Are you the one chasing closeness… or the one hiding in the bathroom for “just five more minutes”?
In today’s episode, I break down one of the most common, and most misunderstood relationship dynamics: the pursuer–distancer pattern. Whether it's about sex, money, conflict, or parenting, many couples find themselves stuck in this painful loop of one partner reaching while the other retreats.
I dive into where these patterns come from, how attachment plays a role, why both partners actually want the same things (connection, safety, significance), and how this cycle quietly kills eroticism and intimacy. You’ll learn exactly what each style needs, what helps, and what absolutely doesn’t, and how to shift the pattern without blame.
If you’ve ever felt “rejected,” “pressured,” “suffocated,” or “abandoned,” this episode will help you understand what's really happening underneath the surface… and how to move toward each other differently.
Listen in to turn conflict into clarity, distance into desire, and pursuit into genuine connection. Subscribe now so you are first to know about new episodes. This also helps Dr. Jenn get recommended to others.
✨ If you keep finding yourself chasing connection… or pulling away the moment things feel too close, you're not broken — you’re running a pattern. My course is designed to help you understand these pursuer–distancer dynamics, regulate your nervous system, and create connection without pressure or shutdown. You’ll learn how to communicate your needs clearly, stay grounded during conflict, and build the kind of intimacy that feels safe, spacious, and genuinely mutual.Ready to break the cycle and relate from your most secure, empowered self?
#Relationships #SexTherapy #AttachmentStyles #PursuerDistancer #CouplesTherapy #Desire #Intimacy #EroticBlueprints #LoveBetter #ThePleasureProject
What if better sex isn’t about doing more, but about softening, slowing down, and coming home to yourself?
In this episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy is joined by trauma-informed somatic practitioner and psychedelic microdosing guide Leslie Draffin to explore how intentional plant medicine can open new pathways to healing and pleasure.
From releasing shame to deepening intimacy, they dive into how microdosing and mindful embodiment practices like breathwork can reconnect you with your body and your desire. This isn’t about trippy escapism or quick fixes; it’s about sacred, slow healing.
✨ Tune in and discover how microdosing might just become your next intimacy practice.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, caught in old cycles of shame, or unsure how to access real pleasure—you’re not alone. My new self-paced course is designed to help you slow down, soften, and reconnect with yourself from the inside out. Through guided practices, reflection, and integration tools, you’ll learn how to release the stories that keep you stuck and rediscover pleasure as your natural state. It’s a private, flexible journey of healing—no quick fixes, just intentional steps toward a more embodied, empowered you.
Reach Leslie at:
IG: @lesliedraffin
Tiktok: @thewombmystic
#PleasureProjectPodcast #SexAndRelationships #MicrodosingForHealing #SomaticTherapy #PsychedelicHealing #ConsciousSexuality #PleasurePractice #DrJennKennedy
Think desire should just happen? Think again. 🔥
In this episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy unpacks the myth of spontaneous desire—that Hollywood fantasy where passion strikes out of nowhere. In real life, desire often builds slowly, through connection, safety, and intention.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s wrong with me?” for not feeling instantly turned on, this episode is for you. You’re not broken—you just haven’t learned how to turn yourself on yet. Tune in to discover how to rekindle your erotic energy from the inside out.
✨ If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your desire or found yourself over-giving in relationships, my course will help you shift from depletion to deep self-connection. Learn to awaken your sensual energy, hold strong boundaries, and feel fully alive in your body again. Buy Now!
#desire #sexualwellness #womenshealth #intimacy #selflove #relationships #pleasure #embodiment #pleasureproject #drjennkennedy
What if healing your relationships isn’t about changing your partner, but reclaiming the parts of yourself you’ve disowned?
Dr. Jenn Kennedy sits down with therapist and author Dené Logan to explore how masculine and feminine energies shape our relationships, what it means to be out of balance, and how to move from wounded dynamics into sovereign love.
They dive into letting go of control, leading with curiosity, and holding love with open hands instead of grasping for certainty. Dené shares how vulnerability softens defensiveness, why “What can I give?” changes everything, and how trusting life (instead of trying to control it) transforms connection.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation on sacred union, sovereignty, and loving from your center.
Reach Dené at:
Ig: @dene.logan
If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns of pushing, pleasing, or losing yourself in relationships, you’re not alone. My new course is designed to help you recognize these wounded dynamics and shift into your most powerful, integrated self. You’ll learn how to set boundaries with clarity, nurture without depletion, and create deeper, healthier connections. This is a private, flexible way to heal old patterns and step into strength — completely on your own terms.
#MasculineAndFeminine #HealingJourney #SexAndRelationships #PleasureProjectPodcast #ThePleasureProject #SexAndRelationships #SovereignLove #MasculineAndFeminine #ConsciousRelationships #EmotionalIntelligence #DrJennKennedy #DeneLogan
We think we know why we have sex — for love, pleasure, or connection. But the truth is often much more complicated. In this episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy pulls back the covers on the real reasons humans get it on — from seeking closeness to conflict avoidance, ego boosts to revenge — and explores how understanding your why can transform the way you experience intimacy.
This isn’t just about sex. It’s about what drives us during our most intimate moments with one another. Tune in and discover what really motivates your desire.
If you’ve ever wondered why you want sex—or why sometimes you don’t—you’re not alone. My course is designed to help you understand your deeper motivations, heal old patterns, and connect with desire in a more conscious way. Through guided practices and reflection tools, you’ll uncover the roots of your turn-ons, turn-offs, and emotional needs—so intimacy starts to feel aligned, not confusing.
It’s a private, flexible journey of self-discovery that helps you understand yourself before trying to change anything.
Buy now and start exploring your why.
#SexTherapy #Desire #Intimacy #Pleasure #SelfDiscovery #Embodiment #SexualHealing #MindfulSex #RelationshipGrowth #ThePleasureProject
Forget everything you’ve been told about aging and sex. In this episode, Dr. Jenn talks to Dr. Nicole Marcione—a gerontologist and professional dominatrix—to dismantle old myths and open up bold new pathways to pleasure, power, and confidence. From an unforgettable field trip to a dungeon to surprising parallels between kink dynamics and the way many of us move through daily life, this conversation will change the way you think about desire at every age.
Tune in to expand your ideas of what is possible and pleasurable!
Reach Dr. Nicole at:
https://www.integrativeaging.com/
https://www.integrativeaging.com/mini-workbook
https://www.integrativeaging.com/InfluenceDomme
https://www.instagram.com/drnicolemarcione/
If you’ve ever felt like age, stress, or old stories about sex have dimmed your spark, you’re not alone.
My new self-paced course is designed to help you rediscover your power, confidence, and pleasure at any stage of life. Whether you’re partnered or solo, you’ll learn what your body and brain need to feel turned on. This is a private, flexible way to explore desire, release obstacles, and reconnect with your most vibrant, sexual self — completely on your own terms.
#SexAndAging #PleasureProjectPodcast #OwnYourDesire
Welcome to Season 4! 💥
In this solo episode Dr. Jenn dives into one of her core, guiding ideas: “I’m with you." She notes , "When couples come to me for sex therapy, they often come in saying they want more sex—they want the desire, attention, or physical gratification they get from the act. But more often than not, what they truly want is intimacy. "
Communicating I'm with you offers a felt sense of belonging, support, witnessing and nonjudgmental love. More and more couples are feeling disconnected—and in this episode, Dr. Jenn addresses how to find our way back together. She shares personal stories, real-life struggles, recent studies, and practical tools to help you and your partner re-establish or, perhaps, experience connection, intimacy, and presence for the first time.
Let’s figure this out together. 💜
If you and your partner have ever felt that spark fade or struggled to stay connected, you’re not alone.
My new self-paced course is designed to help you understand what your body — and brain — really need to feel desire and stay present in intimacy. Whether you’re exploring solo or with a partner, this private, flexible program gives you the tools to clear obstacles, reignite passion, and truly reconnect.
#SexAndRelationships #CouplesTherapy #IntimacyMatters #ThePleasureProject
Curious about what really happens to your sex life during perimenopause and beyond?
In this episode, I sit down with endocrinologist Dr. Gillian Goddard to unpack what’s going on inside your body — from hormones to blood flow, from estrogen to testosterone, and how it all impacts desire, arousal, and pleasure. We talk about vaginal atrophy (yes, it’s a thing), pelvic health, and the real changes that happen as you move through this stage of life.
Dr. Goddard breaks down the science in a way that feels clear and approachable, while also naming the emotional and relational side of these changes. We explore not just what’s happening physically, but also how to advocate for your sexual health, navigate conversations with your partner or doctor, and keep pleasure at the center of your experience—even when your body feels different than it used to.
Whether you’re approaching menopause, in the thick of it, or just want to understand your body better, this grounded, insightful conversation will help you feel informed, empowered, and a whole lot less alone.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your pleasure or unsure how to unlock your desire, you’re not alone.My new self-paced course is here to help you understand what your body — and brain — actually need to feel turned on. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is a private, flexible way to explore desire, clear obstacles, and reconnect with your sexual self — on your own terms.
Reach Dr. Gillian at:
Instagram: @gillianmgoddard
https://savvypatient.substack.com/
https://parentdata.org/keep-sex-drive-up-during-menopause/ https://parentdata.org/testosterone-treatment-perimenopause/
#Perimenopause #MenopauseSupport #MidlifeSex #SexualHealth #HormonesAndHealth #PerimenopauseRelief #MenopauseWellness #SexDrive #MidlifeWellness #PleasureProjectPodcast #DrJennKennedy #WomensHealth #MidlifeMatters #MenopauseAwareness #SexPositive
Wondering what it’s like to attend a retreat focused on sexual pleasure, body awareness and opening up in deeper way?
I sat down with Pamela Madsen, who’s been running Back to the Body retreats for 15 years — a space devoted to helping women reclaim sexual pleasure on their own terms. We dive into what it really means to tune into your body beyond just sex: understanding your physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Pamela shares how women from their 40s to 80s come to explore desire, pleasure, and self-discovery in a week-long retreat that changes everything. We talk about how this kind of deep, body-centered work can shift your relationship to orgasm and pleasure at any age.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to prioritize your own sexual satisfaction, this grounded, honest conversation is for you.
Reach Pamela at:
Intsagram: @thepamelamadsen & @backtothebodyorg
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your pleasure or unsure how to unlock your desire, you’re not alone.
My new self-paced course is here to help you understand what your body — and brain — actually need to feel turned on. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is a private, flexible way to explore desire, clear obstacles, and reconnect with your sexual self — on your own terms.
#sexualwellness #orgasm #womenshealth #pleasure #sextherapy #bodyawareness #sexpositive
Intimacy and sex are not one and the same—and knowing the difference can shift everything in your relationships. Both are valuable, but they serve different needs.
This episode invites you to reflect: What does sexuality mean to you? When do you choose to engage sexually, and when do you seek emotional closeness instead? How do you let others in, and what role does intimacy play in your erotic life?
Whether you're partnered or solo, this is a space to get curious—not judgmental—about the way you connect to your body, your desire, and the people you love.
You’re not alone if sex feels confusing sometimes. And you’re not broken.
If intimacy, aging, or life transitions have complicated your sex life, you're not broken.
My new self-paced course is here to help. Designed for women, it’s a private, flexible program to help you understand your desire, reconnect with your body, and explore what actually turns you on—without pressure.
#SexTherapy #IntimacyMatters #Desire #EroticWellness #Relationships #SexEdForAdults #ConsciousSexuality #PleasureIsHealing #PodcastForWomen #DrJennKennedy #SexAndRelationships
Have you ever thought about what it means to have sex — completely sober — for the rest of your life?
In this episode, Dr. Jenn sits down with Kim Litton, LCSW CSAT, to unpack sex and intimacy in recovery.
Together, they explore how sobriety impacts dating, long-term relationships, and what it takes to navigate pleasure, connection, and communication without substances. Whether you’re in recovery yourself or love someone who is, this conversation offers a clear, clinical look at what gets in the way — and how to build healthy, satisfying intimacy while staying sober.
Tune in to learn why sober sex is a whole different ballgame — and how to do it well. ⚾️
Reach Kim at:
https://www.seekingselfworkshop.com/
IG and FB: @klcounseling
Tik Tok: @kimlittonlcswcsat
If sobriety, recovery, or past substance use have made sex and intimacy feel complicated, you’re not alone.
My new self-paced course is here to help.
It offers a private, flexible way to understand what your body — and brain — actually need to feel turned on without relying on substances. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is your chance to explore desire, rebuild connection, and get comfortable with sober pleasure — on your own terms.
#Sobriety #SoberSex #Intimacy #Recovery #SexTherapy #Relationships #AddictionRecovery
Without Sleep, You Can’t Regulate
I got a coveted hour with Dr. Jessica Payne, a neuroscientist, who studies sleep, to ask all the questions you've probably wondered about but never had the chance to explore. We get into what the brain actually does during sleep and dreaming, how exercise, caffeine, alcohol, and sex affect your rest, and why good sleep matters for your relationship.
Dr. Payne tells me, “It’s hard to draw on resources for empathy or connection when people are not rested.” This directly affects the couples we see in therapy. They cannot be their best selves when they are sleep deprived. Dr. Payne will tell you how much sleep is recommended and detail the various types of sleepers. In this episode, you’ll hear a grounded, science-backed conversation on how to care of your brain, improve your sleep, and better understand your body—especially in bed.
If stress, exhaustion, or life transitions have disrupted your desire or connection, you're not alone.
My new self-paced course is here to help.
It offers a private, flexible way to understand what your body—and brain—actually need to feel turned on. Whether you're partnered or solo, this is a chance to explore your erotic self without pressure, on your own terms.
Reach Jess at:
https://www.brainbasedleader.org
Free Giveaway: Download Your Quick-Guide — The Brain on Sleep, Stress, & Connection
A bonus from Dr. Jessica Payne with science-backed tips for better sleep, less stress, and deeper connection.
#sleepandsex #brainhealth #neuroscience #relationships #sleepwell #sextherapy #coupleshealth #podcastconversation #intimacyandwellness
In this episode, I explore the intersection of chronic illness and sexuality. Focusing on type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis—three common conditions affecting people ages 45 to 70—I break down how symptoms and diagnoses impact couples' erotic and relational life. You’ll hear a candid discussion of how chronic illness can disrupt your intimacy, what your partnership might experience as the illness progresses, and how to adapt and reconnect.
If chronic illness, aging, or life changes have complicated your sex life, you're not alone—and you're not broken.
My new self-paced course is here to help.
It's a private, flexible program designed to help you understand your desire, reconnect with your body, and explore what actually turns you on—at your own pace. Whether you’re partnered or solo, this is a chance to understand your erotic self with curiosity, not pressure.
#ChronicIllness #SexualHealth #IntimacyAndIllness #DiabetesAndSex #HeartHealth #MultipleSclerosis #AgingAndSexuality #CouplesTherapy #SexTherapist #RelationshipWellness
In this episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy sits down with parenting expert Kristi Miller, LMFT to explore the often-overlooked challenges couples face in maintaining intimacy after having a baby. From the early postpartum months to the demanding years of parenting, many couples struggle to stay connected. Dr. Jenn and Kristi dive into the emotional, relational, and hormonal shifts that impact intimacy, offering insight from their work as couples and intimacy therapists.
Whether you're a new parent or years into the journey, this conversation is full of thoughtful context and actionable support to help you nurture both your relationship and your family.
Reach Kristi at:
kristi.m@RivieraTherapy.com
The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!
#SexTherapy #ParentingSupport #PostpartumIntimacy #RelationshipGoals #NewParents #CouplesTherapy #IntimacyAfterBaby #ParentingPodcast #TherapistTalks #DrJennKennedy
Dr. Jenn Kennedy explores the very human need for closeness and challenges of touch starvation—something she’s seeing more often in both singles and people in relationships who are experiencing increased distance and disconnection.
In this episode, she unpacks why so many are feeling deprived of physical connection and what it means for your emotional and relational health.
The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!
#TouchStarvation #SexTherapy #RelationshipHealth #EmotionalWellness #ThePleasureProjectPodcast #DrJennKennedy
Buying a home can bring up more than financial questions—it often reveals deeper dynamics in a relationship. In this episode, Dr. Jenn talks with seasoned broker Amy Baird about what really happens between couples during the home-buying process. They explore the explicit and unspoken negotiations, shifting priorities, and emotional stressors that show up in every stage of home buying and escrow. Whether it’s your first house or your fifth, this episode offers insight into how to stay connected while making big decisions together.
Reach Amy at:
Website: www.amyjbaird.com
Insta: @amyjbaird
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ajbvillageproperties
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amy-j-baird
The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!
#HomeBuying #CouplesTherapy #RealEstateStress #Relationships #SexTherapistPodcast #EscrowJourney #CommunicationMatters #PodcastEpisode #HouseHuntingTips
In this episode Dr. Jenn sits down with Max Carey, filmmaker of the documentary, tOuchkink. Together they delve into the intriguing world of kink, exploring the various roles individuals take on and the diverse motivations that inspire their interests. Through thoughtful discussions, listeners will uncover the complex power dynamics at play and discover that kink often transcends mere sexual arousal.
With a focus on the emotional connections and intrigue that accompany kink, this podcast reveals how it can be a profound form of self-expression and exploration. Join Dr. Kennedy as she unpacks the multifaceted nature of kink, celebrating the rich tapestry of human desire and connection beyond traditional boundaries.
Give it a listen and let us know what you think!
Reach Max at:
https://www.instagram.com/seven_journeys/
https://kinema.com/films/touch-kink-vwykek
#kink #kinky #sextherapy #sextherapist #therapy #therapist #bdsm #sex #lmft #documentary
In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Jessa Zimmerman, a certified sex therapist and couples counselor who specializes in helping couples who are avoiding sex due to stress, disappointment, or pressure. Jessa, the author of Sex Without Stress and host of the Better Sex Podcast, shares her expertise on how to overcome the challenges of low desire in relationships.
Together, they explore the struggles faced by low-desire partners—often marked by shame, guilt, and resentment—and how these emotions impact intimacy. Jessa’s four-pillar experiential process, which she uses to help couples achieve intimacy with ease, is at the heart of the conversation. Tune in for an insightful and compassionate discussion on how to break through these barriers and create a more fulfilling sexual connection.
Reach Jessa at:
https://www.intimacywithease.com
https://www.intimacywithease.com
Instagram: @intimacywithease
The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!
#LowDesire #SexTherapy #CouplesTherapy #SexualHealth #BetterSex #SexWithoutStress #Therapy #SexualWellness #ShameFreeSex #SexualIntimacy #CouplesCounseling
In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. David Wohlsifer to discuss autism and sexuality. As experienced couples therapists, they unpack the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals in relationships, whether they're single or in long-term partnerships. The conversation explores dating, anxiety, social pressures, emotional dynamics, and the impact of autism on personal connections. Dr. Wohlsifer shares case examples that are composites of several cases (to protect patient confidentiality). They also discuss the key differences between autistic and allistic (non-autistic) experiences in relationships. If this topic resonates with you, or if you're seeking deeper insights into relationships involving autism, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion and gain valuable perspectives on navigating these complex aspects of sexuality and relationships.
This is a behind-the-scenes, organic conversation between two professionals who have their own perspectives on sexuality. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!
Dr. David Wohlsifer is a clinical instructor at Florida Atlantic University, Sandler School of Social Work and Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Gender and Sexuality.
His areas of clinical practice include Couple/Family Therapy, CBT, Substance Use Disorders, EMDR, and Sex Therapy.
He is the founder of the Boca Raton Center for Psychotherapy, an advisory editor for the journal Family Process, a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, AASECT and FL Certified Sex therapist, Certified EMDR therapist, and one of the co-chairs of the AFTA Couple therapy interest group.
He has published in the areas of clinical social work education, family and couple therapy, and sex therapy.
Reach Dr. David at: www.drdavidw.com
The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!
#couples #autism #relationships #love #therapist #sextherapist #therapy #casestudy
In this episode, Dr. Jenn Kennedy dives into the complexities of open relationships through the stories of three different clients. From a couple exploring new dynamics to individuals—one man and one woman—each story offers a unique perspective on the challenges, outcomes, and emotional balancing involved in opening up a relationship.
Tune in as Dr. Kennedy discusses the diverse experiences and the personal journeys that unfold when couples and individuals choose this path.
The Pleasure Circle Self Paced Course: OUT NOW!
#couples #open #relationships #poly #openrelationship #love #therapist #sextherapist #therapy #casestudy