The Intimacy Inquiry

<p><strong>Exploring Intimacy and Connection: A Conversation with Holly Nelson</strong></p><p>In this episode, we speak with Holly Nelson, the founder of the Connection Couch and a licensed professional counselor specializing in intimacy, sexuality, and emotional connection. </p><p>Holly shares her journey from a rebellious LDS upbringing to becoming a sex-positive, queer and kink-affirming therapist. She discusses her various certifications, including EMDR and advanced EFT training, and her passion for helping clients through shame, trauma, and anxiety related to sexuality. Holly also dives into her reasons for founding the Connection Couch and the importance of communication and negotiation in both monogamous and polyamorous relationships. </p><p>Additionally, she addresses the impact of cultural and religious teachings on sexual shame, the role of feminist porn in healthy sexual relationships, and her techniques for helping clients recover from sexual trauma. Finally, Holly highlights the significance of self-love and the therapeutic practices that individuals and couples can incorporate into their daily lives to foster intimacy and connection.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Holly Nelson and Her Work</p><p>01:11 Holly's Teenage Years and Early Influences</p><p>02:38 Exploring Sexuality and Overcoming Shame</p><p>05:09 Journey into Sex Therapy</p><p>07:06 Creating the Connection Couch</p><p>10:40 Navigating Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships</p><p>18:11 The Importance of Self-Love and Personal Growth</p><p>24:44 The Impact of Pornography on Society</p><p>26:01 Couples and Pornography: Challenges and Misconceptions</p><p>27:40 Exploring Feminist and Holistic Porn</p><p>29:16 Common Kinks and Desires in Therapy</p><p>30:41 Approaches to Sex Therapy for Individuals and Couples</p><p>33:30 Ethical Non-Monogamy and Polyamory</p><p>35:55 Addressing Sexual Trauma in Therapy</p><p>41:25 Therapist Self-Care and Wellbeing</p><p>43:16 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.theconnectioncouch.com/">http://www.theconnectioncouch.com/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091893859082">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091893859082</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/sextherapywithholly/">https://www.instagram.com/sextherapywithholly/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sextherapywithholly?lang=en">https://www.tiktok.com/@sextherapywithholly?lang=en</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reddit.com/user/TheConnectionCouch/">https://www.reddit.com/user/TheConnectionCouch/</a></p>

<p>Empowering Your Intuitive Self: A Conversation with Spiritual Guide Gloria Battini</p><p>In this episode, Gloria Battini, a renowned spiritual guide, psychic, medium, astrologer, and transformational teacher, discusses her mission to help individuals reconnect with their intuitive intelligence and heal from past traumas.</p><p>Sharing insights on tarot, oracle cards, and astrology, Gloria emphasizes that psychic abilities are innate and can be developed by anyone. She also shares her personal journey through severe OCD and emotional abuse, shedding light on the importance of self-discovery and authenticity.</p><p>The conversation touches on societal conditioning, the power of vulnerability, and practical guidance on using spiritual tools for self-awareness and growth.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Gloria Battini</p><p>01:50 Gloria's Personal Journey and Mission</p><p>02:07 Understanding Psychic Abilities</p><p>03:07 Experiences with Intuition and Energy</p><p>04:46 Society's Disconnection from Intuition</p><p>15:58 The Role of Astrology</p><p>24:37 Astrology and Personal Healing</p><p>32:54 Mediumship and Translating Energy</p><p>36:40 The Importance of Practice</p><p>37:02 Exploring Intimacy Beyond the Physical</p><p>40:10 The Journey of Self-Love and Healing</p><p>44:18 Leaving a Toxic Relationship</p><p>50:00 Finding New Love and Trust</p><p>54:41 Reconnecting with Childhood Joys</p><p>58:53 Understanding Tarot and Oracle Cards</p><p>01:04:33 Protecting Your Energy</p><p>01:08:17 Hopes for the Future</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.gloriabattini.com/">https://www.gloriabattini.com/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Lzf1AT9bSdbL8EB3LGQFg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Lzf1AT9bSdbL8EB3LGQFg</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/gloriabattini/">https://www.instagram.com/gloriabattini/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@gloriabattini">https://www.tiktok.com/@gloriabattini</a></p>

<p><strong>Exploring Intimacy and Identity with Tonya Todd</strong></p><p>Tonya Todd, a Las Vegas-based author, actress, and activist, delves into her life and work in this engaging script. Known for her evocative stories about passionate women, her new book '52 Love' offers bite-sized lessons on intimacy.</p><p>Tonya champions marginalized voices and shares her journey from being painfully shy to becoming empowered through acting. She discusses her writing process, the significance of representation in media, and her penchant for vampire literature.</p><p>Tonya also reveals her insights on cosplay and the importance of creative resistance. This script highlights her commitment to storytelling that reflects diverse experiences and relationships. </p><p>00:00 Introduction to Tonya Todd</p><p>01:10 Early Life and Struggles</p><p>02:18 Overcoming Shyness Through Acting</p><p>07:31 Defining Powerful Women in Writing</p><p>08:27 Challenges of Gender and Inclusion</p><p>15:26 Writing vs. Acting: A Creative Journey</p><p>18:06 The Writing Process and Future Projects</p><p>25:05 Exploring Comic Books and High Art</p><p>31:56 Embracing Character Confidence</p><p>32:31 Role Play and Cosplay in Relationships</p><p>35:13 The Birth of '52 Love'</p><p>36:19 Navigating Love During Turbulent Times</p><p>37:45 From Blog to Book and Podcast</p><p>40:08 Exploring Love Languages</p><p>42:38 The Importance of Communication</p><p>47:00 Vampire Fascination and Writing</p><p>56:14 Balancing Creativity and Downtime</p><p>59:33 Final Thoughts and Future Plans</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8904672/">https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8904672/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mstonyatodd.com/">https://www.mstonyatodd.com/</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/mstonyatodd/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/mstonyatodd/?hl=en</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/tonya.todd.9440">https://www.facebook.com/tonya.todd.9440</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@mstonyatodd">https://www.youtube.com/@mstonyatodd</a></p>

<p><strong>The Journey of Resilience: Ms. Elite USA 2024 Koya Bakare on Healing and Self-Worth</strong></p><p>In this episode, Koya Bakare, Ms Elite United States 2024, shares her incredible journey from trauma to triumph. As a speaker and mindfulness coach, Koya discusses her formative years, her relationship with her mother, and the pivotal role of pageantry in her life. She opens up about overcoming bulimia, suicide attempts, and sexual assault, revealing how these experiences have shaped her mission to empower others. Koya also talks about her spirituality, the importance of self-love, and finding joy in life's simple pleasures. This deeply moving conversation highlights the power of authenticity, resilience, and staying true to one's purpose.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Koya Bakare</p><p>00:53 Reflecting on Teenage Years</p><p>03:02 Mother's Influence and Support</p><p>08:06 Journey into Pageantry</p><p>13:33 Therapy and Healing</p><p>26:09 Romantic Relationships and Trust</p><p>31:52 Self-Love and Personal Growth</p><p>32:58 Embracing Self-Love and Identity</p><p>33:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery</p><p>34:30 Guidance for Women on Self-Confidence</p><p>35:19 Writing as a Tool for Healing</p><p>36:53 Practices for Self-Love and Well-Being</p><p>40:12 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception</p><p>48:48 Balancing Service and Self-Care</p><p>53:41 The Role of Spirituality in Life</p><p>57:10 Future Plans and Aspirations</p><p>01:00:26 Legacy and Life Reflections</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/koyamaisha/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/koyamaisha/?hl=en</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@koyabakare">https://www.tiktok.com/@koyabakare</a></p><p></p>

<p><strong>Navigating Modern Love: Insights from Dating Coach Noah Heymann </strong></p><p>In this episode, Andrew interviews Noah Heymann, a dating and relationship coach who helps individuals find love through his website <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://datecoach.com">datecoach.com</a> and Instagram handle <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://datecoach.com">datecoach.com</a>.</p><p>Noah's expertise covers areas such as in-person approaches, online dating profiles, communication techniques, body confidence, and intimacy. He shares his journey from a closeted teenager to a full-time coach, emphasizing the influence of past experiences on current dating behaviors.</p><p>Noah also discusses the importance of candid communication in relationships, different dynamics in online dating for various genders, and the role of data in improving dating success. Additionally, he touches upon open relationships, BDSM, and navigating modern dating challenges. Noah underscores the value of authenticity and offers strategies for effective communication and dating in both new and long-term relationships.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Noah Heymann</p><p>01:25 Noah's Personal Journey</p><p>04:01 Challenges in Modern Dating</p><p>06:40 The Science of Online Dating</p><p>15:48 Differences in Dating Dynamics</p><p>27:50 Navigating Authenticity in Relationships</p><p>31:16 Overcoming Childhood Challenges</p><p>32:22 Impact of Past Relationships on Self-Sabotage</p><p>34:02 Navigating Vulnerability in Dating</p><p>34:14 Discussing Kinks and Fetishes</p><p>35:32 Tools for Better Communication in Relationships</p><p>37:14 The Importance of Open Discussions</p><p>39:49 Challenges in Long-Term Relationships</p><p>49:07 Modern Dating Dynamics and Apps</p><p>54:28 The Joy of Personalized Coaching</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.datecoach.com/">https://www.datecoach.com/</a></p>