The Intimate Marriage Podcast, with Intimacy Doctor Alexandra Stockwell, MD – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD dives into the topic of erotic intimacy after 40 in the context of a captivating conversation with holistic health coach Leah Vachani. They explore the intricate dynamics of maintaining intimacy and passion in long-term relationships, particularly during and after menopause. Dr. Alexandra and Leah debunk the myth of libido mismatch, and explore the crucial roles of self-awareness and emotional intimacy, while covering practical strategies to rekindle desire and pleasure in the bedroom. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing daily pleasures, fostering open and honest communication with partners, and challenging the idea that compromise is the foundation of a happy marriage.

Also in this episode:

• Genuine intimacy comes from being true to oneself and sharing those truths with a partner.

• Deepening emotional intimacy paves the way for richer, more fulfilling sexual experiences.

• Practical advice includes improving non-sexual daily pleasures, having vulnerable conversations with partners, and focusing on sensual quality over sexual quantity.

About the Guest: 

Leah Vachani is a seasoned Holistic Health & Hormone Coach with nearly two decades of experience in the wellness industry. Her journey began with a personal mission to reclaim her energy and health as she navigated the challenges of her forties. Realizing that her old strategies were no longer effective during perimenopause, Leah embarked on a transformative exploration of new foods, supplements, lifestyle habits, and biohacks. Now, feeling more vibrant and energetic than ever, Leah is dedicated to helping women thrive through menopause and beyond. Her unique approach focuses on stress management, circadian rhythm balance, and integrating simple yet impactful lifestyle changes.

Connect with Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahvachani/

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, dives into the importance of nurturing long-term relationships and how to prevent gray divorce, the term referring to divorce among older adults. She explains that having a fulfilling marriage requires constant attention and nurturing, much like tending to a garden. Dr. Alexandra dispels outdated myths about divorce rates and emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and growth in a marriage. This episode is filled with practical tips and strategies to keep your marital connection vibrant and strong.

Also in this episode:

• Thriving marriages require constant nurturing and should not be taken for granted, especially when life gets busy with careers and children.

• Having a fulfilling marriage is a learnable skill, essential for emotional and physical well-being; it's never too late to learn.

• Actionable advice includes holding hands, spooning, non-sexual caressing, and having regular relationship check-ins to maintain intimacy and connection.

Join the Waitlist for Honeymoon 2.0 - www.alexandrastockwell.com/honeymoon 

Download Your Guide For Relationship Check-ins - https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/checkins 

Transform Your Relationship with the Aligned and Hot Marriage Program and get $300 OFF using coupon code: PODCAST99: - https://www.stockwellinstitute.com/offers/t9F8NfEe/checkout

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, you'll hear an interview of Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD and her husband Rodd, conducted by Aaron and Miranda on their podcast "Love After Lullabies" which focuses on intimacy tips for parents. They dive into the intricacies of maintaining intimacy, passion, and connection in marriage after children are born, providing guidance on how to navigate the challenges children can bring to a relationship.

Dr. Alexandra, Dr. Rodd, Miranda, and Aaron explore the impact of children on marital dynamics, specifically focusing on how to reignite passion and intimacy after the initial wave of adjusting to parenthood. They highlight a number of key strategies for any couple looking to reclaim their connection, from prioritizing meaningful touch and communication to adjusting family routines and fostering intimacy. 

Also in this episode:

• Embrace honest; vulnerable conversations about your needs and desires will foster intimacy.

• Be creative and flexible in finding time for intimacy, even if it means unconventional times and settings.

• Transform routine activities with a mindful approach to enhance the sense of connection and your shared intimacy.

About Miranda and Aaron from "Love After Lullabies" podcast

Miranda + Aaron are hosts of the podcast, Love After Lullabies, a podcast showcasing the real stories of how relationships change after having children. Miranda is a couples therapist in the state of Oregon and specializes in helping new or expectant couples maintain their relationship after baby. Aaron works in the financial industry and adds a different perspective to the conversations. Together they have two beautiful daughters and spend their free time camping, gardening or playing board games. Be sure to follow them on Instagram for all the behind scenes: https://www.instagram.com/loveafterlullabies/

Miranda's practice: https://www.livinggroovecounseling.com

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD, invites sleep specialist Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown to delve into the intricate connections between sleep and the quality of your marriage. The conversation centers on how quality sleep enhances relationships by directly impacting communication, emotional closeness, and the sexual vitality of couples. They discuss exhaustion as a common culprit behind strained communication and dwindling sexual intimacy. Dr. Funke emphasizes the profound difference quality sleep can make in our interactions, overall well-being, mental and physical health. 

Also in this episode:

• The quality of sleep has a significant bearing on communication, intimacy, and sexual experiences within relationships.

• Sleep disturbances can be physiological and require medical attention, or behavioral, necessitating better time management and prioritization.

• Practicing healthy sleep habits, such as a consistent bedtime routine and minimizing screen time, improves sleep quality and by extension, relationship satisfaction.

About Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown

Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is a distinguished triple board-certified sleep medicine physician and pediatric pulmonologist. She is the founder of RestfulSleepMD, where she helps high-achieving professionals and their children transform their relationship with sleep, moving from exhaustion to thriving in their families, careers, and relationships. Through her clinical practice at The Restful Sleep Place, along with coaching, speaking, and organizational consultation, Dr. Funke makes a significant impact on improving sleep health. A best-selling author, she has been featured on various media outlets, including ABC. Dr. Funke received her sleep medicine training at the University of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Learn More: https://www.restfulsleepmd.com/

Instagram: @restfulsleepmd

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, interviews her husband, Rodd Stockwell, MD, and Victor Mangona, MD. Together with Victor's wife, Kate Mangona, MD, they have an honest and open discussion about how to support an ambitious wife. The men share the nuanced (and rarely articulated) experience of being married to a driven, ambitious, and growth-oriented woman–the challenges and the gratifications. Rodd and Victor share their thought processes, including initial skepticism and eventual support they've felt while navigating their wives' forays into personal growth and coaching. Ultimately it's been something that has had a profound and welcome impact on each of them and their relationships. The husbands are wonderfully frank in describing how they perceived their partners' personal growth journeys, and the consequent adjustments inspired within their marriages. This episode abounds with valuable insights on how to cultivate deeper emotional, sensual, and erotic intimacy with your spouse.

Also in this episode:

• The transformational impact personal growth of one spouse can have on the other, and on the marriage as a whole.

• Importance of supporting each individual's passions and pursuits in service of a sustainable and fulfilling marriage.

• Listening with openness, without feeling any pressure to fix or change one's partner.

• Strategies for integrating new practices when returning home from retreats without it feeling like an added burden on your marriage.

About Kate Mangona, MD

Dr. Kate Mangona is a board-certified pediatric radiologist, certified life & marriage coach, girl & poodle mom, real estate investor and the host of the Love Lab MD podcast and coaching program. When she is not reading pediatric imaging studies or helping physician moms argue less and reignite the sparks in their relationships, she is most likely dancing and singing with her three little girls and hubby:)

Join us in Maui Oct 7-11, 2024! Sign up here: www.alexandrastockwell.com/honeymoon2.0

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, is joined by her husband, Rodd Stockwell, MD, to discuss empty nesting and its impact on their marriage. They reflect on a pivotal moment when Rodd expressed concern about what their relationship would look like once their children left home and they had more time with one another. Dr Alexandra expresses how this concern functioned as a catalyst for her to wake up and work on her marriage, eventually leading to her professional evolution and ongoing dedication to coaching couples toward deeper intimacy and strategies to keep the spark alive in long-lasting marriages.

Also in this episode:

• Becoming empty nesters brings up concerns about the basis of a couple's connection, but this transition offers an opportunity for growth and rediscovery.

• Time set aside for a couple's intimacy, like overnight dates, is crucial for maintaining and enhancing a romantic connection–this is the time when the children's needs no longer dominate your attention.

• Authentic communication and a deliberate focus on each other's desires transform the marriage dynamic ahead of and during the empty nest phase.

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD is joined by relationship and intimacy coaches, Jodie Milton and Reece Stockhausen to discuss emotional intimacy and the way they see relational happiness as rooted in emotional, not just physical, fulfillment. The discussion dives into the essence of passionate sex, debunking common myths perpetuated by culture and the media. They explore the intricate dance of intimacy and passion beyond surface level interactions, focusing on the emotional and sensual connection that results in fulfilling sexual experiences.

Also in this episode: 

• Passionate sex is more about the emotional and sensual connection than the physical act or performance.

• Elements such as presence, slowing down, and emotional intimacy are key ingredients to creating fulfilling and passionate sexual experiences.

• Regularly expressing appreciation, and desires, greatly deepens the connection between partners and fosters an environment for passionate sex to thrive.
  
  

About Jodie Milton & Reece Stockhausen
Jodie Milton & Reece Stockhausen are relationship and intimacy coaches and married co-creators of Practical Intimacy. Since 2014, they've helped hundreds of couples and over 1 million readers to have the best relationship possible, all while traveling full-time and running a business together. Their no-BS relationship advice draws upon the best research based-strategies, while also drawing upon insights from their own marriage.

Visit their website: https://practicalintimacy.com/

Take the free Intimacy Type quiz: https://practicalintimacy.com/intimacy-quiz-for-couples/

Learn about the online intimacy course for couples: https://practicalintimacy.com/online-connection-intimacy-course-for-couples

Connect with them on Social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practicalintimacy/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalintimacy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/practicalintimacy

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD talks about transforming everyday experiences into pleasurable moments. She explores the nuanced world of delight and pleasure within relationship, offering actionable insights for couples wanting to enhance emotional, sensual, and erotic intimacy. Dr. Alexandra makes distinctions in the best ways to pursue more pleasure when it comes to men versus women. She shares practical tips on how to incorporate sensual awareness into your daily life and how to enhance connection with your partner. 

Also in this episode:

• Cultivate a lifestyle that prioritizes sensory pleasure in order to enhance erotic intimacy.

• Simple actions like complimenting a partner, or smiling, profoundly impact intimacy and the quality of your marriage.

• Open communication and specificity when giving feedback significantly improves understanding and satisfaction in your relationship.

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD explores the vital role of intimate connection, when navigating struggles couples commonly encounter in their sexual relationship, particularly after facing significant life challenges such as infertility and loss. Offering gentle, compassionate guidance, she describes effective methods to recreate emotional, sensual, and erotic intimacy.

Dr. Alexandra discusses the challenges faced by couples when they experience disconnection during erotic intimacy. It often leads to functional sex rather than pleasure-driven passion. She  emphasizes the importance of reconnecting from a starting point of comfort and familiarity, slowly rekindling passion through tender, patient, calibrated moments together.

Also in this episode: 

• Recognize the impact of life events, such as infertility treatments and personal loss, on a couple's sexual intimacy.

• Understand the significance of starting with small, comfortable steps to re-establish physical connection.

• Acknowledge that both partners have changed throughout the challenging life circumstances, in unique ways, and the importance of integrating new aspects into the relationship.

• Utilize basic, soothing methods like eye gazing, hand-holding, or embracing, to facilitate a gradual and sustainable return to intimacy.

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD and Tilly Storm, focus on the pleasure principle as they explore ways to foster passionate relationships and venture into new dimensions of erotic intimacy. Tilly has extensive expertise in women's sexuality and guides couples to renew the spark and access more pleasure in their intimate lives. The two of them discuss "wholeness" as an essential ingredient for pleasure, ways to foster pleasure-positive attitudes in children, and marital challenges such as sexual incompatibility and how to talk about it. 

Also in this episode: 

• Normalizing the conversation around pleasure with children contributes to a healthier understanding of sexuality as they mature.

• Couples often experience a "turn on mismatch," which should be navigated by learning and understanding one another's erotic blueprints.

• Guided sex experiences are a safe, exploratory space for couples to reignite their sexual connection and learn new ways to engage with each other.

About Tilly Storm:

When not at home in Hollywood, FL, Tilly loves traveling the world with her 2 teenage boys for the next hot surf spot, and going on personal growth and development retreats with her life partner, Chris. Tilly's been studying women's bodies and sexuality for over 20 years, first as a pre-med biochemistry major and aspiring OB/GYN, then as a doula and midwife apprentice, and now as a somatic sex coach since 2017. After 350,000+ downloads on her podcast - The Multiorgasmic Millionaire, being voted one of the top 20 sex coaches in the world, and working with hundreds of paying clients, she's learned a lot about what it takes to help high-achieving women integrate things like lack of desire, shame, guilt, fear, and numbness and help them feel amazing in their body and sexuality.

Listen to my past episode discussing the Erotic Blueprints in detail:

https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/sensual-vs-sexual-exploring-the-mysteries-of-erotic-power-through...

Tilly's Erotic Explorations book club: https://www.tillystorm.com/book-club

Learn more about Tilly's 5 Days to Epic Pleasure & Passion free mini-course: https://www.tillystorm.com/5daytraining

Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:
https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl

Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: 
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
www.alignedhotmarriage.com

Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected.
https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe

This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact