<p>What happens when two relationship experts who teach others about intimacy find themselves in an 18-month sexual drought? We recently emerged from what we affectionately call &quot;the swamp&quot;—a period where our once-vibrant sexual connection became strained, disconnected, and frankly disappointing. Despite having all the professional knowledge about creating great sex, we found ourselves stuck in patterns that weren&#39;t working, and the solutions weren&#39;t immediately obvious.</p><p>It was a profound opportunity for growth and understanding–the experience taught us that magnificent sex isn&#39;t something you figure out once and then have forever. It requires ongoing attention, vulnerability, and a willingness to return to basics when things get off track.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we talk about:</strong></p><p>— What &quot;magnificent sex&quot; actually means (hint: it&#39;s about soul-shaking connection, not just technique)</p><p>— The four key elements that create truly magnificent sexual experiences</p><p>— How even sex educators can lose track of their own erotic needs and desires</p><p>— Why our sexual &quot;swamp&quot; developed and the surprisingly simple interventions that helped us find our way out</p><p>— The power of written requests on index cards for neurodivergent communication patterns</p><p>— The importance of reconnecting with your own core erotic themes rather than just focusing on your partner&#39;s</p><p>— How to create containers of safety that allow for vulnerability and presence</p><p>— Why aftercare matters and how to customize it for each partner&#39;s specific needs</p><p>— The value of accommodating different communication and memory styles in sexual contexts</p><p>— Practical ways to rebuild connection</p><p><strong>Resources mentioned in this episode:</strong></p><p>— <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Magnificent-Sex-Lessons-from-Extraordinary-Lovers/Kleinplatz-Menard/p/book/9780367181376"><em>Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers</em></a> by Peggy Kleinplatz and Dana Ménard</p><p>— <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-erotic-mind-jack-morin?variant=32128771457058"><em>The Erotic Mind</em></a> by Jack Morin</p><p>— <a href="https://www.powells.com/book/transcendent-sex-when-lovemaking-opens-the-veil-9780743482172?srsltid=AfmBOoozJR6yXbRIwnt94uVmun4WLqoY35ONDzmliJJb4Z_dmMViyqnO"><em>Transcendent Sex</em></a> by Jenny Wade</p><p>— <a href="https://www.wheelofconsent.org/">The Wheel of Consent</a> by Betty Martin</p><p>— Joli&#39;s <a href="https://www.jolihamilton.com/sexual-shadow-masterclass">Sexual Shadow Masterclass</a></p><p>— <a href="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/joli-hamilton/episodes/215-Nurturing-Established-Relationship-Energy-e35osf8">Our episode</a> on Nurturing Established Relationship Energy</p><p>JOIN The Year Of Opening® community for a full year of learning &amp; support. Registration is open now at <a href="http://www.theyearofopening.com/">⁠⁠www.TheYearOfOpening.com⁠⁠</a></p><p>Learn the <a href="https://www.jolihamilton.com/salon">5 secrets to open your relationship the smart way</a></p><p>Are you ready to open your relationship happily? Find out at <a href="http://www.joliquiz.com/">www.JoliQuiz.com</a></p><p>Get the answers you want to create the open relationship of your dreams! <a href="https://www.jolihamilton.com/ama">Sign up for an Ask Me Anything here</a></p><p>Music: Dance of Felt by <a href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/242798">⁠Blue Dot Sessions</a></p>