In this powerful and candid episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Kate Balestrieri—clinical psychologist, certified sex therapist, and author of What Happened to My Sex Life?—to explore the often misunderstood terrain of intimacy, desire, and sexual satisfaction in modern relationships.
you'reTogether, they unpack everything from emotional labor and betrayal to the myths that still dominate conversations about sex. Dr. Kate shares why pleasure is a human right, how sexual entitlement erodes intimacy, and why sex is rarely just about sex. Whether you're navigating a dry spell, rebuilding after betrayal, or just trying to better understand your partner's needs, this conversation is your no-BS roadmap to reconnecting—physically and emotionally.
We also get into how parents can better prepare their kids for healthy sexuality, why social media has a complicated connection, and what therapists need to know before wading into sex talk with clients.
one'swho's "isn'tThisone'swho's"one'swho's"isn'tThis one’s for anyone who’s ever asked, “Why isn't our sex life what it used to be?"—and is ready for answers that go deeper than surface-level advice.
Key Takeaways:
Sex ebbs and flows—and that's normal.
Communication, not spontaneity, is the real foreplay.
Betrayal recovery is possible, but it requires ownership and intention.
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fidelity or sexual norms.
Emotional and domestic labor deeply impact desire.
Parents have a powerful role in shaping healthy sex education.
Pleasure is not selfish—it's self-care and resistance.
Stop shaming your partner's desires. Start talking about them.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Kate Balestrieri, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist, certified sex therapist, and founder of Modern Intimacy, a therapy practice focused on relational and sexual wellness. She's the author of What Happened to My Sex Life? and host of Get Naked with Dr. Kate. Dr. Kate is passionate about helping people move from pain to thriving, and she's here to make conversations about sex less taboo and more transformational.
Resources & Links:
📘 What Happened to My Sex Life? – Buy the book
🎧 Get Naked with Dr. Kate – Listen to the podcast
🌐 Dr. Kate's Practice – Modern Intimacy
📱 Follow Dr. Kate on IG – @drkatebalestrieri