Intimacy Evolution
Brianna & Mark Carey
The podcast that helps you enjoy deeper connection and more intimacy in your relationships. Join Brianna & Mark Carey, a wife & husband duo, as they discuss desire, intimacy and how to embrace the changes within your relationship. They share from their experiences, have guest interviews to bring new tips & perspectives on how to be intentional with the attention you give your relationship.
Brianna is a relationship and intimacy coach with 16 years of experience as a women's sexual health educator. Mark is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been running his private practice for 8 years. Together, they help couples create the relationships they crave.
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Top 10 Intimacy Evolution Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Intimacy Evolution episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Intimacy Evolution for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Intimacy Evolution episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Alchemy of Intimacy: How to Create Crave-Worthy Connection and Desire with Leola Watkins
Intimacy Evolution
12/17/24 • 39 min
Exploring Tantra and Sacred Sexuality with Leola Watkins
In this episode of Intimacy Evolution, I have an enriching conversation with Leola Watkins, a pleasure priestess, Tantra teacher, and bestselling author. Leola shares her journey into Tantra and shamanic sexuality, highlighting how these practices helped her heal from past traumas and foster deeper self-awareness. We explore the broad modalities of Tantra, including its applications in solo and partnered contexts. Leola explains the four types of sex—reproductive, recreational, restorative, and transformational—and their roles in fostering a fulfilling intimate life. We also discuss practical steps for incorporating Tantra into relationships, initiate conversations about exploring new intimate practices, and promote a presence-focused, curiosity-driven approach to sex. Tune in for insights on how Tantra can transform personal and relational intimacy.
00:00 Introduction to Intimacy Evolution
00:24 Welcoming Leola Watkins
00:54 Leola's Journey into Tantra
04:45 Healing Through Tantra
11:46 Exploring Different Types of Intimacy
24:32 Practical Applications and Workshops
27:44 Empowering Your Intimate Life
37:07 Resources and Closing Remarks
Connect with Leola:
TalkTantratoMe.com
Instagram: @talktantratome
Sacred Sex Ed book
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
Expanding Beyond Your Comfort Zone: Community, Connection, and Growth
Intimacy Evolution
10/22/24 • 36 min
In this episode of Intimacy Evolution, Mark + Bri explore the profound impact of various retreats on personal and relational growth. They recount their experiences with men's, women's, and couples' retreats, emphasizing the emotional highs and lows, deep connections, and the benefits of stepping out of daily routines. The discussion highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for physical and emotional challenges, integrating practices like breath work and sound baths, and sharing personal stories to foster community. Additionally, the episode addresses balancing parenting with personal well-being, stressing the need for clear communication and involving children in activities to enhance family bonds. Overall, the Careys offer insights into the immersive, transformative power of retreats and the joy of connecting people through these experiences.
00:00 Welcome to Intimacy Evolution
00:30 Diving into Retreats: An Overview
01:38 The Men's Retreat Experience
03:03 Emotional Roller Coasters and Personal Growth
05:33 The Importance of Community and Connection
08:02 Facilitating Retreats: Challenges and Rewards
11:11 Expanding Capacity Through Challenges
16:39 The Feminine Archetype Experience
18:52 Transformative Power of Breath Work and Sound Baths
19:22 Connecting Through Shared Experiences
19:50 Embracing Archetypes and Embodiment
21:32 The Importance of Body and Energy Work
27:29 Overcoming Guilt and Prioritizing Self-Care
33:01 Deepening Connections Through Separate Experiences
35:00 Concluding Thoughts and Invitations
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
Exploring Emotional Intelligence with Abigail Gazda
Intimacy Evolution
11/19/24 • 48 min
In this episode, I have an engaging conversation with Abigail Gazda, a clarity coach and CEO of Hearts Unleashed. We discuss the evolution of relationships, emotional intelligence, and the personal growth journey. Abigail shares her experiences living the van life, her coaching career, and the importance of understanding emotional intelligence. We also delve into the dynamics of relationships, communication, projection, and parenting, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and integration. This episode is filled with insights on how to navigate personal development while maintaining meaningful connections.
00:00 Introduction to Intimacy Evolution
00:26 Excitement for the First In-Person Interview
00:53 Meet Abigail Gazda: Clarity Coach and Van Life Enthusiast
03:28 Diving into Emotional Intelligence
12:28 Understanding and Communicating Needs
16:39 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth
25:27 Navigating Family Dynamics
26:15 Expectations and Resentment
27:01 Sobriety and Personal Choices
27:50 Embracing Individual Interests
29:53 Isolation and Community
34:27 Integrating Awareness into Life
38:05 Supporting Partners and Children
44:47 Trusting the Journey
47:22 Conclusion and Resources
Past Episode with Abigail: A Journey to Self-Love
Connect with Abigail:
AbigailGazda.com
HeartsUnleashed.com
Youtube
Instagram: @instagail
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
Essential Conversations to Prep For Baby: Ask Us Anything Part 1
Intimacy Evolution
10/17/23 • 20 min
In today's first solo episode, Brianna answers a common question they get from clients & listeners, which is: "what conversations should my husband/partner and I have prior to having a baby?"
Sure there's talks of picking out baby's name, what to put on the registry, birth plan, etc, but what about what comes AFTER having the baby? What does life look like? How will each partner navigate their new roles & keeping up with the demands of everyday life?
THESE are the conversations that are equally if not more important to have. By doing so each partner will feel more supported, it can help elevate a considerable amount of stress and it will actually help the couple to stay even more connected as they raise their new baby.
In this episode:
- The inevitable changes in relationship dynamics when expecting a child.
- Clarifying the unique role your partner plays during the early stages of parenthood.
- The significance of building a network of friends, family, and professionals.
- Prioritizing self-care routines for both partners.
- Setting realistic expectations for bonding moments.
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with friends and family who may be embarking on their own parenting journey. Have your own questions about relationships, intimacy or parenting? DM us on Instagram and we'll share them in our stories or on a future episode!
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
Releasing Old Identities
Intimacy Evolution
10/25/22 • 34 min
This week Bri brings the emotional & Mark keeps it logical as they discuss the meaning behind releasing old identities. We're often taught that when we are transitioning to a different phase in our life like marriage or having a baby--often a happy time--that we only need to focus on the happy and we're not told that we may experience some grief during that time as well. Which can make it quite confusing when these feelings do come up, then it turns into an internal battle.
Brianna reflects on when she first learned about "ego deaths" or releasing an old identity when her and Mark had scheduled his vasectomy & she was grieving that she would no longer be pregnant or have a new born to care for. This is a pivotal moment in life & while yes they made a decision that was best for their family, it doesn't take away the pain or feeling of loss and the need to grieve.
This doesn't just apply to having kids; Mark reflects on his transitional period from being a collegiate athlete, to his last wrestling match and how he processed releasing this identity.
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Ready to create deeper connections, invite more play into your relationship & enjoy more fulfilling intimacy? I've created a Mini-Coaching package to help you do just that! Click here to check it out!
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
Entrepreneurship During Pregnancy & Postpartum with Scout Sobel
Intimacy Evolution
09/06/23 • 46 min
This week Brianna chats with business owner, podcast host & author, Scout Sobel on what it looks like to be an entrepreneur as one begins their journey into parenthood.
Scout Sobel is the founder of Scouts Agency; the leading agency in running podcast tours for women, helping them to get in front of new audiences, to build their business while becoming thought leaders in the process. She also co-hosts the Okay Sis Podcast with my sister, and is the author of the bestselling book the Emotional Entrepreneur, which is the emotional guidebook to entrepreneurship.
Scout shares her journey with her mental health and how that impacted her journey to conceive naturally. Knowing that her mental health could be impacted, especially during the postpartum phase, she was diligent about having a game plan that would best support her.
In this episode they discuss:
- mentally preparing to conceive
- how to nurture yourself through out pregnancy
- navigating postpartum with compassion for yourself
- what does grieving past selfs look like throughout pregnancy + postpartum
- what's the most important thing to remember when getting back to intimacy after having a baby
Connect with Scout:
Instagram: @scoutsobel
Podcast: Okay Sis
Website: ScoutsAgency.com
Wanting to Want-- what's killing your sex drive & how to get it back!
Begins September 13th--click to learn more or to claim your spot!
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
From Stripper to Sexpert: How to Transform Your Life Through Pleasure & Sexuality with Ava Pikul
Intimacy Evolution
09/19/23 • 48 min
In this episode, Ava Pikul shares her transformative journey of traveling to India to gain more insight into her sexuality only to leave disappointed and with even more questions than answers. After returning home and feeling lost, she found herself being invited to go to work with a friend--that happened to be at a strip club. Curiosity led Ava to also working as a stripper until the environment no longer served her journey. She then transitioned to becoming an Authentic Tantra Practitioner and now helps men, women & couples heal and bridge the gap between spirituality & sexuality.
In this episode they discuss:
- The misconceptions in spiritual communities and their approach to Tantra
- How pleasure can be used to heal and release trauma.
- The Tibetan Five Elements & their integral part of lineage-based Tantra
- Health benefits behind semen retention
Connect with Ava:
Instagram: ava.pikul
Website: www.flamewithintantra.com
Resources mentioned:
Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy
From Monster to Man
Master the Art of Semen Retention
Intro to Authentic Tantra Masterclass
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
Couples Retreat - Part 2
Intimacy Evolution
07/12/22 • 34 min
Mark & Bri are back with the second part of their Couples Retreat experience. They cover the crunchiness that came up during their Intentional Date Night, then wait until you hear about their experience on Saturday!
It started with an Erotic Blueprint expert, Kayce Neill, who gave the couples a deeper understanding of their blueprints, as well as their shadows. She then shared how partners that may be opposite blueprints can still support one another and find a way to blend their two blueprints so each partner has a fulfilling & pleasurable experience.
After that it was time for Kimi Inch, Conscious Kink expert, somatic therapist and professional Dominatrix! Kimi has created a unique blend of somatic therapy techniques with kinky activities, allowing one to explore their fantasies & sexuality opening them up to access more pleasure, growth and healing. Kimi demonstrated how to create a safety container, the roles of "leader and follower", how impact play can be healing and so much more!
The last facilitator for the afternoon was Vulnerability Coach and Rope Expert, Rina Trevi. Bondage may seem intimidating or even carry some negative connotations with it, but Rina showed the couples how it can help create a space for connection as well as healing.
To close the night, there was a Bioenergetic Movement & Sensual Dance Party. The couples embraced their archetypes and got to express themselves in a fun, playful atmosphere, free from judgment, which was so liberating.
Mark & Bri also share some tips on how to acclimate from the "let down" period after any trip or experience. There is a dopamine depletion that occurs after a vacation, holiday, etc. can leave one feeling a little "bummed" or saddened that it's over, and then you have to jump back into life. Make sure you allow time for yourself to integrate back into "real life".
Facilitators mentioned in this episode:
IG: Kimi Inch- Conscious Kink
IG: Rina Trevi- Rope Expert & Vulnerability Coach
Sex & Love Co - facilitators of the Couples Retreat
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
"How to fight" -- effective communication to use during conflict
Intimacy Evolution
06/28/22 • 38 min
Conflicts within a relationship are inevitable, but learning how to navigate them before they turn into a full-blown argument can help maintain the connection, and lessen the damage. This week Mark & Bri discuss how to use effective communication during conflict in relation to the Gottman Method. Mark is Gottman trained and has helped many couples implement these various techniques in their relationships. Keep in mind these are great to use in a variety of relationship, such as friendships, with family & kids!
Suggestions on how to implement these techniques after listening:
- reflect on the 4 Horsemen and how you may get activated when conflict arises
- write down how you can implement an exit strategy when you notice you or your partner has hit the stonewall phase and what you can do to get back to a calmer more regulated state in your body. ie take a walk, listen to music, breath work, mediation, etc.
- Have your partner listen and do the same.
- Schedule a time to come together and discuss how this looks to both of you and what each of you have come up with for your exit strategies.
- Come up with a word or phrase to remind each other of the "WE" mindset.
Self-Soothing tips for high conflict couples
Share fondness & admiration
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
10/09/24 • 53 min
In this episode, Bri converse's with Lindsay Lockett, exploring her journey through nervous system healing and trauma. Raised in a challenging environment within evangelical Christianity, Lindsay reveals how her background of emotional neglect and abuse shaped her life. Over time, she began questioning her deeply held beliefs, leading to a deconstruction of her faith. Her difficult journey through severe anxiety, PTSD, and ultimately healing involved therapy and an exploration of emotional patterns inherited from her mother. Lindsay shares tools for nervous system regulation, the importance of awareness, and improving relationships, like her marriage, by addressing abandonment triggers. Through her storytelling, she emphasizes mindfulness and the significance of understanding one's own emotional and physical sensations to foster healing and evolve beyond past traumas.
00:00 Introduction to Intimacy Evolution
00:24 Meet Lindsay Lockett
00:50 Lindsay's Background and Early Life
02:47 Marriage and Faith Deconstruction
04:23 Struggles and Therapy
06:26 The Turning Point
08:51 Healing and Self-Discovery
12:53 Motherhood and Emotional Neglect
17:27 Confronting the Past
28:04 Navigating a Complicated Relationship
28:33 Birthday Disappointments and Realizations
29:08 Self-Control and Emotional Growth
30:38 Anger, Sadness, and Acceptance
32:22 Writing a Healing Letter
36:03 Understanding and Neutrality
37:47 Impact on Marriage and Hypervigilance
47:20 Awareness and Nervous System Regulation
52:14 Final Thoughts and Resources
IG: iamlindseylockett
Episodes referenced in the show:
Holistic Trauma Healing Ep 103: A Year Without My Mother
Holistic Trauma Healing Ep 110: A Vulnerable Mother-Daughter Convo
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Join our Intimacy Evolution Community
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Intimacy Evolution have?
Intimacy Evolution currently has 51 episodes available.
What topics does Intimacy Evolution cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Society & Culture, Podcasts, Relationships and Sexuality.
What is the most popular episode on Intimacy Evolution?
The episode title 'From Stripper to Sexpert: How to Transform Your Life Through Pleasure & Sexuality with Ava Pikul' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Intimacy Evolution?
The average episode length on Intimacy Evolution is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of Intimacy Evolution released?
Episodes of Intimacy Evolution are typically released every 7 days, 8 hours.
When was the first episode of Intimacy Evolution?
The first episode of Intimacy Evolution was released on Jun 7, 2022.
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