

Better Sex
Jessa Zimmerman
Better Sex is focused on helping all couples create and enjoy their best possible sex life. Better Sex is hosted by Jessa Zimmerman who is a couples’ counselor and nationally certified sex therapist. Each episode will dive into one topic related to sex. Some will be devoted to addressing sexual concerns like sexual dysfunction, differences in sexual desire, and intimacy problems. Some will help you develop realistic and helpful expectations. And some will offer information and approaches that can just make your sex life better.The information and discussion on the podcast should not be taken as medical advice or as therapy. Please seek out qualified professionals for medical and therapeutic advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 26, 2026 • 6min
376: [Soapbox] The lower desire partner feels like they can't win
Sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman shares a “soapbox” episode addressing a common belief among lower desire partners: “I can’t win; it’ll never be enough.” She explains this mindset becomes self-defeating when the goalposts are set by the higher desire partner’s satisfaction instead of treating intimacy as a shared playing field where both meet in the middle. Zimmerman outlines the lower desire partner’s role as being willing to engage in the topic, identify and address obstacles that create stress or block pleasure, and explore what could help them access desire, arousal, or enjoyable physical pleasure some of the time. She also notes the higher desire partner’s work includes adjusting expectations, broadening what counts as sex, focusing on pleasure and connection, clearly asking for what they want, and celebrating “no” when needed.00:00 Show Intro00:46 Soapbox Topic Setup01:07 Why It Feels Hopeless02:21 Lower Desire Partner Work02:59 Accessing Desire and Pleasure03:43 Higher Desire Partner Work04:04 Reframing as Teamwork04:28 Outro and CreditsWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Mar 23, 2026 • 38min
375: When Money Stress Creates Distance in the Bedroom with Heather Howard
Sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman interviews Heather Howard, a sexuality counselor and financial coach, about the strong parallels between money and sex in couples’ relationships. Howard shares how pelvic pain shifted her from a finance career into sex counseling and later into financial coaching after repeatedly seeing money conflicts fueling distance, resentment, and desire problems. They discuss patterns like one partner becoming the “driver” while the other withdraws, how power imbalances show up in both sexual desire discrepancy and finances, and how financial control can undermine authentic consent. They explore the role of entrenched narratives and upbringing in shaping beliefs about sex and money, the impact of shame and secrecy including financial infidelity, and Howard’s solution-focused approach emphasizing safety, skills training, accountability, and aligning money behaviors with values. Howard explains how to contact her for online coaching via heatherhoward.com/meet.00:00 Show Intro00:45 Meet Heather Howard01:46 From Finance to Sex Therapy03:25 Why Money Enters the Bedroom05:10 Desire and Money Dynamics07:52 Power Imbalances and Entitlement09:46 Consent Needs Financial Safety11:55 Unpacking Sex and Money Stories14:40 Heather’s Coaching Approach18:32 Masterclass Break19:02 Sharing Financial Responsibility19:43 Fixing Money Patterns20:48 Money Anxiety and Skills22:07 Building Self Trust23:21 Financial Infidelity Secrets27:57 Drama Debt Cycles28:34 First Steps and Support32:51 Finding a Coach35:19 Closing and CreditsJessa's Webinar: https://www.intimacywithease.com/masterclassBio:Dr. Heather Howard is a sexuality counselor and financial coach who helps individuals and couples build healthier relationships with sex, money, or both. Using a nonjudgmental, education-based approach, she supports clients in clarifying values, developing practical skills, and creating systems that align daily behavior with what matters most. Heather works with clients to reduce shame, strengthen communication around traditionally taboo topics, and build shared understanding and decision-making that fosters emotional connection and long-term sexual and financial well-being.Want to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Mar 20, 2026 • 11min
374: [Soapbox] How there is hope even when they close the door
In a soapbox episode, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman responds to an email from a listener whose wife says she isn’t interested in fixing their sex life and accuses him of only caring about sex. Jessa explains there can still be hope and outlines three areas to explore: the overall relationship (conflict, lack of emotional connection, feeling like roommates), the couple’s entrenched desire-difference dynamics (pressure, focusing on frequency, treating the lower-desire partner as the problem, goal-oriented sex that creates obligation), and individual factors affecting the lower-desire partner (stress, exhaustion, mental health, parenting demands). She encourages higher-desire partners to build connection, show compassion for the guilt and shame lower-desire partners often feel, reduce pressure, and invite conversations about what’s in the way so intimacy can become fulfilling for both. 00:00 Show Intro00:46 Soapbox Setup01:01 The Unsubscribe Email02:37 Three Hopeful Angles02:39 Rebuild Connection First03:50 Desire Difference Traps04:54 Compassion Over Pressure08:00 Life Stress Blocks Desire08:54 Closing Hope and Next Steps09:43 Outro and CreditsWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Mar 16, 2026 • 37min
373: Hormonal Optimization, Metabolic Health, and Longevity for Better Sex with Jay Campbell
Sex therapist Jess Zimmerman interviews biohacker and author Jay Campbell about hormone optimization and metabolic health as foundations for wellbeing, longevity, libido, and sexual function. Campbell shares how discovering very low testosterone after a sports injury led him into researching therapeutic hormones, peptides, and lifestyle interventions, eventually writing bestselling books and a new book on GLP-1 peptides and proper microdosing with supportive lifestyle changes. They discuss endocrine disruption, common hormone deficiencies, and key labs and hormones to assess—especially free testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone—emphasizing women being underserved in testosterone therapy after the WHI. Campbell outlines symptoms like fatigue, low dopamine/brain fog, belly fat, and insulin resistance, and recommends insulin-controlled eating, resistance and cardio training, stress reduction through daily mind-stilling practices, and consistent routines to improve health and sexual wellbeing.00:00 Show Intro00:46 Meet Jay Campbell01:48 Testosterone Wake Up Call03:26 Biohacking To Author05:43 Endocrine Disruptors07:53 Metabolic Health Link08:33 Key Hormones Explained10:28 Women And HRT Myths16:02 Microdosing GLP One17:08 Midroll And Coaching17:37 Symptoms And Sex Signs19:29 Therapeutic Hormone Jumpstart20:39 Libido and Sexual Function23:14 Biohacker vs Clinical Goals23:45 Diet and Insulin Control25:37 Training for Longevity28:23 Blue Zones and Leanness29:04 Incline Walking for Fat Loss30:24 Stress and Stilling Mind34:39 Where to Find Jay35:52 Podcast Wrap UpWant to work with Jessa? Visit https://www.intimacywithease.comBio:Jay Campbell is a 5x international bestselling author, globally recognized authority on hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity. He’s passionate about educating individuals on how to optimize their hormones and metabolism for long-term vitality, energy, and performance. Jay’s work helps people break free from conventional “sick-care” systems and embrace health strategies that promote longevity, peak performance, and overall well-being. He is widely recognized for his cutting-edge insights into peptides, metabolic repair, and sustainable aging.jaycampbell.com/free-infobiolongevitylabs.com JAYC codeWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Mar 12, 2026 • 7min
372: [Soapbox] The three biggest apology mistakes
Sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman shares a soapbox episode on three common apology mistakes that prevent real relationship repair. First, apologizing too quickly can skip the empathy your partner needs to feel understood, so she encourages “climbing into their movie” before taking accountability. Second, phrases like “I’m sorry you feel that way” or “I’m sorry that happened to you” misuse “I’m sorry,” which she reserves for responsibility and remorse, and can sound judgmental; she suggests using clearer empathic language instead. Third, adding “but” after an apology turns it into an explanation or excuse that undermines repair, so an apology should fully own the specific behavior and its impact. 00:00 Show Intro00:46 Soapbox Setup01:22 Mistake One Too Fast02:51 Mistake Two Misusing Sorry04:31 Mistake Three Sorry But05:25 Wrap Up Take Ownership05:51 Outro And CreditsWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Mar 9, 2026 • 38min
371: People pleasing is ruining your sex life with Darshana Avila
Darshana Avila, a trauma-informed somatic educator known from Netflix’s Sex, Love & Goop, guides people toward erotic wholeness. She explores how people-pleasing mutes desire and intimacy. Short, practical talk about spotting people-pleasing, reclaiming authentic wants, mutual desire, consent tools like the Wheel of Consent, and first steps to speak up and tolerate disappointment.

Mar 5, 2026 • 10min
370: [Soapbox] Choose a more empowering story
In this soapbox episode of The Better Sex Podcast, sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman discusses the power of staying positive by questioning the stories and interpretations our brains create. She explains how people often react to filtered, meaning-filled perceptions rather than reality, then reinforce negative narratives—especially in relationships—by focusing on blame, hopelessness, and how stuck things feel. Jess argues this mindset is inaccurate, disempowering, and self-sabotaging because it shapes how we show up with our partners and invites defensiveness, conflict, or withdrawal. She encourages listeners to develop skepticism about their interpretations, broaden perspective, and choose thoughts and emotions that feel better and create more possibility. By focusing on what’s on “your side of the court,” including how you feel, think, and act, you can change the relational dynamic and move toward the connection you want.00:00 Welcome to Better Sex00:44 Soapbox Episode Setup01:55 Why Stories Trap Us03:35 The Cost of Negative Narratives05:19 Challenge Your Interpretation07:18 Control Your Side07:42 Invitation to Shift Mindset08:12 Outro and CreditsWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Mar 2, 2026 • 30min
369: Protecting Sexual Freedoms with Mandy Salley
Sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman interviews Mandy Salley of the Woodhull Foundation about sexual freedom as a human right rooted in bodily autonomy and the ability to say yes or no. Mandy shares how peer sex education in college, graduate training in social work and human sexuality, and years volunteering with Woodhull led to her advocacy work blending sexuality, policy, and activism. They discuss how shame-based sex education limits curiosity and knowledge, and how free speech and online censorship affect sexual health information. Mandy outlines Woodhull’s current policy work, including opposing a proposed South Carolina abortion ban, Colorado’s trans bathroom ban, and state age-verification laws that threaten privacy and data security. She also notes concerns about intersex medical interventions and gender-affirming care bans. The episode ends with practical ways to get involved locally and how to find Woodhull’s resources.00:00 Show Intro00:56 Meet Mandy Sally01:52 Her Path to Woodhull06:17 Sex Ed Gaps and Shame09:50 Defining Sexual Freedom11:06 Censorship and Algo Speak13:12 Quick Quiz Break13:39 US vs Global Perspectives17:02 Woodhull Policy Priorities18:20 Age Verification and Privacy22:46 Intersex and Care Bans23:51 How to Get Involved26:42 Find Woodhull Resources28:55 Closing and CreditsTake my quizzes at https://www.desirediscrepancy.comBio:Mandy Salley brings her passion for social justice and love for humanity to the Woodhull Freedom Foundation as its Chief Operations Officer (COO). Since 2014 when she first served as a volunteer coordinator, Mandy plays an integral role at Woodhull, now managing its day-to-day operations and community efforts – from its Human Rights Commissions to the monthly Censorship of Sexual Freedom Series. Mandy is also a licensed Social Worker and has experience in inpatient hospitals, geriatric day programs, and rape crises. She is based in Brooklyn, NY.www.woodhullfoundation.orgWant to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.comThe Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.comPodcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass

Feb 26, 2026 • 11min
368 [Soapbox] The transformative potential of a couples' intensive
Why some couples benefit from an intensive instead of spaced weekly sessions. How extended, immersive hours let nervous systems settle and old patterns loosen. The role of in-the-moment practice to repair ruptures and build a clearer view of relationship dynamics. A discussion of ethically guided altered-state work with MDMA or psilocybin as a potential accelerator. Who intensives suit and when they are not recommended.

Feb 23, 2026 • 31min
367: Supple, Luscious, Fuller Breasts with Jillian Wisborg
Jillian Wisborg, herbalist and registered nutritionist who founded Booby Grow, explains her natural breast growth and firming program. She discusses herb-based formulations, how massage, nutrition and healthy fats support breast tissue, and distinctions between phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens. The conversation also covers safety cautions, trial evolution into a lifestyle plan, and her work scaling the program.


