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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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