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!

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

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.

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