
We'll talk about the real reasons sex can feel difficult or even painful, and call out a few common lies that keep couples stuck.
If you've ever felt confused, disappointed, or alone in your struggles with sex, this conversation offers hope, practical insight, and the reminder you don't have to stay where you are.
Co-host: Hannah Nitz
We'd love to hear your thoughts about this conversation. Leave us a rating and review.
Follow-up Resources:
Be the first to know when Online Book Studies open up
Q&A: Past sexual trauma inhibits my ability to enjoy sex. Is there hope that I can heal? (video)
Q&A: Sex has never been pleasurable in our marriage. Should I fake it? (video)
Preorder 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Sex, Love, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery
God, Sex & Your Marriage by Juli Slattery
Passion Pursuit: What Kind of Love Are You Making? by Juli Slattery
Restoring the Pleasure by Cliff & Joyce Penner
Enjoy! The Gift of Sexual Pleasure for Women by Cliff & Joyce Penner
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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Life gets busy—especially with kids, work, and everyday stress. But research shows that couples who consistently make time for each other are significantly happier in their marriages.
This week, we're talking about why date nights matter more than you think. We'll tackle common obstacles couples face, like exhaustion, busy schedules, lack of childcare, and awkward conversations. Plus, you'll hear simple and practical tips to help you reconnect with your spouse—even in the busiest of seasons.
Guests: Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley
Check out our newest Hot Topic Kit: Healthy Dating & Boundaries.
Follow-up Resources:
Take the Date Night Challenge: 52 Creative Ideas to Make Your Marriage Fun by Greg & Erin Smalley
Date Night Conversation Starters from Greg & Erin Smalley
Q&A: How often is "normal" for having sex in marriage? (video)
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You know your spouse's love language, and you try to use it. So why is their love tank always running on empty?
This week, we're expanding the classic framework to include personality nuances, seasonal shifts, overdoing it (yes, that's possible!), and love tank "leaks." Plus, you'll learn why gifts aren't always about money and why physical touch isn't always about sex.
Join us for a conversation about moving past formulas and becoming a better student of the one you love.
Guests: Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott
Follow-up Resources:
Listen to Dr. Gary Chapman talk about the Five Love Languages on Java #592 The Love Language that Matters Most.
Take the free relationship assessment at myheartchart.com
The Five Love Languages Premium Assessment
The Love Language That Matters Most by Dr. Gary Chapman, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
Follow Les & Leslie at @lesandleslie
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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Maybe you're already living together.
Maybe this topic feels uncomfortable.
Maybe you've never questioned it before.This week, Juli unpacks what God says about living together before marriage, what (secular) research is telling us, and how covenant—not convenience—creates lasting security.
Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz & Joe Caruso
Tell us what you think! Leave us a rating & review.
Follow-Up Resources:
Preorder 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Sex, Love, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery
Q&A: Is God okay with me having sex with someone I love even if we're not married?
Q&A: What is the difference between sexual integrity and purity?
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Joe Caruso at @joecaruso06
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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Men get a lot of mixed messages about masculinity. Some say it's toxic. Others say it doesn't really matter anymore. It's no surprise guys are left wondering, "What does it even mean to be a good man?"
This week, Juli sits down with Brant Hansen, author of The Men We Need, to get honest about the struggles men face and why true strength looks very different from the stereotypes we're used to. This conversation is an invitation to see manhood not as a problem to fix, but as a calling worth stepping into.
Guest: Brant Hansen
What did you think about this conversation? Let us know in a rating and review.
Follow-up Resources:
The Men We Need:God's Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up by Brant Hansen
Blog: 3 Reasons Women Tend To Take Over in Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery
Blog: 7 Ways We Unknowingly Sabotage Intimacy in Our Marriages by Dr. Juli Slattery
Blog: Resign As Boss: How To Help Your Husband Lead by Dr. Juli Slattery
Video: Q&A: How Can I Help My Husband Grow Up and Take Responsibility?
Follow Brant Hansen at @branthansen
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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What's okay in the bedroom—and how are married couples supposed to know?
In this episode, Juli doesn't hand you a checklist. Instead, she walks you through three questions every couple can ask when navigating gray areas in the bedroom.
From pornography and fantasy to sex toys and more, this conversation helps you discern where you may need to draw a line and where you may need to step out of your comfort zone.
Joined by Hannah Nitz and Joe Caruso, this episode marks the kick off of a new series inspired by Juli's newly revised, upcoming book, 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy.
Co-Hosts: Hannah Nitz, Joe Caruso
What did you think of this episode? Leave us a rating and review in your podcast app.
Follow up resources:
Check out our brand-new Hot Topic Kit: Pornography in Marriage.
Blog: What's OK in the Bedroom? (Includes a list of what God has said "no" to)
Book: God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery
Book: Passion Pursuit: What Kind of Love Are You Making? by Dr. Juli Slattery and Linda Dillow
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Joe Caruso at @joecaruso06
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
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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
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Juli unpacks four of the most common (and subtle) lies we believe about sex, desire, and compatibility. From "sex is about expressing myself" to "the best sex is compatible sex," they explore how these ideas shape our relationships—and how God invites you into something deeper.
If you've ever felt stuck, confused, or distant from God because of sexuality, pull up a chair—this conversation is for you.
Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz and Joe Caruso
Leave us a rating & review in your favorite podcast app.
Follow-up Resources:
Surrendered Sexuality by Dr. Juli Slattery
God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery
Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz
Follow Joe at @joecaruso06
- Näytä enemmän
