Java with Juli - Making Sense of God and Sex

Dismantling 3 Lies That Rob Our Intimacy With God, #611

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    

How Purity Culture Messed With Our Sexual Desire, #610

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  

What If My Spouse Is Looking at Porn?, #609

This week, Juli, Hannah, and Joe answer one of the hardest questions many of us face: What do I do if my spouse is looking at porn? This conversation is honest, compassionate, and full of hope. We talk through the pain, shame, confusion, and secrecy that pornography often brings into a marriage—and why healing is still possible for both the person struggling and the spouse who feels hurt and betrayed. You'll hear practical wisdom on how to find the support you need, why you can't be your spouse's accountability partner, and how true intimacy is about so much more than just changing a behavior. Whether this struggle has touched your marriage personally or that of someone you love, it's one you'll definitely want to share. Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz & Joe Caruso It's book launch week! 🎉🎉 Order your copy of the new 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy. Or, become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy and get it for FREE!    Follow-up Resources 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery Hot Topic Kit: Pornography In Marriage 5 Healthy Ways to Respond to Your Husband's Porn Problem (blog) 3 Things Women Want You to Know About Their Addiction to Pornography (blog) Video Q&A: Is porn sinful? Video Q&A: Does my spouse watch porn because of me?   Find help and community with any of these trusted ministries: Be Broken Ministries Fight for Love Ministries Hopequest Pure Desire Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz Follow Joe Caruso at @joecaruso06 Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy

Purity Culture, Shame, & the Grace of God, #608

This week, Dannah Gresh shares the personal story behind And the Bride Wore White—one of a few books that launched conversations about purity, shame, grace, and redemption for an entire generation of Christian young people. Together, Juli and Dannah reflect on the wounds many women carry around sexuality, the beauty of God's forgiveness, and why purity was never meant to be about perfection.  Guest: Dannah Gresh Join an Authentic Intimacy Online Book Study!   Follow-up Resources: Pre-order And the Bride Wore White: Seven Truths to Living In Sexual Integrity No Matter Your Past by Dannah Gresh Q&A: How can I overcome the shame I experience as a result of purity culture?  Follow Dannah at @dannah_gresh Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy  

Is Good Sex a "Right" in Marriage?, #319

This week, Juli and Hannah tackle the question, Am I entitled to sex—even good or regular sex—in my marriage?  Drawing on stories, biblical truth, and personal reflection, Juli challenges common assumptions about sex, covenant, and what it really means to love like Jesus did. This episode offers hope for couples navigating pain, unmet expectations, or seasons of healing—and it just might challenge everything you've been taught about sex and marriage.  Co-host: Hannah Nitz What are your thoughts on this conversation? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a rating and review.    Follow-up Resources: Check out our new Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life God, Sex, & Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery How To Go From Demand and "Duty Sex" to True Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Is Sex Sabotaging Love in Your Marriage? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Are You Entitled to (Good) Sex in Marriage? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog)   Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz  Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy