Intimate Covenant Podcast
Episodes
183 episodes
What Science Reveals About Lifelong Intimacy
We explore findings from three recent scientific studies that show how flexible expectations, strong relationships, and emotional meaning shape a lifetime of sexual satisfaction in marriage. Bouchard KN, Cormier M, Huberm...
The Conflicts of Pursuit, Response & Rejection
In this episode, we share a few more segments from our live Q&A at the 2025 Annual Retreat; all of these had to do with the pursuer-responder dynamic. Specifically, we covered questions about:What is God teaching me through the ...
Marriage Retreat Live Q&A - keeping secrets; defining virginity; aging; and more... [180]
What happens when a room full of couples asks the questions most people are afraid to say out loud? We lean into the hard stuff: purity culture hangovers, what “counts” as sex, how to tell the truth without breaking trust, and how aging bodies ...
Q&A - creating a community for porn recovery; unity despite differing passions; and more...[179]
Today we’re sharing some excerpts from our live Q&A session during a recent Marriage Day in Illinois. Listen to our responses to questions about:How to find unity of spiritual purpose when we have different passions?As ...
Darwin, Freud, & Holy Sex -- Unmasking the Roots of Sexual Taboo in Christianity, part 3 [178]
We trace how Darwin and Freud shaped cultural ideas about sex and how these philosophies have infiltrated even modern religion.Darwin and Freud both rejected a divine order of the universe or a spiritual guide for moral and ethical ...
Medieval Sex -- Unmasking the Roots of Sexual Taboo in Christianity, part 2 [177]
Augustine and subsequent Medieval sexual theology have profoundly influenced modern Christian teachings on sexuality, often causing unnecessary shame and restrictions that aren't biblically based. During the Middle Ages, the influence of August...
It's Greek to Me! -- Unmasking the Roots of Sexual Taboo in Christianity, part 1 [176]
Matt and Jenn explore how ancient Greek philosophy has shaped modern Christian attitudes toward sexuality, creating an unbiblical culture of shame and stigma around sexual desire.• Plato's dualism in the 4th century BC separated body an...
Spicing Up Your Sex Life [175]
Matt and Jenn use a cooking analogy to explore how great married sex requires more than just "spices" – it needs solid foundational ingredients of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical connection.• Adding more spice to bad ingredie...
Difficult Conversations [174]
Warning: We cover necessary and important topics about the marriage relationship and sex. We use frank language without being crude or crass. Our approach is biblical and wholesome, but not intended for singles — especially not for children.
Organic Sex [173]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn tackle the concept of "organic sex" and whether truly spontaneous intimacy is even possible in a long-term marriage. The myth that good sex should just naturally happen without planning or effort has damaged man...
Encore: What Do I Want From My Marriage? [172]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn share an encore episode about reassessing your expectations for your marriage and moving the trajectory of your relationship through personal investment.Mature past the selfish motivations of relatio...
“Should I sacrifice my desire for sex?” ...and other live Q&A (171)
In this "Christmas Q&A Potpourri" episode, Matt & Jenn are sharing segments from previous live Q&A sessions. We're answering the following questions:Should I sacrifice my desire for sexual intimacy if my spouse does not ...
Your Questions, Our Answers (talking about sex, prioritizing beauty, sleeping naked, asking for touch) [170]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn answer the following listener questions:What advice do you have for couples that have great sex but struggle talking about sex? We’ve tried conversation starters but the answers are always brief.
More PDA? -- Retreat Q&A pt 2 [169]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn share another set of clips from the Q&A session at our recent Annual Marriage Retreat. We cover the following questions:What ways can I warm my spouse up to more public displays of affection? &nb...
How does sex glorify God? Retreat Q&A [168]
This episode is an excerpt from the live Q&A session at the 2024 Annual Marriage Retreat. We’re sharing our response to the following question: “Can you go into further detail on how the act of sex can glorify God?” We’re also sharing our r...
Who Initiates? [167]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn discuss the complaint, "My spouse never initiates sex." So, whose job is it, anyway? How can I get my spouse to initiate more often?Whether it’s sexual connection or any other aspect of your relation...
Have a Category-5 Sex Life: lessons from a hurricane [166]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn compare the sexual relationship to a hurricane. Sex, like a hurricane, is a powerful, God-given force. While we can’t direct the path of a hurricane, quiet the gale-force winds, or suppress the rising waters, we...
When a Pursuer Stops Pursuing [165]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn respond to a listener's email from a wife who is feeling rejected because her husband, the usual sexual pursuer, has stopped initiating. We'll explore some of the reasons this might be happening and what she can...
7 Shocking Results From Viral Relationship Tests [164]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn discuss some of the latest TikTok relationship tests and whether there is something we can learn about our marriages from these viral trends. If you really want to test your relationship, pick u...
Separate Bedrooms & Separate Bedtimes [163]
In this episode, Matt and Jenn discuss the resurging popularity of sleeping in separate bedrooms. We'll consider the reasons why a couple might choose this option and whether it might be wise for your marriage. In addition, we'll discuss ...
Lessons from China [162]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn share some experiences from their recent trip to China and some life-changing lessons they are bringing back. We think these lessons will impact your marriage too!It’s easy to lose focus on eternal p...
Q&A (low sexual desire; body shame; reluctant spouse…) [161]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn share excerpts from several different live Q&A sessions recorded at previous live events.- How do you differentiate between responsive sexual desire and a medical problem resulting in a lack of sex d...
Laughter & Tears [160]
In this episode, Matt & Jenn share some important news and updates, including a fun blooper reel.There are multiple ways to help support Xander Moody and his family.GiveSendGo (