Healthy relationships involve a transition from codependence to interdependence. In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD dives into the foundations of healthy relationships and what it takes to create them. She starts by addressing the (very common) situation where one partner's emotions heavily influence the other's well-being. Throughout the episode, Dr. Alexandra outlines how independence, codependence, and interdependence shape relationship dynamics,...

Susan Bratton joins Alexandra Stockwell, MD, on the Intimate Marriage Podcast, to explore the concept of arousal, arousal differences and the art of intimate relating. They discuss the complexities of sexual and emotional fulfillment in long-term relationships, offering practical advice, and describing innovative techniques designed to reignite passion. Susan highlights the significance of recognizing the innate differences in male and female arousal patterns and addresses the negative impact...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, explores the effects of porn addiction with a man in his twenties who became addicted in fourth grade. In a candid and revealing discussion, this anonymous guest shares the impact on his intimate relationships in adulthood. The conversation delves into the complexities of porn’s influence, highlighting initial exposure at a young age, his subsequent struggle with addiction, and the profound impact it has had on his...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, dives into how intimacy coaching profoundly transforms relationships. She identifies common misconceptions prevalent in traditional counseling methods, and highlights the critical roles of authenticity and emotional connection in achieving marital success. By shifting the focus from behavior modification to fostering confidence, curiosity, and deeper connection, Dr. Alexandra gives the recipe for how educated,...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, explores playfulness in intimacy, discussing the use of costumes and role play to re-ignite the marital spark and enrich sexual encounters. It’s an especially timely topic with Halloween around the corner. Familiar roles in the bedroom tend to limit sexual expression-breaking free from them through embodying new personas can help couples deepen their connection and discover new aspects of their personalities.  Dr....

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, explores how to strengthen desire in long-term relationships by cultivating deeper intimacy and passion. She begins by highlighting the contrast between the brain regions responsible for daily functionality and those that fuel emotional and sensual connections. Dr. Alexandra explains how educated and successful individuals can transcend mere functionality in marriage to achieve both emotional and erotic fulfillment....

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, delves into the challenges couples face when aiming to rekindle erotic passion and shares her perspective on how to maintain a passionate, intimate relationship over the years. Dr. Alexandra addresses a listener's heartfelt question about whether it's even possible to reignite the erotic spark in a marriage, especially when young children and life's demands take center stage. She emphasizes the importance of both...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, explores the impact of multitasking drains the depth and efficiency of work and she dives into how this shows up in marital interactions. She discusses the importance of giving undivided attention in communication and the profound impact it has on resolving conflicts and deepening connection. Dr Alexandra offers listeners concrete steps to enhance their connection and intimacy by avoiding the pitfalls of multitasking...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD, explores the hidden addictions of high performers with guest Roland Cochrun, focusing on the complex issue of sex and porn addiction and how it plays out in the lives of highly successful individuals. Dr. Alexandra sets the stage for a profound discussion on addiction, recovery, and sustaining fulfilling relationships. Roland shares his personal journey and the innovative strategies he has developed to support high...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD, addresses politically polarized marriages, offering perspectives and strategies for navigating political disagreements with your spouse, especially during the 2024 presidential election. She shares insights from her own experiences in her family, and times spent living in rural Kansas in a community with members holding different political, religious, and educational values than her own. Dr. Alexandra emphasizes...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD and Erica Bove, MD discuss the concept of sensual awakening. Together, they explore the complexities of balancing a high-powered professional life with the emotional demands of romantic relationships, emphasizing nurturing connection despite hectic schedules and times apart. This episode provides a variety of practical strategies to help couples preserve intimacy and passion, even in the face of busyness and other...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD discusses how to reimagine date nights. She challenges conventional thinking and advocates for more intentional, meaningful relationship-building activities. This must-listen episode is perfect for any couple eager to strengthen their bond beyond routine and uninspired outings. Dr. Alexandra critiques the overly simplistic view of date nights as a magic cure-all for relationship woes and offers invaluable advice for...

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...

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...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD dives into the significance of sex in marriage and explores whether a sexless marriage can be a happy one. She breaks down the various dimensions of intimacy and connection within marriages, noting that societal trends show a decline in sexual activity. Even as collaborative companionship and emotional intimacy are crucial, the enriching experiences brought by sexual intimacy are invaluable. Dr. Stockwell notes that...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD and Annie Lalla discuss how to enhance emotional intimacy in relationships. Annie shares her insights on the importance of emotional fitness and how feelings manifest as physical sensations in the body. She describes subconscious fears that often keep couples from experiencing deeper intimacy, and provides actionable advice on overcoming these barriers. They also delve into the intricate dynamics of power within...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD discusses  female orgasms in great detail, in honor of National Orgasm Day. She explores the origins of the day, various types of orgasms, and the differences between "masculine" and "feminine" orgasms. She also explores different types of orgasms, emphasizing that the classification is based on the anatomy and physiology being stimulated. Dr. Alexandra speaks on one way to enhance orgasmic potential, namely slow, deep...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD and her husband Rodd Stockwell, MD dive into the deeply personal territory of welcoming their future son-in-law into the family when he asked for their daughter's hand in marriage. They touch on the nuanced process of preparing for the conversation, the emotional dynamics involved, and the broader cultural and personal implications of such a significant exchange.  Together, Dr Alexandra and Dr Rodd reflect on the...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD unveils the secrets to rekindling passion and maintaining intimacy after baby. Dr. Alexandra is joined by Jessi Sletten from "Empowering Postpartum." Together they dive into the challenges new parents face, particularly in preserving intimacy and emotional connection during the postpartum period. Jessi and Dr. Alexandra explore how vulnerability and intentionality can profoundly impact marital happiness, especially...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, addresses the importance of feeling desirable in your marriage. Dr. Alexandra shares insights on how women can feel more desirable and desired within committed partnerships while emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-care; they are the foundations for creating vibrant, intimate connections with your spouse. She explains that feeling desirable is an inside job and offers practical strategies for women to...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, delves into the crucial topic of balancing stress and intimacy in relationships. She discusses the importance of deeper connections to create more passionate relationships and provides tips on cultivating emotional intimacy and other common issues faced by most couples.  Dr. Alexandra answers a series of listener questions, covering topics such as enjoying intimacy while managing multiple external stressors, reviving...

In this episode of the Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, addresses various complexities when navigating libido mismatch. She offers easily implemented advice and practical strategies for nurturing emotional, sensual, and erotic intimacy in long-term relationships.  Dr. Alexandra emphasizes the importance of emotional intimacy and relaxation as prerequisites for a fulfilling sexual relationship and answers listener questions about mismatched sexual desires and the challenges...

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...

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...