Java with Juli - Making Sense of God and Sex

Епизоде

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  Death of the Pastor's Wife: What the Church Needs To Talk About, #620 14.09.2026 48мин

  What happens when a pastor has no accountability? Or when scripture is used to justify sexual abuse within marraige? When mental health problems are overlooked? Netflix's Death of the Pastor's Wife raises some hard questions—and they're questions the church can't afford to shy away from. So we're talking about them. Co-host: Hannah Nitz   Follow-up Resources: Ep. #319: Is Good Sex a "Right" in Marriage? Video Q&A: We Have Sex Regularly But My Spouse Isn't Satisfied. What Do I Do?  Video Q&A: Is It My Responsibility to Meet My Spouse's Needs?  A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer Find a Christian Counselor  MyCounselor.Online The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE, or you can text START to 88788 Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz  Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy  
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  Taking a Week Off + Our Top 3 Episodes 07.09.2026 1мин

  We're taking a break for Labor Day Weekend and we hope you'll get some rest too. In the meantime, check out these popular episodes from this year: #595 4 Lies We Believe About Sex  #603 5 Ways to Navigate Differences & Build a Stronger Marriage #612 How Your Story Shapes the Way You Approach Sex & Intimacy   We'll be back right here next week. See you then!
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  Is It Love or a Pop Quiz? The Tests We Give Our Spouses, #619 31.08.2026 28мин

  We all do it—the little "tests" we give our spouses without ever telling them they're being tested. Will he notice? Will she remember? Does he even see me? Does she even care? Maybe it's the party we planned, the extra hours we put in at work, or that new haircut or dress we're hoping they'll notice. We put in the effort…and then quietly wait to see if they pass the test. And when they don't? Well, let's just say it doesn't always go the way we hoped. So why do we do this? And is there a better way to get the connection and attention we're really longing for? Grab your Java and join us for the conversation. Co-host: Hannah Nitz We want to hear from you! Did you enjoy this conversation? Leave us a rating & review in your favorite podcast app.   Follow-up Resources: Finding the Hero in Your Husband by Dr. Juli Slattery What's It Like to Be Married to Me? And Other Dangerous Questions by Linda Dillow Blog: Did He Pass the Test? by Juli Slattery Follow Hannah Nitz at @hannahnitz Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    
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  5 Conversations for a Better Sex Life, #618 24.08.2026 51мин

  Your sex life shouldn't be the one area of marriage you never discuss. It's awkward—we get it. And you probably don't think talking about it will help. But research shows that talking about sex is strongly associated with a more thriving sex life. So, how do you actually have the conversation? This week, Juli walks through five conversations couples should be having about sex. If you've ever thought, "We should probably talk about this…" this episode is for you. Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz & Josiah Bogue   Follow-up Resources: Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery Research cited in this episode is from The Secrets of Sex in Marriage by Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn.  
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  Children, Teens, & Sexual Abuse, #277 17.08.2026 46мин

  What do you do when your child tells you something that changes everything? What constitutes abuse? And, when should you report it?  This week, Juli sits down with trauma expert Dr. Debi Grebenik to talk about how parents can respond when a child has experienced sexual abuse. They discuss what signs to watch for, how trauma affects children, why empathy is more powerful than panic, and how parents can protect their kids while raising them with confidence—not fear. Guest: Dr. Debi Grebenik   Follow-up Resources: National Children's Advocacy Center Java #460, How to Have Mini and Many Conversations About Sexuality with Your Kids God's Healing Stinks by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Follow Debi at @drdebigrebenik Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    
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  What God Revealed When I Finally Slowed Down, #617 10.08.2026 40мин

  After eight weeks away, Juli is back—and she's sharing what really happened on her sabbatical. This week, Juli opens her journal and shares the biggest lessons God taught her about burnout, rest, leadership, and learning to live within the limits He designed for us. We also talk about why so many of us struggle to slow down, how Sabbath is more than a day off, and what it looks like to build rhythms of rest into everyday life. Plus, you'll get a first look at an exciting new vision for Authentic Intimacy and what's ahead for the ministry. If you've been feeling exhausted, spiritually dry, or like you're running on empty, this conversation is for you. Guest: Hannah Nitz Follow-up resources: Encountering the Radical Love of Jesus by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) 5 Secrets to Intimacy With God by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Satisfy My Thirsty Soul by Linda Dillow  
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  How to Make Better Decisions As a Couple, #616 03.08.2026 46мин

  This week, Juli and her husband, Mike, share lessons they've learned about navigating disagreements, understanding each other's perspectives, avoiding manipulation, and seeking God's wisdom together.  Whether you're newly married or decades into your relationship, this conversation will encourage you to build healthier patterns for making decisions as a team. Follow-up Resources: Java #603 5 Ways to Navigate Differences & Build a Stronger Marrige with Juli & Mike Slattery Cruise with Juli on the Love Like You Mean It Cruise! Save $600 per couple on regular cabins or $400 per couple on suites with code JAVAWITHJULI27. The Very Important Difference Between Conflict & Fighting by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Finding the Hero in Your Husband by Dr. Juli Slattery Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy  
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  How Separation Can Strengthen Your Marriage, #121 27.07.2026 26мин

  When you're on the brink of divorce, could separation save your marriage?  This week, Juli sits down with Dr. Gary Chapman to hear how intentional separation can be an act of love rather than a sign of giving up. You'll learn when separation may be appropriate, why outside counsel matters, and how hope can be rekindled (even in relationships that seem beyond repair). Whether you're personally facing a difficult marriage or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation offers wisdom, practical guidance, and a reminder that God is always in the business of redemption. Guest: Dr. Gary Chapman Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy.   Follow-up Resources:  Hot Topic Kit: Healing After an Affair One More Try by Dr. Gary Chapman Learn more about a marriage Intensive with Hope Restored Video Q&A: How do I know if my spouse is repentant after a betrayal? Video Q&A: How do I know if I'm in an emotionally abusive relationship or marriage?
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  4 Keys to Great Sex in Every Season, #615 20.07.2026 37мин

  Great sex doesn't happen by accident.  It takes intentionality. This week, Juli shares four habits of couples who pursue sexual intimacy over a lifetime. From the busy years of raising children to the mundane of everyday life, navigating aging and redefining intimacy over time, they explore how you can pursue deeper connection through every stage of marriage. Co-host: Hannah Nitz We'd love to hear your thoughts about this conversation. Leave us a rating and review.  Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy.   Follow-up Resources: Cruise with Juli on the Love Like You Mean It Cruise! Save $600 per couple on regular cabins or $400 per couple on suites with code JAVAWITHJULI27. Want to dig deeper? Check out our Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life, or pick up a copy of God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery. Video Q&A: We Have Sex Regularly, but My Husband Never Seems Satisfied. What Do I Do? Video Q&A: Sex Has Never Been Pleasurable in Our Marriage. Should I Just Fake It? Video Q&A: My spouse never wants to have sex. What do I do? Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy  
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  Why Finding Love Feels Harder Than Ever, #614 13.07.2026 54мин

  Why does dating feel so much harder than it used to? Is marriage even still worth it?  This week, Juli and Dr. Brad Wilcox dive into the realities of modern dating, offering practical advice for navigating relationships with wisdom and confidence. They discuss everything from fear of commitment and unrealistic expectations to the importance of community, character, and shared faith. If you've ever wondered how to navigate today's dating culture, this conversation is for you.  Guest: Dr. Brad Wilcox Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy. Follow-up Resources: Hot Topic Kit: Healthy Dating & Boundaries The National Marriage Project Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy  
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  Why So Many Young People Feel Confused About Sexuality, #613 06.07.2026 41мин

  The language of sexuality is changing rapidly, and many parents, pastors, and mentors feel overwhelmed trying to keep up. This week, Juli talks with Dr. Julia Sadusky about what's driving these changes, why so many young people are exploring new identity labels, and why you don't have to toss your convictions out the window in order to stay connected to your kids. Guest: Dr. Julia Sadusky Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy. Follow-Up Resources: Emerging Sexual Identities: Navigating the Landscape of Today's Youth by Dr. Mark Yarhouse and Dr. Julia Sadusky When Your Adult Child Makes Sexual Choices You Don't Agree With by Juli Slattery (blog) Help! I Know I Need to Talk to My Teenager About Sex, But How Do I Do It? by Juli Slattery (blog) Follow Dr. Julia Sadusky at @drsadusky  Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    
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  "Show It Off" or "Cover It Up": Messages That Shape Our Body Image, #381 29.06.2026 49мин

  What messages have you been told about your body and your sexuality?  This week, Juli sits down with her friends Dawn Jones and Danisa Suarez for a candid conversation about the unique experiences of Black, Latino, and White women when it comes to the messages they received about their sexuality. They touch on topics like body image, beauty standards, shame, and the pressure women feel to either hide or flaunt their sexuality.  Guests: Dawn Jones, LPC-S & Danisa Suarez, LPC, CST Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy. We'd love to hear your thoughts about this conversation. Leave us a rating and review.  Dawn Jones' Practice: Legacy Counseling & Consulting Jorge & Danisa Suarez's Practice: CCI Counseling Follow Danisa at @danisasuarezoficial Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy  
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  How Your Story Shapes the Way You Approach Sex & Intimacy, #612 22.06.2026 45мин

  What if the challenges in your sex life have less to do with sex and more to do with your story?  This week, Juli talks with attachment expert Marc Cameron about how our earliest relationships shape the way we approach dating, marriage, and sexual intimacy. Whether you're struggling with emotional distance, differences in desire, recurring conflict, or simply want a deeper understanding of yourself and your spouse, this conversation is for you. Guest: Marc Cameron, MA, LMFT Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy.  Follow-up Resources: Understanding Your Attachment Style by Marc Cameron Episode #523 How Past Family Patterns Impact the Way You Love Today with Milan & Kay Yerkovich Follow Marc at @marc.cameron.mft Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    
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  Dismantling 3 Lies That Rob Our Intimacy With God, #611 15.06.2026 49мин

  Juli sits down with bestselling author Gary Thomas for a conversation about some of the subtle lies Christians often believe without even realizing it. They're tackling tough questions , like: Can family become an idol? Why do we still struggle with sin after coming to Christ? And what happens when loneliness and isolation become our normal? While this conversation isn't specifically about sexuality, how we answer these questions shapes the way we approach our relationships. Join us to explore how God's truth can lead us into greater freedom, stronger relationships, and deeper intimacy with him. Guest: Gary Thomas Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy.   Follow Up Resources: The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God by Gary Thomas Ep. #589 Feeling Distant? How to Build Emotional Intimacy in Your Marriage with Gary Thomas When Your Adult Child Makes Sexual Choices You Disagree With by Juli Slattery (blog) Follow Gary at @garythomasbooks Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    
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  How Purity Culture Messed With Our Sexual Desire, #610 08.06.2026 37мин

  If you grew up in church in the 90s or early 2000s, you probably received some confusing messages about sex and desire. This week, Juli and Hannah unpack how those messages shaped our understanding of sexuality and purity—and why so many Christians still struggle to say "yes, yes, yes" after years of "no, no, no." This conversation will remind you that God is not ashamed of your sexuality and invite you into healing, wholeness, and the truth about your sexuality. Co-host: Hannah Nitz   Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get a FREE copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy. We'd love to hear your thoughts about this conversation. Leave us a rating and review.    Follow-up Resources: 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery Passion Pursuit: What Kind of Love Are You Making? (A 10-Week Study Through the Song of Solomon) Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life Java #608 Purity Culture, Shame & the Grace of God with Dannah Gresh What Do I Do With My Sexual Desires? (blog) Video Q&A: What's the difference between sexual purity and sexual integrity? Video Q&A: What's the purpose of my sexuality as a single?  Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz  Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy  
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  What If My Spouse Is Looking at Porn?, #609 01.06.2026 46мин

  This week, Juli, Hannah, and Joe answer one of the hardest questions many of us face: What do I do if my spouse is looking at porn? This conversation is honest, compassionate, and full of hope. We talk through the pain, shame, confusion, and secrecy that pornography often brings into a marriage—and why healing is still possible for both the person struggling and the spouse who feels hurt and betrayed. You'll hear practical wisdom on how to find the support you need, why you can't be your spouse's accountability partner, and how true intimacy is about so much more than just changing a behavior. Whether this struggle has touched your marriage personally or that of someone you love, it's one you'll definitely want to share. Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz & Joe Caruso It's book launch week! 🎉🎉 Order your copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy. Or, become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get it for FREE!    Follow-up Resources 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery Hot Topic Kit: Pornography In Marriage 5 Healthy Ways to Respond to Your Husband's Porn Problem (blog) 3 Things Women Want You to Know About Their Addiction to Pornography (blog) Video Q&A: Is porn sinful? Video Q&A: Does my spouse watch porn because of me?   Find help and community with any of these trusted ministries: Be Broken Ministries Fight for Love Ministries Hopequest Pure Desire Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz Follow Joe Caruso at @joecaruso06 Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy
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  Purity Culture, Shame, & the Grace of God, #608 25.05.2026 45мин

  This week, Dannah Gresh shares the personal story behind And the Bride Wore White—one of a few books that launched conversations about purity, shame, grace, and redemption for an entire generation of Christian young people. Together, Juli and Dannah reflect on the wounds many women carry around sexuality, the beauty of God's forgiveness, and why purity was never meant to be about perfection.  Guest: Dannah Gresh Join an Authentic Intimacy Online Book Study!   Follow-up Resources: Pre-order And the Bride Wore White: Seven Truths to Living In Sexual Integrity No Matter Your Past by Dannah Gresh Q&A: How can I overcome the shame I experience as a result of purity culture?  Follow Dannah at @dannah_gresh Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy  
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  Is Good Sex a "Right" in Marriage?, #319 18.05.2026 31мин

  This week, Juli and Hannah tackle the question, Am I entitled to sex—even good or regular sex—in my marriage?  Drawing on stories, biblical truth, and personal reflection, Juli challenges common assumptions about sex, covenant, and what it really means to love like Jesus did. This episode offers hope for couples navigating pain, unmet expectations, or seasons of healing—and it just might challenge everything you've been taught about sex and marriage.  Co-host: Hannah Nitz What are your thoughts on this conversation? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a rating and review.    Follow-up Resources: Check out our new Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life God, Sex, & Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery How To Go From Demand and "Duty Sex" to True Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Is Sex Sabotaging Love in Your Marriage? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Are You Entitled to (Good) Sex in Marriage? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog)   Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz  Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy    
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  Marriage, Faith, and Same-Sex Attraction with Tony Scarcello, #607 11.05.2026 50мин

  This week, Juli sits down with pastor and author Tony Scarcello to hear his story of wrestling with same-sex attraction from a young age, the weight of shame and silence he carried, and how God met him in the middle of it all.  Some conversations aren't meant to be easy, they're meant to help us grow. This is one of those. Tony's story will challenge you, encourage you, and remind you how deeply we all need the grace of God. Guest: Tony Scarcello Online Book Studies are open. Grab your spot today!   Follow-up Resources: Preorder Love All Our Neighbors: How Churches That Hold a Traditional Sexual Ethic Can Care for LGBTQ People  by Tony Scarcello (available May 19) Regenerate: Following Jesus After Deconstruction by Tony Scarcello Follow Tony @tony_scarcello Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    
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  What if I'm Attracted to Someone Who Isn't My Spouse? #606 04.05.2026 41мин

  This week, Juli sits down with Joe and Hannah to tackle the question: What do you do when you're attracted to someone who isn't your spouse? Together, they unpack the reality that attraction outside of marriage isn't a matter of if, but when. From the myth of "soulmates" to the powerful role of brain chemistry, this conversation explores why these feelings happen, and why they don't have to define your choices. You'll also learn how small decisions, honesty, and intentional investment in your marriage can protect what matters most. Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz and Joe Caruso Check out our newest Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life Tell us what you think! Leave us a rating and review.    Follow-up Resources: Preorder 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Sex, Love, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery Be the first to know when Online Book Studies open up Sexual Attraction Isn't As Important as You Think, Here's Why by Juli Slattery (blog) Follow Joe Caruso at @joecaruso06 Follow Hannah Nitz at @hannahnitz Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy