Java with Juli - Making Sense of God and Sex

Bye Awkward Side Hugs! Getting Over Our Fear of Opposite-Sex Friendships, #323

Are awkward "side hugs" the best we can do when it comes to opposite-sex friendships? Juli sits down with author Bronwyn Lea, who helps us rethink what it means to live as brothers and sisters in God's family. They talk about why we often confuse intimacy with sexuality, how Jesus modeled close, non-romantic relationships, and what healthy Christian community can look like (even in a sex-saturated world). Listen in to discover how moving beyond fear-based boundaries can lead to more connection and stronger, life-giving friendships in the body of Christ. Guest: Bronwyn Lea   Follow-up Resources: Beyond Awkward Side Hugs: Living as Christian Brothers and Sisters in a Sex-Crazed World by Bronwyn Lea What Defines an Intimate Relationship? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Q&A: What is the Purpose of My Sexuality as a Single? w/Dr. Juli Slattery Q&A: How Can I Tell The Difference Between Sexual Desire And A Desire For Intimacy? w/Dr. Juli Slattery  Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes . . . Everything  by Dr. Juli Slattery  Follow Bronwyn at @bronwyn_lea Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    

4 Lies We Believe About Sex, #595

Juli unpacks four of the most common (and subtle) lies we believe about sex, desire, and compatibility. From "sex is about expressing myself" to "the best sex is compatible sex," they explore how these ideas shape our relationships—and how God invites you into something deeper. If you've ever felt stuck, confused, or distant from God because of sexuality, pull up a chair—this conversation is for you. Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz and Joe Caruso Leave us a rating & review in your favorite podcast app.   Follow-up Resources: Surrendered Sexuality by Dr. Juli Slattery God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery   Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz Follow Joe at @joecaruso06  

Puzzle or Mystery? Rediscovering God Beyond Easy Answers, #594

What if your relationship with God  didn't start with how broken you are—but with how beloved you are? This week, Juli is joined by Marty Solomon, host of the BEMA Podcast, to explore the difference between our Western desire to have all the answers and the Bible's invitation to mystery, curiosity, and wonder. They talk about how systematic theology can both help and hinder our faith, and why being "beloved" is more foundational than being "right." This conversation reframes how we see our humanity in light of God's steadfast love—not as a  problem to fix, but as a relationship to steward. Guest: Marty Solomon Preorder Marty's new book, The Gospel of Being Human: How Asking Better Questions of the Bible Reveals Who We Are Listen to The BEMA Podcast (we recommend starting with Season 1) Follow Marty Solomon at @marty_solomon Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    

3 Things Christians Do That Shut Down Healing After Betrayal, #593

If you're trying to heal after betrayal, you may be doing everything you were taught to do—and still feel stuck. Sometimes we unintentionally sabotage our own healing—all in the name of love and forgiveness. Instead of feeling better, you end up feeling silenced, unsafe, and confused about why healing hasn't happened.  Author and counselor Tammy Gustafson joins Juli to share four necessary phases of healing, and three common mistakes that actually shut it down.  With clinical insight and biblical wisdom, this conversation will help you move forward with strength and hope.  Guest: Tammy Gustafson, LPC   Follow-up Resources: Preorder Broken to Brave: Your Courageous Act of Healing After Intimate Betrayal (comes out Jan. 27) Register for The Betrayal Healing Conference, January 26-30. (It's online and free.) Take the Betrayal Healing Quiz  to find what phase of the journey you're in. Q&A: Does My Spouse Watch Porn Because of Me?  Q&A: How Do I Know if My Spouse Is Repentant After a Betrayal? Thriving Despite a Difficult Marriage by Drs. Chuck and Mike Misja (for the betrayed spouse who stays in a marriage even though their spouse is not doing the work needed to heal) Follow Tammy at @tammylgustafson Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    

Masturbation: The No. 1 Question You're Asking Us, #407

There's more to the masturbation conversation than simply "right" or "wrong." Could it be an issue of spiritual maturity for some of us—whether we're married or single? Can it be used in a healthy way in marriage? Join us to have your thinking challenged! Co-host: Hannah Nitz Tell us what you thought of this conversation!  Leave a rating & review, Share this episode. Join an Authentic Intimacy Online Book Study! Follow-up resources: Masturbation: Is It Wrong? (Juli's blog) What's OK in the Bedroom? (Juli's blog) Is Masturbation a Sin? You May Be Asking the Wrong Question (Juli's blog) Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy