
Hosted by Ellen Holloway · EN
Looking for answers to the questions you don't want to Google? Not sure where to get help when your sexual life is on the rocks and everything the secular culture has to offer is only making things worse? Welcome to Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy where you learn to actually enjoy and desire good, holy sex with your spouse.
Hosted by Ellen Holloway, Catholic Sex and Intimacy Coach.
Formerly, this podcast was named Charting Toward Intimacy.

In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about what to do when sexual arousal shows up at the “wrong” time and why you do not need to panic or shame yourself for it. She shares such a gentle way to think about arousal instead of stuffing it down, especially if purity culture made you feel like sexual feelings were bad. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about why initiation can feel so awkward, frustrating, or even hurtful in marriage and the simple things that make it so much easier. They get really practical about responsive desire, how to actually communicate what kind of initiation you like, and why saying yes does not have to mean sprinting straight to the bedroom. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why foreplay can feel totally numb when your brain is still carrying the stress and mental load of the whole day. She shares this really helpful “parka” analogy about trying to jump into sex while still weighed down by your to do list, distractions, and exhaustion, and how preparing your mind before sex can completely change the experience. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

What can a beloved children's cartoon teach you about your sex life? More than you'd think. In this episode, Ellen Holloway draws unexpected wisdom from the hit show Bluey to reveal how just a few intentional minutes of connection each day can transform your marriage and your intimacy. If you've been waiting for a complicated fix, this episode will surprise you.___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about talking during sex and how it helps you stay present and connected. They explain what kinds of words support the dignity of the act, why “dirty talk” can be harmful especially after purity culture, and how to approach pillow talk in a way that builds intimacy. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

Sign up for Want it and Enjoy it right here!Enrollment is open through May 1.In this bonus episode, Ellen shares some responses from women in the most recent cohort of Want it and Enjoy it. There are wins, things they loved about the course, and encouragement for women trying to decide if they want to join the program. Take a listen to this episode if you are on the fence about joining. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

Sign up for Want it and Enjoy it right here! Enrollment is open through May 1 at 11:59 pm PT In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why a “fine” sex life is actually keeping you stuck and slowly disconnecting you from your husband. She challenges all those thoughts like “this is just how it is” and explains why desire, pleasure, and excitement are things you can actually build. It might make you rethink what you’ve been calling “fine.” ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about a hard truth most of us don’t want to hear: your sex life isn’t going to magically fix itself. They share why waiting for a different “season of life,” blaming your husband, or blaming hormones usually keeps you stuck. If things aren’t where you want them, this episode is a loving but honest push to take responsibility, make some changes, and start doing the work that actually makes sex better. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about what to do when you and your husband want sex at totally different levels. She explains why desire often comes from how rewarding sex feels and why many women struggle to want it if it hasn’t been very enjoyable. Ellen also shares simple ideas like building an intimacy “menu” and scheduling connection time so you can grow closer without all the pressure around sex. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com

Download your free copy of What the Church Actually Says About Sex and Marriage right hereIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares what it was like six months into her marriage when she honestly thought she might never like sex and could live without it. She talks about the purity culture messages that made sex feel bad and dirty, and the slow journey that helped her see it as something good, holy, and actually enjoyable. If you’ve ever wondered “what if I just never like sex,” this episode will feel very familiar and really hopeful. ___________________________________Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at info@vinesinfullbloom.com