In this episode we talk about what happens when long-term couples still care deeply for one another but sex and erotic connection have faded. My guest shares her own experience with a sexless marriage, why intimacy is about far more than sex, and how resentment, trauma, and changing bodies can slowly shut desire down. We explore the role menopause really plays (and when it's not the whole story), why many men stop initiating sex, and why talking honestly about sex is so hard even for couples who have a solid relationship. Xanet describes for us a tool she created to help get couples talking about this sensitive topic. Plus, a lot more.

Xanet Pailet is a nationally recognized Sex and Intimacy Coach, bestselling author of Living an Orgasmic Life and The Sex & Intimacy Repair Kit, and the founder of Passionate Intimacy Retreats, where she has led over 100 couples' intimacy retreats. After leaving a 26-year sexless marriage and a high-powered legal career, Xanet now helps committed couples who feel stuck, disconnected, or in conflict transform their relationships into ones filled with intimacy, safety, passion, and joy. Through private and international group retreats, she shows couples how to create emotional and sexual connection that lasts. If you've ever wondered what it takes to truly reignite your relationship and keep the flame alive, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Learn more about Xanet:

Website: https://www.passionateintimacyretreats.com

YouTube: The Power of Pleasure

Instagram: Xanet Pop

LinkedIn: Xanet Pailet

Learn more about Karin:

Website: https://drcalde.com

YouTube: Midlife Magic with Karin

Instagram: karincalde.relationships

LinkedIn: Karin Calde

In this first episode back from a sabbatical, Karin explores the role of self-connection in healing and growth. She's joined by Kristen Crabtree, who shares her experience of leaving an emotionally abusive relationship and the quiet inner work that helped her find her way out. Together, they talk about learning to slow down enough to listen to yourself, rebuilding self-trust through meditation, and finding joy and meaning after abuse. Kristen reflects on the practices that supported her, including different forms of meditation and the influence of Joe Dispenza, and offers a hopeful reminder: there is a good life to be had on the other side.

Kristen Crabtree is an author and Certified Divorce Coach whose work is grounded in lived experience — not theory. She's the creator of Paramour Paradox, a self-recovery ecosystem helping seekers rediscover who they are, and Destination: True You 2.0, where she supports lesbian women leaving psychologically abusive marriages. Through her own journey of self-recovery, Kristen helps others move from invisibility to authenticity — reminding us it's never too late to feel alive again.

Learn more about Kristen:

Website: Paramour Paradox

IG: https://www.instagram.com/paramourparadox

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paramourparadox

Learn more about Karin:

Website: https://drcalde.com

Karin's not on Instagram much these days, but she does check her messages periodically: https://www.instagram.com/karincalde.relationships

In this episode Karin explains the reason why she took a break from publishing podcasts during this past month. She describes the personal health crisis that struck her family but focuses mostly on what she's discovered to be helpful during this time. She also offers some advice on what to do if you have someone in your life who is going through a personal tragedy or is struggling with a life-threatening disease (see episode #15). She closes with a story about replacing judgment with curiosity in the face of life events, even when it seems obvious that that they are good or bad.

Karin doesn't know when she'll be back to her regular podcasting schedule, but will publish episodes when she can over the next few months. Thank you for listening!

Learn more about Karin:

website: www.drcalde.com

Instagram: @theloveandconnectioncoach