

Reclaiming Catholic Intimacy
Ellen Holloway
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
Mentioned books

5 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 15min
Future You Has An Amazing Sex Life | Ep. 227
Explore the transformative power of envisioning your future self with an incredible sex life. Delve into a mental exercise designed to shift your thoughts and beliefs, bridging the gap between your current reality and your intimate aspirations. Discover how positive beliefs can enhance your intimacy and inspire actionable steps towards achieving the sex life you desire. Get ready to transform your mind drama into empowerment and fulfillment!

Jun 23, 2025 • 38min
Why Can't We Get a Vasectomy? | Ep. 226
In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss why the Catholic Church opposes permanent sterilization methods such as vasectomies and tubal ligation. They explore deeper meanings behind the church’s teachings, the natural design and purpose of sex, and the importance of trust and intimacy in marriage. The episode also addresses medical concerns and distinctions between direct and indirect sterilization while emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of these decisions.___________________________________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 info@vinesinfullbloom.com

5 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 10min
Sex is Not a Spectator Sport | Ep. 225
Dive into the intriguing concept of 'spectator mode' during intimacy, where overthinking can stifle genuine enjoyment. Learn how this common experience, especially for women, can be transformed. Discover practical steps to enhance your connection with your partner, focusing on sensations and engaging in meaningful conversations. Improve your sex life by breaking free from observation and embracing the moment.

Jun 9, 2025 • 35min
Do Cholerics Want More Sex? | Ep. 224
The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives. In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen dive into the four temperaments—choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic—and explore how these personality types can influence your sex life and relationships. They break down the core traits of each temperament, discuss common challenges and strengths, and share practical advice for embracing your unique personality in marriage. Ellen and Kathleen also reflect on their own experiences and encourage listeners to consider how understanding temperaments can lead to deeper connection and communication. ___________________________________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 info@vinesinfullbloom.com

Jun 2, 2025 • 11min
Sex After a (Confessed) Vasectomy | Ep. 223
The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.Ellen addresses a listener's question about having sex after a vasectomy now that they understand Catholic Church teachings on permanent sterilization. She explains the forgiveness received through confession, the lack of requirement for a vasectomy reversal by the Church, and the psychological journey of fully accepting God's grace. Ellen discusses the emotional impact of sin and offers insights on how to handle lingering discomfort and seek further healing through prayer and understanding.___________________________________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 info@vinesinfullbloom.com

May 26, 2025 • 31min
You're Actually Really Hard to Love | Ep. 222
The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.Ellen and Kathleen discuss the challenges of recognizing our own faults in marriage and how focusing on self-improvement can positively impact our relationships. They explore the importance of grace, self-reflection, and honest communication. The hosts emphasize that while it’s easy to pinpoint our spouse's shortcomings, acknowledging and working on our own flaws can lead to a happier, more virtuous marriage.___________________________________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 info@vinesinfullbloom.com

May 19, 2025 • 7min
Is Your Breathing the Reason You Can't Orgasm? | Ep. 221
The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen shares a simple yet effective tip to help women reach orgasm by focusing on breathing. Ellen explains how holding your breath can create muscle tension, hindering the ability to relax and receive sexual pleasure. She discusses different breathing techniques such as 4-4-6 and box breathing, which help in regulating the nervous system. Ellen advises to prioritize deep and normal breathing, especially as the arousal builds, to facilitate orgasm. ___________________________________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 info@vinesinfullbloom.com

May 12, 2025 • 28min
Sex After a Fight | Ep. 220
The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the challenging topic of navigating sex and intimacy after a fight. They provide insights on balancing the physical and emotional aspects of intimacy, recognizing the importance of the sacrament of marriage, and the choice to be intimate despite lingering feelings of hurt. They also emphasize the significance of prayer, sacraments, and spiritual growth to strengthen marriage. Ellen and Kathleen share personal experiences and practical advice on overcoming mental blocks, addressing arguments, and nurturing the marital bond.___________________________________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 info@vinesinfullbloom.com

May 5, 2025 • 9min
Should We Always Say Yes? | Ep. 219
The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.In this episode, Ellen delves into the complex issue of whether one should always say yes to their spouse in a marital context. Drawing parallels with the Annunciation, where Mary freely chose to say yes, Ellen offers a practical meditation to help navigate these feelings of obligation. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their decisions without overthinking and to seek inspiration from Mary's example of a joyful and grace-filled yes.___________________________________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 info@vinesinfullbloom.com

Apr 28, 2025 • 28min
What If I'm Giving More Effort Than My Husband? | Ep. 218
The course or guide mentioned in this episode is no longer sold, but the help you’re looking for is still available. If you want support improving your sex life while staying faithful to Catholic teaching, I invite you to explore Want It and Enjoy It, my current program for Catholic wives.This episode delves into the common experience in marriages where one spouse feels they are giving more than the other, particularly in the context of sex life and overall marital responsibilities. Ellen and Kathleen discuss the myth of a 50/50 marriage and share personal stories of times when they and their spouses bore unequal burdens. They highlight how these imbalances are a part of life’s seasons and encourage focusing on the effort and sacrifices each partner makes in different areas.___________________________________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 info@vinesinfullbloom.com


