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

October 6, 2025 14 mins

Check out the Orgasm Course for Catholic women right here! 

In this episode, Ellen Holloway explores what to do when intimacy is interrupted and sex gets derailed by everyday distractions like kids, pets, or sudden discomfort. She shares practical mindset strategies Catholic wives can use to manage intrusive thoughts, refocus their desire, and re-engage with their husbands. This episode provides clear guidance on strengthening intim...

Mark as Played

Get the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women right here!

 In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen Holloway explores the concept of edging, a technique that can enhance pleasure, comfort, and unity in your sex life. She explains how edging works, its benefits for those seeking to extend intimacy or synchronize climaxes, and how it can help make sex more enjoyable and comfortable, especially for women who experience discomfort ...

Mark as Played

Get the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here!

In this episode of Charting Toward Intimacy, Ellen and Kathleen explore the question: "What is the male equivalent of flowers?" They discuss the importance of pursuing your husband with small, thoughtful gestures that make him feel seen and loved, even if those gestures look different from traditional gifts like flowers. The conversation covers why flowers are meaningful to ...

Mark as Played

Check out the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women right here!

In this episode, Ellen Holloway addresses the often confusing topic of female orgasm within Catholic teaching. She clarifies what is morally permissible, explains the importance of female pleasure in the context of marriage, and dispels common myths rooted in purity culture. Listeners will learn when and how female orgasm fits into the marital act, why it matters, and how bo...

Mark as Played

Grab the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here!

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the real-life challenges of fertility decisions and what it means to be "open to life" from a Catholic perspective, emphasizing that openness is a posture of the heart rather than a checklist of actions, and encouraging listeners to seek God’s will through prayer, discernment, and honest conversation with their spouse, trusting th...

Mark as Played

Stop dreading sex and take steps to get in the mood with the Getting in The Mood Guide right here!

In this episode of Ellen Holloway breaks down the myth that arousal just happens on its own. She explains why arousal is an active process and shares practical strategies for inviting desire and enjoying intimacy more fully. Ellen discusses the importance of mindset, environment, and intentional actions in cultivating arousal, and enco...

Mark as Played

Check out the Catholic Positions Guide right here!

Here's all the things you and your husband should figure out with sex so that it's amazing and you can avoid disagreements and dissatisfaction. 

Click Here to download a PDF of the questions we shared on the episode!


___________________________________

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

Reach out at instagram.com/cha...

Mark as Played

Give me one hour and you'll learn how to orgasm

In this episode, Ellen addresses the common concern of needing to focus on yourself to orgasm and reassures listeners that doing so is not selfish, but rather an essential part of the mutual self-gift in marriage—emphasizing that vulnerability, presence, and receiving pleasure are key to deepening intimacy and unity with your spouse.


___________________________________

Did we ...

Mark as Played

Grab the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here and try a new position tonight!

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the topic of transactional sex within marriages. They share personal stories, emphasize the importance of non-transactional intimacy, and provide actionable steps to address and resolve feelings of transactional sex. From scheduling sex to understanding each other's love languages, this episode equips cou...

Mark as Played

Grab the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here!

If you’ve ever felt unseen or pressured when your husband asks about sex, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, communicate your needs with confidence, and invite more intimacy and understanding into your marriage. Walk away feeling empowered, cherished, and ready to enjoy deeper connection with your spouse.

Need more support? Check our courses linked below

_...

Mark as Played

Check out the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women

Go to listen to episode 224 first, our intro to the Temperaments and Sex Life topic!

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen break down how each temperament pairing can affect intimacy and communication in marriage. They discuss the unique challenges and strengths of every combination, offering practical tips for understanding your spouse and building a stronger relationship.

Temperament Pair...

Mark as Played

Just one position can change everything. Get the Catholic Sex Positions Guide right here!


In this episode, Ellen shares a personal story from her third pregnancy, when the usual routines in the bedroom no longer worked. Instead of resigning herself to months of less enjoyable intimacy, she and her husband decided to try new positions—leading to a surprising transformation in their sex life.

___________________________________

Di...

Mark as Played

Orgasm Course for Catholic Women is right here!

In this episode, Ellen discusses the Catholic Church's teaching on the necessity of male ejaculation inside the vagina, even in cases of infertility, menopause, or pregnancy. She explains the deep theology and symbolism behind this teaching, emphasizing that sex is not just a physical act but a sacramental sign of total self-gift. Ellen explores how sex maintains its meaning and i...

Mark as Played

Find out the 100% Catholic Way to orgasm right here!

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss how everyday habits affect brain chemistry, focusing on hormones like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and cortisol. They explore the negative impacts of dopamine and cortisol on relationships, especially marriage and intimacy, and offer practical strategies for reducing excessive phone use and avoiding quick dopamine hits. They emphasize ...

Mark as Played

Learn how to overcome your mind drama to finally reach Orgasm


In this episode, Ellen guides listeners through a powerful mental exercise to help envision and step into the version of themselves with the amazing sex life they desire. She emphasizes that the gap between your current self and your "future you" is often smaller than you think—it's all about shifting your thoughts and beliefs.

_________________________...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss why the Catholic Church opposes permanent sterilization methods such as vasectomies and tubal ligation. They explore deeper meanings behind the church’s teachings, the natural design and purpose of sex, and the importance of trust and intimacy in marriage. The episode also addresses medical concerns and distinctions between direct and indirect sterilization while emphasizing the moral and...

Mark as Played

Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic Women

In this episode, Ellen discusses the concept of 'spectator mode' during sex, where overthinking and analyzing can hinder genuine enjoyment. She explains how common it is, especially for women, and offers practical steps to become fully present and improve intimacy with your spouse. Topics include recognizing spectator mode, focusing on sensations, and engaging in conversation...

Mark as Played

Transform your sex life in just one hour with the Orgasm Course for Catholic Women

 In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen dive into the four temperaments—choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic—and explore how these personality types can influence your sex life and relationships. They break down the core traits of each temperament, discuss common challenges and strengths, and share practical advice for embracing your unique pe...

Mark as Played

Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic Women


Ellen addresses a listener's question about having sex after a vasectomy now that they understand Catholic Church teachings on permanent sterilization. She explains the forgiveness received through confession, the lack of requirement for a vasectomy reversal by the Church, and the psychological journey of fully accepting God's grace. Ellen discusses the emotional impact ...

Mark as Played

Check out the Orgasm Course fort Catholic Women

Ellen and Kathleen discuss the challenges of recognizing our own faults in marriage and how focusing on self-improvement can positively impact our relationships. They explore the importance of grace, self-reflection, and honest communication. The hosts emphasize that while it’s easy to pinpoint our spouse's shortcomings, acknowledging and working on our own flaws can lead to a hap...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

    My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.