Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy
- Episodes
- 313
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 9, 2026
About the podcast
Looking for answers to the questions you don't want to Google? Not sure where to get help when your sexual life is on the rocks and everything the secular culture has to offer is only making things worse? Welcome to Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy where you learn to actually enjoy and desire good, holy sex with your spouse.
Hosted by Ellen Holloway, Catholic Sex and Intimacy Coach.
Formerly, this podcast was named Charting Toward Intimacy.
Episodes 313
What to do if Foreplay Doesn't Feel Like Anything | Ep. 299
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about what to do when your husband's …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about what to do when your husband's touch during foreplay doesn't seem to feel like anything. She explains how changing the way you think about and pay attention to his touch can help you start enjoying it, even before you feel aroused.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
How Do You Make Time for Sex as a Busy Parent? | Ep. 298
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about what happens when your family is so busy that there’s barely any time left for your husband. They share why it’s …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about what happens when your family is so busy that there’s barely any time left for your husband. They share why it’s okay to say no to activities, push back against the go-go-go culture, and actually make your marriage and time together a priority.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
My Embarrassing Confession about NFP | Ep. 297
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares something she used to be embarrassed to admit: she actually looked forward to the abstinence that came with NFP because she dreaded having …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares something she used to be embarrassed to admit: she actually looked forward to the abstinence that came with NFP because she dreaded having sex with her husband. She shares how her understanding of sex slowly changed, what helped her heal, and how she eventually went from dreading the end of the fertile window to actually looking forward to being intimate with her husband.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
How Long Should Penetration Be? | Ep. 296
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about how long penetration actually needs to last, and the answer might surprise you. She explains why longer isn’t necessarily better and …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about how long penetration actually needs to last, and the answer might surprise you. She explains why longer isn’t necessarily better and why more foreplay, not more time in penetration, may be what makes sex more enjoyable.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Enjoying Sex isn't Selfish | Ep. 295
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares why she used to wish sex could just …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares why she used to wish sex could just disappear from her marriage and how she came to understand that sex isn't just an extra part of marriage. She explains why the marital act is so important to the sacrament of marriage and why working on your sex life isn't selfish or unnecessary, but a vital part of living out your vocation.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
The Thoughts About Sex She Was Embarrassed to Say Out Loud | EP. 294
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway interviews Allana a recent participant in the …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway interviews Allana a recent participant in the Want it and Enjoy it 8 week group coaching program. Hear Allan's honest review and experience in the program.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
A Letter to the Catholic Wife Who Hates Sex | Ep. 293
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itHey! This episode is a little different. I purposely didn't edit out a few emotional moments because I …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
Hey! This episode is a little different. I purposely didn't edit out a few emotional moments because I think it's really important for you to understand how important improving your sex life as a Catholic wife really is. I hope you enjoy this open letter to the Catholic wife who hates sex from her future self.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Why Does Sex Feel Like So Much Work? | EP. 292
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway interviews Lauren a recent participant in the …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway interviews Lauren a recent participant in the Want it and Enjoy it 8 week group coaching program. Hear Lauren's honest review and experience in the program.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Where Did My Libido Go? | EP. 291
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why your libido might feel like it …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why your libido might feel like it disappeared even if you used to really want sex. She explains responsive desire, why sex being new and exciting used to make desire easier, and some simple ways to start building that desire back.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
My Husband Should Be Able to Anticipate My Needs | EP. 290
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about wishing your husband would just …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about wishing your husband would just notice what you need without you having to ask. She explains why expecting him to read your mind can actually make marriage harder, and why healthy relationships mean getting brave enough to ask for what you want.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Am I Obligated to Have Sex? | EP. 289
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about what conjugal …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about what conjugal rights and obligation actually mean in a Catholic marriage. They unpack why sex should be part of marriage, but that doesn’t mean your husband gets to demand it whenever he wants, and what to do when you find yourself saying no over and over again.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Responsive Desire Is Never Going To Be Spontaneous Desire | EP. 288
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why you still might not want sex …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why you still might not want sex even when you enjoy it. She explains why responsive desire means you may need to intentionally create the connection, flirting, and touch that help you actually get in the mood.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
What if I Married the Wrong Person | Ep. 287
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about that scary …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about that scary thought, “What if I married the wrong person?” They share how changing the way you think about the hard parts of your marriage can help you stop wishing things were different and start working with the marriage you actually have.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
The Myth of the G Spot | Ep. 286
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why the G-spot isn't actually a …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why the G-spot isn't actually a separate thing and why understanding how your body really works can change the way you think about sex. She explains why foreplay isn't just a nice extra. It's what your body needs for sex to be comfortable, pleasurable, and to help protect your long-term sexual health.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Is Sex Bringing You Closer to God? | Ep. 285
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about what it really …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about what it really means to see sex as a gift from God instead of something that's just "allowed" in marriage. They share how changing the way we think about intimacy can help us grow closer to our husbands and even closer to God, especially if we've spent years believing sex was shameful or off limits.
St. Ignatius of Loyola quote: "All the things in this world are gifts of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know him better, love him more surely, and serve him more faithfully."
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
The Thing You Struggle with the Most with Sex | Ep. 284
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why so many women struggle to …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why so many women struggle to receive, not just in sex, but in everyday life too. She shares how learning to accept compliments, your husband's desire, and even pleasure can completely change the way you experience intimacy in marriage.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
What To Do When Your Husband Asks Overwhelming Questions | Ep. 283
❤ Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about why simple …
Show notes
❤ Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about why simple questions like "What can I do to help?" can feel completely overwhelming when your mental load is already maxed out. They share a surprisingly practical brain hack that makes those moments so much easier, plus why changing the way you respond can protect your peace, your marriage, and your intimacy.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
You Don't Have Time to Wait Until Next Round | Bonus
Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026. You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually …
Show notes
Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026.
You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy
___________________________________
Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
You've Gotta Be in This Room | Bonus
Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026. You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually …
Show notes
Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026.
You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy
___________________________________
Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
You Gotta Join Want it and Enjoy it | Bonus
Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026. You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy___________________________________Ready to stop avoiding sex and actually …
Show notes
Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment through July 31, 2026.
You've gotta join: reaclaimingcatholicintimacy.com/wantandenjoy
___________________________________
Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Will This Really Work for Me? | Ep. 282
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about the biggest fear women have before joining Want It And Enjoy It: "What if it doesn't work for me?" She shares honest words from …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about the biggest fear women have before joining Want It And Enjoy It: "What if it doesn't work for me?" She shares honest words from women who had those same doubts and explains why believing change is possible is often the first step toward finally enjoying sex and finding hope again.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
All the Details About Want it and Enjoy it | Ep. 281
Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it right here!Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment July 20, 2026 - July 31, 2026 for the next round. If you have questions about the program and what is included …
Show notes
Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it right here!
Want it and Enjoy it is open for enrollment July 20, 2026 - July 31, 2026 for the next round. If you have questions about the program and what is included, this is the episode for you.
___________________________________
Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Why Should I Even Try to Improve Our Sex Life? | Ep. 280
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why improving your sex life …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why improving your sex life isn't just about having better sex. She shares how growing in desire and enjoying sex more can actually help you better understand God's love and become a more complete gift to your husband.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Frequency | Ep. 279
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about one of the …
Show notes
Ready to increase your desire and experience pleasure? Join the next round of Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about one of the biggest questions couples ask: how often should we be having sex? Instead of chasing someone else's numbers, they share why the better conversation is about feeling loved, communicating honestly, and finding a rhythm that fits your marriage, your season of life, and even your NFP journey.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Why Did We Want Sex Before Marriage and Now We Don't? | Ep. 278
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why sex can feel so exciting before marriage but lose its appeal afterward, especially for couples who had sex before they were …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why sex can feel so exciting before marriage but lose its appeal afterward, especially for couples who had sex before they were married. She explains how our understanding of sex can get twisted and shares why there is always hope for healing through prayer, honesty, and letting God restore the true meaning of intimacy.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
Talking to Your Kids About Sex | Ep. 277
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about how to help your kids grow up with a healthy view of sex without repeating the fear or shame so many of us …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about how to help your kids grow up with a healthy view of sex without repeating the fear or shame so many of us learned. They share simple, everyday ways to answer questions, talk about changing bodies, and create a home where sex is seen as a good gift from God.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
You Don't Need a New Position | Ep. 276
Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy itIn this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares why she stopped selling her popular Catholic Sex Positions Guide, even though it was a huge …
Show notes
Join the waitlist for Want it and Enjoy it
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway shares why she stopped selling her popular Catholic Sex Positions Guide, even though it was a huge success. She talks about why most women don't need another tip or technique and what actually creates lasting change in your sex life.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
He Wants to Have Sex for Father's Day | Ep. 275
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about Father's Day, why so many husbands desire intimacy on special days, and how to approach that desire as a …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway and Kathleen Chovanes talk about Father's Day, why so many husbands desire intimacy on special days, and how to approach that desire as a gift instead of an obligation. They also share ideas for couples who can't have sex right now, including ways to build emotional and physical intimacy that still help your husband feel loved and prioritized.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
I Could Have Gone the Rest of My Marriage Without Sex | Ep. 274
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why your sex life in marriage actually matters way more than most women think it does. She shares how God completely changed the way …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about why your sex life in marriage actually matters way more than most women think it does. She shares how God completely changed the way she saw intimacy and explains why learning to enjoy sex with your husband is deeply connected to your vocation and your relationship with God.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
What Do You Do if You Feel Arousal at the Wrong Time? | Ep. 273
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about what to do when sexual arousal shows up at the “wrong” time and why you do not need to panic or shame yourself for it. She shares such …
Show notes
In this episode of Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy, Ellen Holloway talks about what to do when sexual arousal shows up at the “wrong” time and why you do not need to panic or shame yourself for it. She shares such a gentle way to think about arousal instead of stuffing it down, especially if purity culture made you feel like sexual feelings were bad.
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Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books!
Reach out at instagram.com/ellenholloway_/ or email us at [email protected]
These are the latest 40 of 313 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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