Brave Love Great Sex – Couples Therapy Podcast

Welcome Brave Lovers! In this episode, we are tackling the negative cycle. Join Laurie and George as they discuss why just knowing your negative cycle is not enough. Couples that create lasting change unite together against the negative cycle. Listen in as we show you how to externalize the negative cycle to be something you can unite against. Partners that work to see the problem as something separate than the individuals have a better chance to express vulnerabilities. Vulnerability invites the partner into the solution rather than making them part of the problem. When couples work to solve problems together they create more security and relational safety. Make sure to rate and review this episode and share it with your partner! Fight that cycle together and be brave! Check out this episode's sponsor (and support the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long time favorite personal lubricant! She keeps samples for clients to take in her offices! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5/8/26 • 31:42

In today's episode, we are discussing caregiving in families. Different approaches in parenting is a common place couples can experience disconnection and divide. Join George and Laurie as we invite you to explore what caregiving looks like for you and where those roots developed. Love must exist with limits and sometimes we can be in a tug of war; either being too hard or too soft. Where do you fall in the caregiving system? Can you tap into the emotional needs or do you need to tolerate the discomfort around setting limits? Listen in to learn more about how our attachment system responds to caregiving needs and how to get on the same page with your parenting partner. Let's lessen the divide and raise strong families! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5/1/26 • 31:14

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, Laurie and George detail the importance of knowing your sexual history. Getting clear on our sexual stories can help us better understand what is happening and identify the heart of the problem. Listen in as Laurie details questions she asks her clients in sessions to learn more about; your relationship with touch, physical affection, quality of sex and all things orgasm. This episode will help you get clear on your own stories around sex and ways to engage in meaningful conversations with your partner. Don't forget to pre-order our book Great Love, Brave Sex, coming out September 15th! Give us a follow on our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex for updates and relationship tips! Check out this episode's great sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant that she recommends to all her clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4/24/26 • 37:00

We promise fidelity in marriage - a promise of an erotic life with our partner. So what gets in the way? Why do people joke that marriage is where sex goes to die? George and Laurie believe facing the discouragement that couples might feel, is better than settling for low engagement. They explore how men and women may stabilize each other and destabilize each other at different points - in the emotional and sexual cycles. It's complicated and George and Laurie dig in!   #couplescounseling #couplestherapy #vulnerability #marriage #anxiety #foreplayradiosextherapy #sextherapy #withdrawer #lovequotes #marriagetherapy #EFT #couplescounseling #marriageadvice #insecurities #intimacy #communication #sex #sexuality #coregulation #marriagecounseling #pursuer #attachmenttheory #EFTtherapist #emotionallyfocusedtherapy #couples #secureattachment #pursuerwithdrawer #attachment #emotions   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4/20/26 • 28:23

In today's episode, Laurie and George dive deep into the world of the sexual pursuer. They explore the underlying attachment and connection needs of the sexual pursuer and help SPs develop emotional regulation and language around expressing these needs. If you identify as an SP in your cycle and struggle with rejection or disconnection this episode is for you to learn how to; self-soothe and invite your partner into your world. We take care in this episode not to pathologize or diagnose the needs of the SP but to help couples engage in compassionate and effective communication. Intimacy is a shared world between lovers, where tangible attachment is created. If this sounds like you make sure to download and listen to this show! Our book, Brave Love, Great Sex is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Secure your copy today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4/17/26 • 33:55

Sights, sounds and smells OH MY! There are many aspects to sex that can cause embarrassment for partners. We are here to let you know that so many things you are worried about are NORMAL! Join us in this episode to hear our list of '10 things not to be ashamed of during sex'. Maybe you were told that women weren't supposed to make noises during sex or incorporating a vibr@tor was wrong. Whatever the message was, you may be dealing with shame around sex that stops you from having an earth-shattering orgasm and a healthy sex connection between partners. Listen to Laurie and George break down the top 10 things that cause shame that shouldn't and how to have these types of conversations with your partner. We encourage you to ask yourself what messages did you receive around the thing that causes shame, have you ever shared it and how is it affecting you? Come along with the experts, download this episode and share with your partner so you can move from shame to sensation together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4/13/26 • 36:30

Have you ever felt like your apologies just don't cut it? In today's episode we are discussing the formula on how to give a good apology. Repair is an essential component of a healthy relationship and often the standard, "I'm sorry," can do more harm than good. Join hosts Laurie and George to learn why your current attempts at apology fall flat and what a meaningful apology sounds like. You'll learn how to keep the focus on your partner, not you, express care and become skilled at repairing. Our expert demo clearly demonstrates a bad apology and the better route to apology. If you've ever struggled in this area this episode is for you! Like our episodes? Then you'll love our book! Make sure to pre-order a copy of our book 'Brave Love, Great Sex' on Amazon now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4/10/26 • 33:16

FOREPLAY welcomes Emotionally Focused Therapy, founder Dr. Sue Johnson to talk with us about George's driving and the sexual cycle. We laughed together about their early relationship and more seriously about George asking for help after 9/11 with the couples he was seeing and Sue's generous response.  Sue gives us a keen example of a uber sexual pursuer and how his needs for attachment drive him even thought his behavior pushes his partner away. Listen up to our discussing with someone who has changed the world with her theory and life's work! For an EFT Therapist or to purchase her bestselling books LoveSense or Hold Me Tight - contact Sue's organization: ICEEFT.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4/6/26 • 40:27

Hello Brave Lovers! Join us today in our conversation on how to self-regulate when you are in conflict with your partner. We often discuss the power of co-regulation; when partners can be there and ease the distress of one another. However self-regulation is a powerful and necessary tool when your partner isn't available or their attempts to soothe you become a step in the negative cycle. Listen to Laurie and George today as they share how to self-regulate, when is a good time to use the skills and what it looks like in practice. Self-regulation gives us the opportunity to reflect on our behavior, the impact it has on our partner and what the underlying need is. Our book, Brave Love, Great Sex is out on September 15th. Make sure to pre-order your copy on Amazon today! our own individual responsibility to work on the cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4/3/26 • 32:34

Today we are celebrating the 400th episode of Foreplay Sex Therapy Podcast! The idea for the podcast originated after Laurie was told by commercial radio that she was too spicy for broadcast. Their loss is our gain. Join Laurie and George today as they celebrate this major accomplishment AND give us all the details on women's pleasure! Listeners will walk away with do's and don'ts and many new techniques to help yourself or the lady in your life achieve sexual pleasure. If you love our show please leave us some love by rating and reviewing the podcast wherever you stream episodes. We need YOU to help us spread the word about Foreplay. Help us keep it hot y'all!! Thanking Joe our editor! Rebecca our faithful social media person, Krista - long-serving social advisor, SamGetsSocial, our new social media help!, Madison - our former social media person, Derek - our tech guru and Dr. Adam Mathews - friend and former co-host! Send you all love - couldn't have done it without you!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/30/26 • 31:14

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode Laurie and George delve into the withdrawer's world and how their mission to get it right is so wrong. Inspired by a recent post from podcaster Steven Bartlett, they discuss the unrealistic expectations and pressure many withdrawers impose and the vicious avoidance cycle they get caught in when they can't meet those expectations. If you identify as a withdrawer in your negative cycle or you want more insight on your withdrawing partner this episode will teach you: what is happening and steps to take to break this habit. You'll learn how to set realistic expectations, reduce pressure and communicate clearly with your partner. It takes less than 10 minutes a day to create a better relationship! Take a page from our role play and address this in your relationship for a more secure connection. Our book Brave Love, Great Sex is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Secure your copy today!  Support this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant! Use the code BraveLove for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/27/26 • 33:02

Keeping connected is easier when we're in green brain - when our brain says we are safe, cared about and even loved - when we can relax, talk, listen with openness. Red brains are escalated, tense, maybe angry or in total shut down. Listen to George and Laurie talk about pulling a partner in red brain into the calm connected place where sex and connection can happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/23/26 • 32:42

Welcome Brave Lovers! Have you ever lacked confidence about your body in bed? In today's episode, Laurie is joined by therapist Clare Stadlen, LCSW. Clare is the owner of CAS Counseling and an expert supporting individuals and families with eating disorders and body image concerns. Clare and Laurie engage in a rich conversation on intimacy and body image. They discuss the many ways women are conditioned to judge their bodies from an early age and how this can zap desire and increase criticism. Listen in for key tips on how to embrace your partner's gaze to increase confidence, intervene in the shame cycle around negative body image and unleash your inner goddess! For more information on Clare, visit www.CAScounseling.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/20/26 • 39:03

Welcome listeners! This episode centers on using Viagra or other medication to help with erectile dysfunction and if they are addictive. Join George and Laurie as they discuss the prescription medication, the reasons behind erectile dysfunction and danger signs to look out for. A key theme of the episode is communication with your partner around the use of Viagra. Make sure to catch this episode to have your burning questions answered and hear Laurie shine as our resident Sexpert! What questions about sex and relationships do you have? Make sure to visit our website and submit questions to our mailbag. If you find our podcast helpful please make sure to leave us a review and share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/16/26 • 29:36

Greetings Brave Lovers! Have you or your partner ever uttered this statement? This definitive declaration has been shared in our therapy offices many times and we are bringing it to today's episode to explore the reasons why and the ways to fix this issue. Join hosts Laurie and George as they get clear on what is going on for the sexual withdrawer that doesn't want to have sex. This is often a healthy response to relationship dysfunction but it becomes part of the negative cycle. Our hosts remind listeners that it is okay not to have sex if you don't want to but we need to be able to talk about it. Dive in with us as we share how to construct a healthy conversation, break through the avoidance and reduce the pressure this topic brings up. More pressure equals less sex and both partners need to work together to make interactions safer, better and less tense. George and Laurie's role play will give you the insight you need into your partner's world. Be Brave Lovers! Support this episode's Sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant. Get some today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/13/26 • 35:32

Grab your pen and notebook for this, you're going to want ALL the notes from this episode! George and Dr. Laurie answer a mailbag question from a longtime listener about bl*w jobs. More specifically, wanting to know how to talk to their spouse about feeling disappointed that this isn't happening in their sex life. We know that this might be a tense topic for some but our hosts do a fantastic job of equalizing this and addressing what stops oral sex from happening for either partner. Touch, taste, smell and thoughts around the physical aspects of the act are some of the reasons that block or*l sex from being a more regular part of your repertoire. Laurie and George give us some tips and tricks on how to improve basic genital hygiene. Most importantly, these experts discuss the communication issues that present and block partners from having a successful conversation about this topic. As always George reinforces, "if a couple can have a conversation about something then anything is possible." Learn how to work through this delicate conversation with your partner and strengthen the security in your sex life today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/9/26 • 32:04

Welcome Brave Lovers! In this week's episode, Laurie is joined by guest Juliane Maxwald. Juliane is a psychotherapist based in NYC and shares with us great insight from her book; Psychoanalytic Sex Therapy: Exploring the Unconscious Life of Sexuality. Listen in for this great conversation on integrating depth psychology and behavioral therapy. Taking what we know about ourselves and moving it into action! Our therapist listeners will love this episode, but couples alike will be encouraged when Juliane dives into sexual fantasies and ways to discuss them with your partner. For more information on Juliane visit www.julianemaxwald.com and grab a copy of her book. Link included on our instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/6/26 • 43:00

Warning this episode is NSFW and you might want to sit down for this one! Is dirty talk part of your love making repertoire? Dirty talk is defined as talking explicitly about sex with your partner. These explicit words run the gamut and can either be a major turn ON or turn OFF. Join our hosts today as they not only give us a list of dirty words to use during sex but discuss how to artfully bring up this HOT topic with your love. This is an area that you want to approach thoughtfully. Moving too fast has the potential to ruin the fun that dirty talk could bring to your sex life. Here are some great questions to ask if you want to test the waters in this arena: "How do you want to talk about our sex?" "Is there a specific name or language you want me to use about your body parts, our moves during lovemaking?" "What ways can we create comfort and also turn up the heat?" Find out how your partner wants to hear it and learn what it does or doesn't do for them. Getting to know your partner better is always a good thing! Keep it hot y'all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3/2/26 • 30:16

In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. James Hawkins, certified EFT couples therapist and trainer from The Joshua Center in Arkansas. Listen in as we tackle the tough topic of how to bridge the current political divide in partnerships. We are seeing the effect of division rampant in relationships across the nation and we come together here to discuss why this is happening from an attachment lens and how we can begin to ease the tension. Listeners will take away how the cycle shows up, attachment fears that drive deep seeded disconnection and actionable steps to start finding common ground. Our relationships are a great source of strength and we are far more alike than we are different. We hope you join us today in this important discussion and be brave in beginning to step closer to the ones you feel far away from. You can find Dr. Hawkins online at dochawklpc.com and on Instagram at @doc_hawk_lpc where he discusses more on these topics! Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's favorite personal lubricant! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2/27/26 • 40:30

Boring is a signal and it's a sign that something needs to change! A complaint about monogamy is that the line between responsibility and desire often gets blurred and it is responsibility and safety that win out. Long-term couples come to therapy with a complaint that sex is predictable and had become boring. Join our hosts in this episode as they explore what might be lying under the surface. Are you simply disengaged from life? Or is there a relational dynamic that has caused a couple to disengage from desire and their ability to express desire to each other. Our hosts remind us that sex is an exciting adventure and the safety of a long-term partnership invites us to take even more risks. If you have been thinking that sex with your honey has been a little stale, you'll certainly want to download this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2/23/26 • 29:29

In today's episode we are exploring the shadow cycle; how our partner's experience often mirrors ours in a different cycle. Join hosts Laurie and George as they walk listeners through the five steps to explore and understand the shadow cycle. This key exercise can help bring awareness to each partner's perspective, slow down the negative cycles and use curiosity rather than defensiveness. If you and your partner keep getting stuck, make sure to listen and share to learn how to tap into each other's worlds through a different and healthier lens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2/20/26 • 30:10

"Sometimes popping two gummies on vacation helps us have really great sex!" "I really need that glass of wine to get me in the mood!" "Smelling alcohol on your breath is such a turnoff!" As couples and sex therapists, we've talked to thousands of partners about how alcohol and substances affect their relationships. Sometimes couples report that alcohol is a major block to sexual connection, others share that it can help them get out of their heads and make sex more enjoyable. In your relationship, is alcohol a gas pedal or a brake? Meaning it turns you on and helps with desire, arousal, orgasm or it shuts you down and you withdraw from sex. If seeing your partner drunk is a sexual brake, you may feel rejected by their advances because they wouldn't typically act like that sober. If alcohol is a gas pedal, you may feel your inhibition lower and it's more comfortable to access thoughts about sex and connection to your body. Listen to this episode as George and Laurie discuss the function of alcohol in sex and relationships and what you may need to explore underneath if it is a gas pedal or brake. Our hosts approach this topic with non-judgement and are explicit that alcohol and substance use runs on a wide spectrum and affects people in many ways. We know this may open up myriad reactions from our listeners and we welcome your feedback! As always, thank you for listening and keep it hot, y'all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2/16/26 • 31:14

In today's episode, Laurie and George discuss how improving caretaking in your relationship can lead to better sex. If you've felt bogged down by the mental load or have heard your partner make complaints about it this is a must listen episode. Join us as we guide you through 'four ways to be a better caregiver.' Learn how recognizing your partner's needs, taking action before asking, and making the little things important will increase and improve your sexual connection. Make sure to check out our NEW website www.bravelovegreatsex.com for updates on our upcoming book release and other ways you can support your relationship. We're on a mission to help our brave lovers have great sex! Check out this episode's sponsor (and help the pod!): Uberlube.com -- Laurie's long-time favorite personal lubricant! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2/13/26 • 33:13

Picture this, you walk in from a hard, stressful day at work and finally see your partner--your person. You say to them, "Honey, today was such a hard day. Everything went wrong. It was really bad." Your partner replies with, "Well, look on the bright side you're home and your job helps us keep this beautiful roof over our heads." Your body deflates a little. Your partner just brightsided you when you were really hoping for a little sympathy and comfort. This is defined as 'Toxic Positivity': an experience where someone shares something along a negative vein and the responder replies with the brightside, silver lining or overt positivity. In this episode, George and Laurie discuss how toxic positivity affects interactions between partners, why partners might anchor towards using it and how it causes disconnection in relationships. Listeners will take away intent v. impact, and how partners can shift from avoidance of negative emotion to connection through it and end up on the bright side together. If this shows up in your relationship either as the doer or receiver this episode is sure to spark a great conversation! Thanks for listening and keep it hot y'all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2/9/26 • 30:10

In today's episode, hosts Laurie and George are taking listeners to the islands! Islands of Security explores the places where secure attachment lives—those small but powerful moments where partners feel safe, seen, and able to find each especially during times of struggle. You'll walk away from this show with great ideas on how to develop more islands of security through intentional connection, imperfect action, meeting caregiving needs and managing the high and low roads. Set your calendars for September 2026 to pick up a copy of our book Brave Love, Great Sex and make sure to follow us on our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex Please check out our wonderful sponsors (and support the pod!):WE-VIBE.com and use code BRAVELOVE for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2/6/26 • 32:18

Welcome Brave Lovers! In today's episode, Laurie and George take a deep dive into low testosterone--how to spot it, the effects it can have on a relationship and how to treat it. Listen in to learn how to address this with your healthcare providers and manage it within your partnership. Get the step by step process on how to diagnose it and conversations to have with your love. Don't let low T be a silent villian in your sex life! Make sure to follow our socials @BraveLoveGreatSex to stay up to date with our upcoming book release! Please check out this episode's sponsors (and help the pod!):cozyearth.com and use code FOREPLAY for 20% offWE-VIBE.com and use code BRAVELOVE for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/30/26 • 35:09

In today's episode we are joined by Meygan and Casey Caston, founders of Marriage 365. Marriage 365 is a comprehensive relationship program designed to give couples tools to improve their marriages immediately. Born out of the need to fix their own failing marriage, Meygan and Casey have been coaching couples for over a decade to move from disconnection and dissatisfaction to closeness and intimacy. Listen as they share the 10 essential habits to improve your marriage from their upcoming book, "The Marriage Habit." Pre-orders available now on their website www.marriage365.com and make sure to follow us on @BraveLoveGreatSex for more!   Support this episode's sponsors (and help the pod!): cozyearth.com -- use code FOREPLAY for 20% off WE-VIBE.com -- use code BRAVELOVE for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/23/26 • 34:34

Is the G-Spot real? Does every woman have one? Where is it? How to stimulate it? Join certified sex therapist Laurie Watson and psychologist Dr. Adam Mathews discuss the elusive G-Spot and how to discover it, and employ it in your sex life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/19/26 • 18:34

Can sex ever be “owed” in a relationship? On today's episode of Brave Love, Laurie and George explore how expectations sabotage intimacy - and how to communicate desire in a way that invites connection, not resistance. Includes a step-by-step role play you can try today. Join us on socials under our new name @BraveLoveGreatSex. Support this episode's sponsor (and support the pod!): WE-VIBE.COM and use code BRAVELOVE for 20% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/16/26 • 34:43

George wants men to have a method to improve their sexual game in 3 zones—pre-sex, during sex and post-sex in 4 different areas: heart, mind, body, and genitals. Twelve variables for guys who like stats to measure their self progress. George gets into specific numbers for the average Joe in each area and has a plan for what they can do if they don't like their own assessment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1/12/26 • 31:59