The Marital Intimacy Show

In this episode #069 “20 Keys to Healthy Sexuality, Part 1” Laura has a great conversation with fellow therapist Geoff Steurer on his “Illuminate” podcast where they talk about healthy sexuality instead of the common focus for many to just focus on unhealthy sexuality. Laura walks through her full list of 20 characteristics of healthy and unhealthy sexuality providing a template of what a healthy sexual relationship looks like especially when couples may have had their sexual relationship pornified by our society!

Show Notes (Resources mentioned):

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

In this episode #068 “How ‘Auditory Arousal’ Can Heat Up Your Lovemaking” Laura talks with sex coach Amanda Louder on her “Live From Love” podcast. She shares some insights on one of the concepts Laura has coined -- that of “Auditory Arousal.” Laura answers the question of what auditory arousal is and how to utilize it to heat up your lovemaking. Most importantly, she discusses the benefits of verbal communication during sex, such as how it can help keep your busy and distracted brain engaged sexually.

Show Notes (Resources mentioned):

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

In this episode #067 “Differences Between Healthy and Unhealthy Sexuality, Part 2” Laura talks with the fabulous people from Reach 10 on their “Breaking the Silence” podcast about what the differences are between healthy and unhealthy sexuality. We highlight some of the 20 characteristics of healthy and unhealthy sexuality from the handout Laura has compiled on the subject.

Show Notes (Resources mentioned):

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

In this episode #066 “Differences Between Healthy and Unhealthy Sexuality, Part 1” Laura talks with the fabulous people from Reach 10 on their “Breaking the Silence” podcast about what the differences are between healthy and unhealthy sexuality. We highlight some of the 20 characteristics of healthy and unhealthy sexuality from the handout Laura has compiled on the subject.

Show Notes (Resources mentioned):

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

You already know I'm a BIG proponent of Date Night, but did you know it's also my license plate?! In this episode #065 “Laura’s D8NIGHT License Plate” I joined Trista on her PL8STORY (Plate Story) Podcast to share the story behind my "D8NIGHT" license plate and lots of other fun things you maybe didn't know. Find out what "title" my tax guy has given my husband and what "sexual wholeness" is all about! 

Show Notes (Resources mentioned):

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

This episode #064 “Q&A - Sex - Vital for a Healthy Marriage, Part 2” comes from a fun conversation certified sex therapist, Laura M. Brotherson had with the darling Trina Glines of the “Elevate Your Marriage” podcast. Trina had lots of fun questions from her book club ladies about the information in Laura’s book And They Were Not Ashamed — Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment to help them understand the importance of sex as a vital part of a healthy marriage. We’ll discuss things like: “sex as a decision,” “learning how to climax,” “why sex is important,” etc. 

Show Notes (Resources mentioned):

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

This episode #063 “Q&A - Sex - Vital for a Healthy Marriage, Part 1” comes from a fun conversation certified sex therapist, Laura M. Brotherson had with the darling Trina Glines of the “Elevate Your Marriage” podcast. Trina had lots of fun questions from her book club ladies about the information in Laura’s book And They Were Not Ashamed — Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment to help them understand the importance of sex as a vital part of a healthy marriage. We’ll discuss things like: “sex as a decision,” “learning how to climax,” “why sex is important,” etc. 

Show Notes (Resources mentioned):

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

This episode #062 “Understanding Female Sexual Wiring” comes from a super fun conversation certified sex therapist, Laura M. Brotherson had with the fabulous Monica Tanner of the “On the Brighter Side” podcast. Monica asks all about the 12 T’s of female sexual wiring found in the 12 chapters of Laura’s book Knowing HER Intimately: 12 Keys for Creating a Sextraordinary Marriage to help women (and men) better understand all the intricacies of how women are wired so that they can also create their own “sextraordinary” marriage!

Resources mentioned:

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

In this episode #061 - “Is Marital Intimacy Still a Question Mark?” - learn about the top issues for women regarding marital intimacy, what holds women back from wanting and fully enjoying intimacy, and how women can make things better in their marriages. Laura joins Connie Sokol on the “Balance reDefined” radio show to help women recognize and work through the intimacy issues they face in their marriages.

Resources mentioned:

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) and check out her websites:

In this episode #059 “Hungry Dog Syndrome, Part 2,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses this predicament in marriage from both the husband's and the wife's perspective and provides suggestions to help couples move past it to create a more mutually inviting sexual relationship.

In this episode #058 “Hungry Dog Syndrome, Part 1,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses this predicament in marriage from both the husband's and the wife's perspective and provides suggestions to help couples move past it to create a more mutually inviting sexual relationship.

In this episode #057 “Self-Help Sex Therapy,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson provides some helpful resources and key steps and for individuals or couples to do while they are waiting for professional help or if they are on their own to create a mutually fulfilling sexual relationship. 

In this episode #056 “Differences in Sexual Wiring – Bridling vs. Awakening Sexual Energy,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses the notion that men need to control or bridle their sexual energy while women need to awaken and develop their sexuality, including learning to be fully present in lovemaking. 

In this episode #055 “Sexual Surrender,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses the importance of transcendence in lovemaking and how to overcome some of the obstacles of letting go and surrendering to the sensual pleasure of sexual intimacy.

In this episode #054 “Healthy Sex,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson shares some key information to help couples understand the difference between healthy sex and unhealthy or pornography-related sex.

In this episode #053 “What He Really Wants for Christmas,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson invites women to consider the gift of sex for their honey’s for Christmas. Physical intimacy tops the list of favorite Christmas gifts for many husbands! Laura encourages couples to take the challenge to make lovemaking a fun part of their intimate Christmas festivities.

In this episode #052 “50 Reasons to Make Love,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson highlights plenty of great reasons for couples to be sure they are continuing to take advantage of the many health and relationship benefits of sex. 

In this episode #051 “The Agony and the Ecstasy of ONEness in Marriage,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson addresses some of the challenges of ONEness, as well as the exquisite joy and possibilities that are available to a husband and wife if they will work at it.

In this episode #050 “What's Up with the Bait and Switch in Marriage? -- Q&A, Part 2,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson addresses the question about how a wife seems to change intimacy-wise from pre- to post-marriage. Laura discusses five elements that may explain this change and what to do about it.

In this episode #049 “What's Up with the Bait and Switch in Marriage? -- Q&A, Part 1,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson addresses the question about how a wife seems to change intimacy-wise from pre- to post-marriage. Laura discusses five elements that may explain this change and what to do about it.

In this episode #048 “The Importance, Inhibitors and Intricacies of Intimacy,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses the “3 I’s of Intimacy” -- the Importance, the Inhibitors, and the Intricacies, and how the book, And They Were Not Ashamed, can help in all three of these areas!

In this episode #047 “Good Girls Do! Countering the Good Girl Syndrome in Marriage,” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson shares a resource to help couples identify and overcome negative conditioning about sex and be able to say, "Yes! In marriage, Good Girls Do!" 

In this episode #046 “Why I Wrote the Book ‘And They Were Not Ashamed-- Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment,'”  on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses the void she felt existed for couples to be able to strengthen their marriages sexually. 

In this episode #045 “Raising the Bar on Date Night” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses four rules for stepping it up a notch. Date night is simply one of the best things couples can do for their marriages, and these suggestions make date night even better!

In this episode #044 “No, May Not Always Mean No” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson shares a big secret--especially for husbands who may not fully realize how their wives are wired sexually. 

In this episode #043 “Let’s Play 20 Questions” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson helps couples make it easier for them to start a fun and valuable conversation about their sexual relationship. You'll receive Laura's list "20 Questions--Your Conversation Starter about Sex," and an opportunity to break down the communication barrier that keeps many couples from more fully enjoying their intimate relationship.   

In this episode #042 “Five Key Times to Talk to Your Kids about Sex -- Part 2” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson highlights the “when” of talking to your kids about sex (i.e. before dating and before marriage), and helps parents proactively plan to have all five important discussions.

In this episode #041 “Five Key Times to Talk to Your Kids about Sex -- Part 1” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson highlights the “when” of talking to your kids about sex, and helps parents proactively plan to have these five important discussions.

In this episode #040 “Lovemaking: When Couples Have Teens at Home -- Q&A” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson addresses the challenge of finding discreet time for lovemaking, and how to communicate a positive message to one’s teens about the sexual relationship in marriage. 

In this episode #039 “Overcoming the Good Girl Syndrome” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson helps you identify how much the Good Girl Syndrome may be affecting you and your marriage, and also provides brief suggestions to help you overcome it. 

In this episode #038 “The Good Girl Syndrome” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson addresses one of the most pervasive and often unacknowledged sources of sexual dissatisfaction in marriage. 

In this episode #037 “Beating the Body Image Blues: Part 3 -- Making Peace with Your Body" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson shares three suggestions to help you change your mental programming and become your body’s friend and advocate.

In this episode #036 “Beating the Body Image Blues: Part 2 -- Emotional Eating" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses the issue of body image, weight and emotional eating. Learn how to stop the negative self-talk that feeds into emotional eating, and be able to say to yourself and your husband, “I like who I am. I like my body, and I’m happy to share myself with you.” 

In this episode #035 “Beating the Body Image Blues: Part 1-- What is Real?" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson addresses some of the sources of body image dissatisfaction to set the stage for helping women to overcome these issues.

Body image issues have a significant effect on lovemaking. In this episode #034 “Body Image and Lovemaking -- Part 2" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses how wives’ body image issues affect their husbands in lovemaking, and how husbands wish their wives could see the beauty they see and believe the words they speak. 

Most women struggle with body image issues no matter how they look. In this episode #033 “Body Image and Lovemaking -- Part 1" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses the impact of body image on lovemaking, and how feeling sexy need not be contingent on one’s appearance. 

Studies show that the happier wives are with the division of household responsibilities, the happier husbands are with their sex lives, and the less risk there is for divorce. In this episode #032 “Husbands, Housework, Divorce and Sex” on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses this important factor in happy marriages and suggests how couples can share the household responsibilities more evenly.

Most women struggle with body image issues no matter how they look. In this episode #033 “Body Image and Lovemaking -- Part 1" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson discusses the impact of body image on lovemaking, and how feeling sexy need not be contingent on one’s appearance. 

In this episode #030 "I Am a Sexual Being, and It's Good -- Developing a Sexual Identity" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson encourages women to embrace and develop their sexual identity--to be able to say "I am a sexual being, and it's good!"

She shares four things that are different about a woman who has embraced her sexuality, and also discusses various tasks and questions women can explore in developing their sexual identity.

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In this episode #029 “A Quickie about Quickies" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, provides quick tips and a new perspective on quickies in the marital relationship.

Many couples have lost that lovin’ feeling when it comes to kissing and making out. In this episode #028 “The Bliss of a Kiss -- Restoring the Lost Art of Kissing, Part 3" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, provides suggestions to change the kissing dynamics in the relationship. 

Many couples have lost that lovin’ feeling when it comes to kissing and making out. In this episode #027 “The Bliss of a Kiss -- Restoring the Lost Art of Kissing, Part 2" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, addresses common complaints, and suggests “kissing lessons” for wives to share with their husbands to change the kissing dynamics in the relationship. 

Many couples have lost that lovin’ feeling when it comes to kissing and making out. In this episode #026 “The Bliss of a Kiss -- Restoring the Lost Art of Kissing, Part 1" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, addresses common complaints, and suggests “kissing lessons” for wives to share with their husbands, so that she especially can more fully enjoy the bliss of a kiss.

Everyone feels loved differently. In this episode #025 “What You Need to Know about Loving Your Spouse" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, teaches the importance of loving one’s spouse in the way they need to be loved. 

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In this episode #024 “The Blissful Caress" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, suggests that couples add this Blissful Caress to their intimate moments to sensually energize their lovemaking. The Blissful Caress is great sexual therapy for both husband and wife!

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Music adds variety to lovemaking. In this episode #023 “Mood Music -- Q&A" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, encourages couples to create their own bedroom music and see how it can help fuel their fires and enhance their sexual relationship. 

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In this episode #022 “Where Do I Start in Strengthening My Marriage Intimately? -- Q&A" on “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, answers an email she received about where a wife might start to improve her intimate marital relationship, and how to be a part of our work of strengthening marriages intimately.

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In this episode #021 “Overcoming Obstacles of the Big ‘O’ -- Part 3" of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, addresses: (5) Touch, (6) Technique, (7) Transcendence, and (8) Time helping couples identify and overcome obstacles of female orgasm.

In this episode #020 “Overcoming Obstacles of the Big ‘O’ -- Part 2" of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, addresses: (1) Thoughts, (2) Tenderness, (3) Teasing/Playfulness, and (4) Talk helping couples identify and overcome obstacles of female orgasm.

The Big “O” need not be so elusive. In this episode #019 “Overcoming Obstacles of the Big ‘O’ -- Part 1" of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, helps couples identify and overcome obstacles of female orgasm. 

Seeking to strengthen your marriage sexually can be daunting at times. In this episode #018 of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, shares stories of hope from a few of the many who have been able to find greater intimate fulfillment in their marriages. These stories will inspire and motivate you to know that change is possible!

For men, sexual desire tends to be a reaction, whereas for women, desire often requires a decision. For women, desire tends to show up after women mentally decide to engage, followed by some degree of mental/emotional and/or sexual arousal. In this episode #017 of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, helps women identify four things that often get in the way of that first step of deciding to “go with it.” Couples don’t have to be hostage to that elusive “mood” when they understand a woman’s unique sexual wiring. 

Many women don’t fully understand what sex means to their husbands. This often leads to couples who wander around in a sexual desert in their relationship.

In this episode #016 of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, shares a poignant and personal description from one husband who eloquently describes the power of sexual connection, providing a beautiful example of what sex means to a man.

Sex is a team sport. If lovemaking is important to your spouse, then it must also be important to you! In this episode #015 of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, encourages women to make passion a higher priority in their lives. Making sex a priority is not just about the time. It’s also about the attitude one has about sexuality and their sexual relationship with their spouse. 

Sometimes women need a little nudge during lovemaking to increase their arousal and push them over the edge into orgasm. In this episode #014 of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, discusses how verbal expressions provide auditory arousal as a means of heightening sexual pleasure and providing increased emotional connection during lovemaking.

Women often struggle with awakening and nurturing their sexuality. In this episode #013 of “The Marital Intimacy Show,” marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, discusses professional massage as a means of developing one’s sensuality, which helps to nurture one’s sexuality.

With a focus on (1) Relaxation, (2) Breathing, and (3) Touch, massage therapy can help women to awaken and cultivate their sensuality for greater enjoyment in the sexual relationship of marriage. 

To simplify efforts to strengthen your marriage, marriage and intimacy expert and “The Marital Intimacy Show” host Laura M. Brotherson, shares three key actions couples can take to strengthen and thrive in their marriages:

1. Date regularly

2. Increase touch

3. Pray regularly as a couple

These marital keys are the means of providing vital mental/emotional, physical/sexual and spiritual intimacy and nourishment to the marriage relationship.

Unfortunate revelations of infidelity by those in the media provide an opportunity for all couples to do an inventory of their own marriages, and shore them up against destructive influences.

In this episode of “The Marital Intimacy Show" marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, highlights those things couples need to do to protect their marriage and prevent the heartrending experience of adultery from infecting their lives.

What are the secrets of sexually satisfied wives? What is it that helps women fully embrace and enjoy their sexuality within marriage? In this episode #010 of The Marital Intimacy Show marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, will share six additional characteristics of sexually satisfied wives: 

1. They are fun and playful.

2. They know what they need.

3. They communicate openly.

4. They enjoy touch.

5. They surrender to the passion.

6. They take responsibility for self. 

What are the secrets of sexually satisfied wives? What is it that helps women fully embrace and enjoy their sexuality within marriage? In this episode #009 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert, Laura M. Brotherson, will share six characteristics of sexually satisfied wives: 

1. They embrace their sexuality.

2. They get educated sexually

3. They nurture the relationship.

4. They overcome their inhibitions.

5. They nurture sexual feelings.

6. They make peace with their body.

In this episode #008 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert and author, Laura M. Brotherson, provides power-packed tips for affair-proofing your marriage. Affairs are more likely to occur when vulnerability meets opportunity. Learn what you need to do to reduce vulnerability and avoid opportunities, all the while building a stronger and more connected marriage.

In this final segment of this Affair Proofing Your Marriage series we’ll conclude with a discussion of:

1. Avoiding personal relationships with others of the opposite sex, while building friendships with persons of the same sex;

2. Setting mental boundaries; and

3. How affairs are a counterfeit of the real thing in marriage.

In this episode #007 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert and author, Laura M. Brotherson, provides power-packed tips for affair-proofing your marriage. Affairs are more likely to occur when vulnerability meets opportunity. Learn what you need to do to reduce vulnerability and avoid opportunities, all the while building a stronger and more connected marriage.

In this segment we’ll discuss:

1. Working to meet each other’s needs more effectively;

2. Developing a satisfying sex life in your marriage; and

3. Dealing with personal insecurities and issues from your past.

In this episode #006 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert and author, Laura M. Brotherson, provides power-packed tips for affair-proofing your marriage. Affairs are more likely to occur when vulnerability meets opportunity. Learn what you need to do to reduce vulnerability and avoid opportunities, all the while building a stronger and more connected marriage.

The steps we’ll discuss in this segment include:

1. Communicating openly in marriage about anything;

2.  Acknowledging and discussing attractions to others with your spouse; and

3. Avoiding secrecy in your marriage.

In this episode #005 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert and author, Laura M. Brotherson, provides power-packed tips for affair-proofing your marriage. Affairs are more likely to occur when vulnerability meets opportunity. Learn what you need to do to reduce vulnerability and avoid opportunities--all the while building a stronger and more connected marriage. 

In this segment we’ll discuss the following:

(1) No one is immune;

(2) What’s not enough to protect your marriage;

(3) Being introspective and develop greater self-awareness; and

(4) Avoiding selfishness.

In this episode #004 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert and author, Laura M. Brotherson, addresses the questions and concerns of a listener, and shares insights for jumpstarting your marriage. Learn how to overcome emotional distance to feel close and more intimately connected.

In this episode #003 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert and author, Laura M. Brotherson, addresses the questions and concerns of a listener, and shares insights for jumpstarting your marriage. Learn how to overcome emotional distance to feel close and more intimately connected.

In this episode #002 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert and author, Laura M. Brotherson, LMFT, CST, shares three more tips for strengthening marriages sexually:

(4) Overcoming inhibitors;

(5) Being playful; and

(6) Making your sexual relationship a matter of prayer. 

Resources mentioned:

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) or email: info@strengtheningmarriage.com

In this episode #001 of The Marital Intimacy Show, marriage and intimacy expert and author, Laura M. Brotherson, shares the first three of six tips for strengthening marriages sexually:

(1) Making sex a priority;

(2) Getting educated sexually; and

(3) Learning to talk about sex more easily.

Resources mentioned:

You can find Laura on Instagram or Facebook (@StrengtheningMarriage) or email: info@strengtheningmarriage.com