Brave Love Great Sex – Couples Therapy Podcast

"Sometimes popping two gummies on vacation helps us have really great sex!" "I really need that glass of wine to get me in the mood!" "Smelling alcohol on your breath is such a turnoff!" As couples and sex therapists, we've talked to thousands of partners about how alcohol and substances affect their relationships. Sometimes couples report that alcohol is a major block to sexual connection, others share that it can help them get out of their heads and make sex more enjoyable. In your relationship, is alcohol a gas pedal or a brake? Meaning it turns you on and helps with desire, arousal, orgasm or it shuts you down and you withdraw from sex. If seeing your partner drunk is a sexual brake, you may feel rejected by their advances because they wouldn't typically act like that sober. If alcohol is a gas pedal, you may feel your inhibition lower and it's more comfortable to access thoughts about sex and connection to your body. Listen to this episode as George and Laurie discuss the function of alcohol in sex and relationships and what you may need to explore underneath if it is a gas pedal or brake. Our hosts approach this topic with non-judgement and are explicit that alcohol and substance use runs on a wide spectrum and affects people in many ways. We know this may open up myriad reactions from our listeners and we welcome your feedback! As always, thank you for listening and keep it hot, y'all!
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In today's episode, Laurie and George discuss how improving caretaking in your relationship can lead to better sex. If you've felt bogged down by the mental load or have heard your partner make complaints about it this is a must listen episode. Join us as we guide you through 'four ways to be a better caregiver.' Learn how recognizing your partner's needs, taking action before asking, and making the little things important will increase and improve your sexual connection. Make sure to check out our NEW website www.bravelovegreatsex.com for updates on our upcoming book release and other ways you can support your relationship. We're on a mission to help our brave lovers have great sex!

Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!):

Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant!
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Picture this, you walk in from a hard, stressful day at work and finally see your partner--your person. You say to them, "Honey, today was such a hard day. Everything went wrong. It was really bad." Your partner replies with, "Well, look on the bright side you're home and your job helps us keep this beautiful roof over our heads." Your body deflates a little. Your partner just brightsided you when you were really hoping for a little sympathy and comfort. This is defined as 'Toxic Positivity': an experience where someone shares something along a negative vein and the responder replies with the brightside, silver lining or overt positivity. In this episode, George and Laurie discuss how toxic positivity affects interactions between partners, why partners might anchor towards using it and how it causes disconnection in relationships. Listeners will take away intent v. impact, and how partners can shift from avoidance of negative emotion to connection through it and end up on the bright side together. If this shows up in your relationship either as the doer or receiver this episode is sure to spark a great conversation! Thanks for listening and keep it hot y'all!
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In today's episode, hosts Laurie and George are taking listeners to the islands! Islands of Security explores the places where secure attachment lives—those small but powerful moments where partners feel safe, seen, and able to find each especially during times of struggle. You'll walk away from this show with great ideas on how to develop more islands of security through intentional connection, imperfect action, meeting caregiving needs and managing the high and low roads. Set your calendars for September 2026 to pick up a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex and make sure to follow us on our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex

Please check out our wonderful sponsors (and support the pod!):WE-VIBE.com and use code BRAVELOVE for 20% off

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Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, Laurie and George take a deep dive into low testosterone--how to spot it, the effects it can have on a relationship and how to treat it. Listen in to learn how to address this with your healthcare providers and manage it within your partnership. Get the step by step process on how to diagnose it and conversations to have with your love. Don't let low T be a silent villian in your sex life! Make sure to follow our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex to stay up to date with our upcoming book release!

Please check out this episode's sponsors (and help the pod!):cozyearth.com and use code FOREPLAY for 20% offWE-VIBE.com and use code BRAVELOVE for 20% off

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