Episode
66| Earbuds In: A Catholic Conversation About Sex, Intimacy, and Marriage
- Published
- Jan 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2617
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Summary
This is an “earbuds in” conversation, friend. Melissa sits down with Ellen Holloway, host of Charting Toward Intimacy (a leading Catholic intimacy podcast), for an honest, hope-filled conversation about sex, intimacy, and healing in marriage—in a way that’s fully aligned with the Catholic Church. Ellen shares her personal story (including the early struggles of marriage, learning Natural Family Planning, and healing from vaginismus), why so many Catholic women feel shame or confusion around sex, and practical steps to reconnect with your body, your spouse, and God. You’ll also hear powerful takeaways like a body scan prayer, the idea that sex can be prayer, and why scheduling sex isn’t unromantic—it’s often the most loving way to prioritize intimacy in real life. Learn more at Ellen’s website: https://vinesinfullbloom.com/ Key Takeaways You’re not “bad” for struggling with sex. Many emotions around intimacy are learned responses, not moral failures. Shame thrives in silence. Intimacy is deeply vulnerable, so it’s often avoided—but it’s too important to ignore. A powerful starting point: the Body Scan Prayer. Noticing your thoughts about each part of your body and asking God what He thinks can be deeply healing. God calls your body “very good.” Parts of the body that carry the most shame are also parts that reflect God’s design for communion and relationship. Healing takes time—and wins matter. Celebrate small progress instead of only focusing on the end goal. Sex can be prayerful. Ellen encourages bringing God into your intimacy—praying about your sex life and (eventually) praying with your husband. Spontaneity is not the standard. Scheduling sex is often a healthy way to prioritize connection (just like we schedule what matters most). Libido can be rebuilt. Desire and…