Dr. Jeff Talks about Sex and Intimacy

In this episode of  Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeffrey Albaugh will do a solo episode (the scheduled guest is unable to participate) to discuss what it really takes to keep desire alive in a long-term relationship. Desire naturally changes over time, especially as couples navigate stress, parenting, health changes, aging, busy schedules, and emotional disconnection. But losing s...

What does it really mean to have a healthy sexual life? In this thoughtful and affirming episode,  Jennifer Monninger, LCSW, CST  joins Dr. Jeff to explore  The Six Principles of Sexual Health , a framework developed by Doug Braun-Harvey and Michael Vigorito that has become foundational in modern sex therapy.  Jennifer will discuss how these principles—consent, nonexploitation, protection from HIV...

What if belonging didn’t require leaving parts of yourself behind? In this Pride Month I am joined by Ann Russo, LCSW, MA, Theology for this episode,  A Place for Us as We Are: LGBTQ+, Faith, Identity & Belonging. We explore a powerful and often overlooked path—one where LGBTQ+ individuals choose to remain within their faith and/or cultural communities, even when that journey is complex. At it...

In this solo episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , I take a closer look at Eroxon , a newer over-the-counter treatment option for erectile difficulties that’s generating a lot of attention. Unlike traditional prescription medications, Eroxon is a topical gel applied directly to the penis and designed to work within minutes. But how does it actually work? Who is it best suited for—an...

In this enlightening episode, we welcome integrative psychiatrist and sexual medicine expert Barbara Bartlik to explore some innovative approaches to sexual health and intimacy. Moving beyond a purely biomedical model, Dr. Bartlik shares evidence-based complementary approaches for treating sexual dysfunction. Dr. Bartlik also offers practical insights into how patients and couples can take a more...

Low desire is the #1 sexual complaint among both men and women, yet it remains shrouded in shame and misunderstanding. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by renowned sexologist and researcher Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt and a sex therapist for a panel discussion on desire  discrepancies.  We move beyond the myths to discuss: Why "low" desire might actually be normal for your body/phase of l...

For generations, men have been taught that masculinity in intimacy is about performance — strength, control, endurance, and sexual prowess. But what if true masculine power isn’t about performance at all? What if it’s about emotional presence, safety, and connection? In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Albaugh sits down with  Mike Elliott , host of  The Sacred We Podcast , who has supported thousands of...

Prostate cancer treatment has long forced men to make difficult trade-offs between cancer control and quality of life. But what if there were a middle ground? In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , I sit down with renowned urologic oncologist Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH, FACS to explore focal therapy for prostate cancer—an innovative, precision-based approach that targets cancer...

In this uplifting and transformative episode of  Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeff and cohost Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt are joined by Lena Elkhatib, LMFT, CST, CST-S—sex therapist, educator, and expert in cultivating erotic well-being. Lena will explore the profound impact of play on sexual connection, desire, and relational intimacy. People often approach sexual challenges with a p...

Well-meaning marriage advice is everywhere—but much of it leaves couples feeling stuck, misunderstood, or even more disconnected. In this episode, Dr. Jeff sits down with relationship coach and educator Monica Tanner to unpack the most common myths couples are told about marriage and why they often fail in real life. Together, they explore evidence-informed, practical strategies that truly strengt...

Gratitude is more than saying “thank you”—it’s a mindset that can profoundly shape how we experience ourselves, our relationships, and our lives. In this episode, Dr. Jeff explores what gratitude truly is, how it differs from positivity or obligation, and why it matters so deeply for emotional and relational well-being. Drawing on research and real-life examples, we unpack the physical, psychologi...

Male infertility is far more common—and far more treatable—than many people realize. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by renowned urologist and microsurgeon Landon Trost, MD, to unpack the causes of male infertility and the evolving science behind vasectomy reversal. Together, they explore who is a good candidate for reversal, what success really means, and how factors like time since vasectomy...

Sex changes as bodies change. Erections can become less predictable. Penetration can become painful, limited, or no longer desirable. Desire often shifts beyond the narrow definitions of sex portrayed in media with penetration and intercourse as the final goal. In this episode, Dr. Sara Sohn explores what intimacy can look like when penetration is no longer the central focus. She discusses pleasur...

When sex becomes about “doing it right,” intimacy often suffers. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by Nicholas A. Maio-Aether, MAMFT, MSPSY, LBA, CSC, IBA, BCBA, to unpack the theory and practice of sensate focus, Sensate Focus is used in a variety of settings and sometimes overseen by varied professionals of different backgrounds including therapists, counselors & coaches (as well as by cou...

Pelvic floor muscle exercises—often simply called “Kegels”—are commonly recommended, but they’re also widely misunderstood. Who actually needs them? When are they helpful? In this episode of Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeff is joined by internationally recognized pelvic floor expert Diane Newman, DNP, FAAN, BCB-PMD, to unpack what the pelvic floor really does and how targeted exe...

Military service can profoundly shape how Veterans experience their bodies, relationships, and sexuality—long after active duty ends. In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by Asya L. Brodsky, LCSW, CADC, CST, who will provide information on how service-related experiences influence sexual identity, intimacy, desire, and connection. From the impact of trauma and stress to changes in roles, bodies, an...

In this episode of  Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex& Intimacy , we dive into one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions men have after prostate cancer treatment:  What will happen to my sexual function?  Joining me is world-renowned urologist and focal therapy expert Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD, FACS, to unpack the science, outcomes, and real-world experiences of men undergoing partial gla...

Sexual intimacy doesn’t exist in a vacuum—and when relationships struggle erotically, the roots are often emotional, relational, and systemic. In this episode of  Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeff is joined by therapist Claire Postl, MA, LPCC, for a rich conversation about what  well-rounded intimacy  really means in long-term relationships. Claire introduces practical models for...

In this episode of  Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeff sits down with world-renowned couple therapist and co-developer of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), Dr. Andrew Christensen who will explore the powerful interplay between acceptance and change—two essential forces that help couples move from conflict and defensiveness toward compassion, flexibility, and deeper emot...

What does it mean to “masculate” in a way that is healthy, authentic, and connected? In this episode, Dr. Jeff is joined by LeRoy Gordon, a coach, speaker, and thought leader on men’s well-being, to explore how men can embrace strength without domination, vulnerability without shame, and intimacy without fear. Together they unpack how cultural expectations shape masculinity, the challenges men fac...

Pelvic pain can leave men feeling confused, frustrated, and alone—and it often affects far more than the body. Sexual confidence, relationships, and emotional wellbeing frequently take a hit. Joining Dr. Jeff is Susanne Quallich, PhD, ANP-BC, CUNP, a trailblazer in male pelvic health, to explore why male pelvic pain happens, how it disrupts sexual wellness, and what men can do to heal. This compas...

In this insightful episode, Dr. Jeff breaks down the Five Love Languages—Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch—and explores how understanding these simple yet powerful concepts can transform the way couples connect. Dr. Jeff explains how mismatched love languages can lead to confusion, resentment, or disconnect—and how learning to “speak” your par...

Unlocking Orgasm: The Pelvic Floor Connection In this guest-hosted episode, Susan Kellogg-Spadt, PhD, CRNP, IF, CDC is joined by pelvic health physical therapist Kelly Keane, PT, CAPP to explore how the pelvic floor muscles contribute to orgasm, pleasure and sexual satisfaction. Together, they break down the anatomy and physiology of orgasm in clear, accessible way, explaining how pelvic floor str...

Put Your Phone Down and Pick Up Your Life & Your Love In this episode of  Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeff is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship expert Dr. Rose Hanna, PsyD, for an honest and eye-opening conversation about the impact of our digital world on emotional connection, sexual intimacy, and day-to-day relationship health. Dr. Hanna will...

Mindfulness isn’t just meditation—it's a way of relating that can completely shift the emotional landscape of a relationship. In this episode of  Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex & Intimacy , Dr. Jeff is joined by Yunzhi Ariel Zheng, MS, MFT, a couples therapist and relationship researcher specializing in mindfulness relational well-being, to explore how mindful awareness helps couples move out of...