Without Sleep, You Can’t Regulate
I got a coveted hour with Dr. Jessica Payne, a neuroscientist, who studies sleep, to ask all the questions you've probably wondered about but never had the chance to explore. We get into what the brain actually does during sleep and dreaming, how exercise, caffeine, alcohol, and sex affect your rest, and why good sleep matters for your relationship.

Dr. Payne tells me, “It’s hard to draw on resources for empathy or connection when people are not rested.” This directly affects the couples we see in therapy. They cannot be their best selves when they are sleep deprived. Dr. Payne will tell you how much sleep is recommended and detail the various types of sleepers. In this episode, you’ll hear a grounded, science-backed conversation on how to care of your brain, improve your sleep, and better understand your body—especially in bed.

If stress, exhaustion, or life transitions have disrupted your desire or connection, you're not alone.

My new ⁠self-paced course⁠ is here to help.

It offers a private, flexible way to understand what your body—and brain—actually need to feel turned on. Whether you're partnered or solo, this is a chance to explore your erotic self without pressure, on your own terms.

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Reach Jess at:

https://www.brainbasedleader.org

https://www.jessicadpayne.com

https://samlab.nd.edu

Free Giveaway: Download Your Quick-Guide — The Brain on Sleep, Stress, & Connection

A bonus from Dr. Jessica Payne with science-backed tips for better sleep, less stress, and deeper connection.

#sleepandsex #brainhealth #neuroscience #relationships #sleepwell #sextherapy #coupleshealth #podcastconversation #intimacyandwellness

In this episode, I explore the intersection of chronic illness and sexuality. Focusing on type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis—three common conditions affecting people ages 45 to 70—I break down how symptoms and diagnoses impact couples' erotic and relational life. You’ll hear a candid discussion of how chronic illness can disrupt your intimacy, what your partnership might experience as the illness progresses, and how to adapt and reconnect.

If chronic illness, aging, or life changes have complicated your sex life, you're not alone—and you're not broken.

My new self-paced course is here to help.

It's a private, flexible program designed to help you understand your desire, reconnect with your body, and explore what actually turns you on—at your own pace. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is a chance to understand your erotic self with curiosity, not pressure.

BUY NOW

#ChronicIllness #SexualHealth #IntimacyAndIllness #DiabetesAndSex #HeartHealth #MultipleSclerosis #AgingAndSexuality #CouplesTherapy #SexTherapist #RelationshipWellness

In this episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy sits down with parenting expert Kristi Miller, LMFT to explore the often-overlooked challenges couples face in maintaining intimacy after having a baby. From the early postpartum months to the demanding years of parenting, many couples struggle to stay connected. Dr. Jenn and Kristi dive into the emotional, relational, and hormonal shifts that impact intimacy, offering insight from their work as couples and intimacy therapists.

Whether you're a new parent or years into the journey, this conversation is full of thoughtful context and actionable support to help you nurture both your relationship and your family.

Reach Kristi at:

kristi.m@RivieraTherapy.com

⁠Riviera Therapy⁠

⁠Psychology Today⁠

Establishing Boundaries with Kids: A Parent's Guide to Negotiating Limits and Improving Parent-Child Interactions

The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!

Purchase here!

#SexTherapy #ParentingSupport #PostpartumIntimacy #RelationshipGoals #NewParents #CouplesTherapy #IntimacyAfterBaby #ParentingPodcast #TherapistTalks #DrJennKennedy

Dr. Jenn Kennedy explores the very human need for closeness and challenges of touch starvation—something she’s seeing more often in both singles and people in relationships who are experiencing increased distance and disconnection.

In this episode, she unpacks why so many are feeling deprived of physical connection and what it means for your emotional and relational health.

The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!

⁠Purchase here!

#TouchStarvation #SexTherapy #RelationshipHealth #EmotionalWellness #ThePleasureProjectPodcast #DrJennKennedy

Buying a home can bring up more than financial questions—it often reveals deeper dynamics in a relationship. In this episode, Dr. Jenn talks with seasoned broker Amy Baird about what really happens between couples during the home-buying process. They explore the explicit and unspoken negotiations, shifting priorities, and emotional stressors that show up in every stage of home buying and escrow. Whether it’s your first house or your fifth, this episode offers insight into how to stay connected while making big decisions together.

Reach Amy at:

Website: www.amyjbaird.com

Insta: @amyjbaird

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ajbvillageproperties

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amy-j-baird

The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!

⁠Purchase here!

#HomeBuying #CouplesTherapy #RealEstateStress #Relationships #SexTherapistPodcast #EscrowJourney #CommunicationMatters #PodcastEpisode #HouseHuntingTips

In this episode Dr. Jenn sits down with Max Carey, filmmaker of the documentary, tOuchkink. Together they delve into the intriguing world of kink, exploring the various roles individuals take on and the diverse motivations that inspire their interests. Through thoughtful discussions, listeners will uncover the complex power dynamics at play and discover that kink often transcends mere sexual arousal.

With a focus on the emotional connections and intrigue that accompany kink, this podcast reveals how it can be a profound form of self-expression and exploration. Join Dr. Kennedy as she unpacks the multifaceted nature of kink, celebrating the rich tapestry of human desire and connection beyond traditional boundaries.

Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

Reach Max at:

https://touchkink.com

https://vimeo.com/699052900

https://www.instagram.com/seven_journeys/

https://kinema.com/films/touch-kink-vwykek

#kink #kinky #sextherapy #sextherapist #therapy #therapist #bdsm #sex #lmft #documentary

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Jessa Zimmerman, a certified sex therapist and couples counselor who specializes in helping couples who are avoiding sex due to stress, disappointment, or pressure. Jessa, the author of Sex Without Stress and host of the Better Sex Podcast, shares her expertise on how to overcome the challenges of low desire in relationships.

Together, they explore the struggles faced by low-desire partners—often marked by shame, guilt, and resentment—and how these emotions impact intimacy. Jessa’s four-pillar experiential process, which she uses to help couples achieve intimacy with ease, is at the heart of the conversation. Tune in for an insightful and compassionate discussion on how to break through these barriers and create a more fulfilling sexual connection.

Reach Jessa at:

https://www.intimacywithease.com

https://www.intimacywithease.com

Instagram: @intimacywithease

The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!

⁠Purchase here!

#LowDesire #SexTherapy #CouplesTherapy #SexualHealth #BetterSex #SexWithoutStress #Therapy #SexualWellness #ShameFreeSex #SexualIntimacy #CouplesCounseling

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. David Wohlsifer to discuss autism and sexuality. As experienced couples therapists, they unpack the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals in relationships, whether they're single or in long-term partnerships. The conversation explores dating, anxiety, social pressures, emotional dynamics, and the impact of autism on personal connections. Dr. Wohlsifer shares case examples that are composites of several cases (to protect patient confidentiality). They also discuss the key differences between autistic and allistic (non-autistic) experiences in relationships. If this topic resonates with you, or if you're seeking deeper insights into relationships involving autism, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion and gain valuable perspectives on navigating these complex aspects of sexuality and relationships.

This is a behind-the-scenes, organic conversation between two professionals who have their own perspectives on sexuality. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

Dr. David Wohlsifer is a clinical instructor at Florida Atlantic University, Sandler School of Social Work and Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Gender and Sexuality.

His areas of clinical practice include Couple/Family Therapy, CBT, Substance Use Disorders, EMDR, and Sex Therapy.

He is the founder of the Boca Raton Center for Psychotherapy, an advisory editor for the journal Family Process, a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, AASECT and FL Certified Sex therapist, Certified EMDR therapist, and one of the co-chairs of the AFTA Couple therapy interest group.

He has published in the areas of clinical social work education, family and couple therapy, and sex therapy.

Reach Dr. David at: www.drdavidw.com

The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!

⁠Purchase here!

#couples #autism #relationships #love #therapist #sextherapist #therapy #casestudy