Charting Toward Intimacy

Charting Toward Intimacy

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 Charting Toward Intimacy where you learn to actually enjoy and desire good, holy sex with your spouse. Hosted by Ellen Holloway, Catholic Sex and Intimacy Coach.

Episodes

May 5, 2025 8 mins

Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic Women


In this episode, Ellen delves into the complex issue of whether one should always say yes to their spouse in a marital context. Drawing parallels with the Annunciation, where Mary freely chose to say yes, Ellen offers a practical meditation to help navigate these feelings of obligation. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their decisions without overthinking and to seek...

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This episode delves into the common experience in marriages where one spouse feels they are giving more than the other, particularly in the context of sex life and overall marital responsibilities. Ellen and Kathleen discuss the myth of a 50/50 marriage and share personal stories of times when they and their spouses bore unequal burdens. The...

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Ellen discusses the concept of marital debt and the perceived obligation for married couples to have sex. She explores this in the context of Catholic teachings on attending Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Ellen argues that the true essence of these obligations lies not in mere obedience but in a deep, life-giving desire. Just as attending Mass should stem from a genuine ...

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Check out the Getting in the Mood Guide!

In this episode Ellen and Kathleen explore the challenges and frustrations often associated with Natural Family Planning (NFP). They delve into the importance of choosing positive thoughts and gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, to improve one's marital intimacy and overall outlook on NFP. Through practical advice and thought-provoking insights, Ellen and Kathleen encourage liste...

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April 7, 2025 14 mins

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In this episode Ellen addresses the common concern of finding time for sex in the midst of busy modern lives filled with jobs, kids, and various commitments. Ellen emphasizes that we find time for what we prioritize, comparing the scheduling of sex to the commitment of attending Mass. She encourages listeners to evaluate their weekly activities, prioritize sex, and fol...

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Need help with how to actually say what you want to your husband? Get Let's Talk About "It"!

This episode addresses the common struggle of figuring out personal sexual desires within a marriage, particularly from a Catholic perspective. The hosts discuss the importance of communicating needs, such as specific types of foreplay, to one's spouse while maintaining boundaries. The conversation emphasizes the power of...

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Need help getting in the mood for sex. Your answer is the getting in the mood guide, right here


Ellen discusses the challenge of staying present during sex and introduces the concept of storytelling as a helpful technique. She clarifies the difference between storytelling and role-playing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the dignity of the act in accordance with Catholic faith. Ellen provides examples of how couples c...

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Check out the Getting in the Mood Guide Here!


In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the appropriateness of Catholic women consuming romance novels and PG-13/R-rated media like Bridgerton and Game of Thrones. They explore the potential negative impact such content can have on brain chemistry, intimacy, and marital relationships. The hosts offer practical advice on recognizing and eliminating detrimental media from one&apos...

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March 10, 2025 14 mins

Get the FREE Foreplay Foundations Course right here!

In this episode, Ellen discusses the challenges of communicating and embracing the Church's teachings on Natural Family Planning (NFP) and marital intimacy. She reflects on a personal conversation with a family member who acknowledged that NFP is a 'hard sell.' Ellen delves into the difficulties of living out these teachings, the role of suffering in the Christian l...

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March 3, 2025 29 mins

Transform your sex life with 7 essential conversations - Get Let's Talk About "It"


In this episode Ellen and Kathleen discuss the ease with which marriages can become disconnected and offer strategies to counteract this. They emphasize the importance of intentional habits and routines in fostering connection, particularly in the context of marriage and intimacy. The conversation also explores the need for persist...

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Ellen addresses common questions and concerns about sexual desire within marriage. She discusses the significance of sex as a renewal of wedding vows and as a way to image the Trinity, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and respect toward the sexual union in marriage. Ellen explores how apathy towards sex can harm relationships and underscores the holy and essential ...

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Get Lovemaking at Ave Maria Press! Use code Ellen10 to get 10% off!

In this episode, we welcome Monica and Renzo Ortega to discuss their new book titled 'Lovemaking.' Drawing from personal experiences and mentorship to young couples, they emphasize the importance of communication and real conversations in marriage. They also read an excerpt from their book and elaborate on how it addresses sensitive topics such as sexual i...

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Transform your sex life with 7 essential conversations - Get Let's Talk About "It"

Ellen and Kathleen tackle the common misconceptions about sex and intimacy within marriage, particularly the idea that sex should be effortless. 

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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!

Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or emai...

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NEW Course Let's Talk About "It" is available NOW!

Ellen addresses the question of whether it is okay for couples to make out while trying to avoid pregnancy during the fertile window. She explains the role of sexual arousal in preparing the body for sex and discusses the potential physical and emotional discomfort of arousing each other without the intention to have sex. 

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Get Jackie Angel's new book Memorize Scripture here (use code ELLEN10 for 10% off!)

In this episode Ellen is joined by Jackie Angel to discuss her new book, Memorize Scripture. They explore how memorizing scripture can enhance prayer life, and ultimately improve relationships, especially in marriage and sex life. Jackie shares her journey in ministry, the inspiration behind the book, and practical advice for integrati...

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Get the FREE 5-day Foreplay Foundations Course today!

Ellen explores why sexual pleasure is so elusive. Discussing perspectives from Karol Wojtyla's 'Love and Responsibility,' Ellen explains how pleasure is collateral and not the primary end of human action. This episode covers the importance of focusing on love and self-giving actions rather than directly seeking pleasure, which can make it elusive. Ellen e...

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January 13, 2025 28 mins

Get the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women right here!

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss perseverance in enhancing marital intimacy. They emphasize reframing thoughts around sex and intimacy, offering practical advice on trying again and tweaking approaches when efforts seem to fail initially. The conversation also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects, highlighting the importance of patience, mindset shi...

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Check out the FREE Five Day Foreplay Course!

In this episode, Ellen addresses common questions about foreplay and the Church's teachings on it. Covering topics such as the physiological effects of sexual arousal, the necessity of foreplay in intercourse, and the moral guidelines surrounding orgasms for both men and women, this episode provides a comprehensive overview. 

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Did we mentio...

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In this episode, Ellen and guest Mike 'Gomer' Gormley discuss the issue of sexual passivity in marriages, specifically through a Catholic lens. They explain what sexual passivity is, how it impacts relationships, and practical ways to combat it. Ellen emphasizes the importance of non-sexual touch and mutual understanding, while Gomer shares insights from his experience in parish ministry and personal anecdotes. They dive ...

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December 23, 2024 32 mins

In this special 200th episode, Ellen and Kathleen delve into their personal experiences with Natural Family Planning (NFP) and their fertility journeys over the past year +. They reflect on the impact of these experiences on their marriages and share heartfelt conversations about the challenges and blessings they've encountered. Tune in for an intimate and honest discussion on faith, family, and marital intimacy.

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