In this episode of Reconnect with Laira Thomas, we dive deep into intimacy, desire, and the complexities of sexual connection with psychotherapist and registered sex therapist Carlyle Jansen. From understanding libido differences to navigating sexual communication, this conversation is full of insights that can help you strengthen your relationship.
We explore:
✨ Spontaneous vs. Responsive Desire – What’s the difference, and why does it matter?
✨ How to Address Libido Differences – Finding balance when one partner wants sex more often than the other.
✨ The Importance of Non-Sexual Touch – Why physical affection outside of sex is crucial.
✨ Scheduling Intimacy – How planning sex can actually make it better.
✨ Communicating About Sex Without Shame – How to discuss desires, needs, and boundaries openly.
Whether you struggle with mismatched libidos, feel disconnected in your relationship, or simply want to improve intimacy, this episode provides practical advice on fostering a stronger emotional and physical connection.
Connect with Laira Thomas:
🌐 LairaThomas.com
📸 Instagram - @LairaThomas
Join us for an open, informative, and emotionally supportive conversation about relationships, intimacy, and the power of communication.
🔊 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform — and don’t forget to leave a review to help keep us connected!
00:00 Intro
07:09 Transitioning from Retail to Therapy
09:38 Understanding Libido and Desire in Relationships
13:29 Navigating Differences in Sexual Desire
18:14 Acceptance and Communication in Sexual Relationships
24:27 Transitioning to a Sexual Mindset
26:48 The Role of Communication in Relationships
27:39 Expressing Vulnerability and Honesty
30:50 Initiating and Declining Intimacy with Compassion
35:23 Non-Sexual Touch and Affection
38:51 Common Issues in Sexual Relationships
41:13 Personal Reflections and Advice
In this episode of Reconnect with Laira Thomas, Laira welcomes her husband, Ron, for an intimate and insightful conversation about their 24-year journey together. From their unconventional blind date to building a marriage rooted in trust, communication, and love, Laira and Ron share the wisdom they’ve gained through the years.
They explore:
✨ The importance of communication, sharing and being vunerable.
✨ How setting boundaries with extended family is key to developing a new nuclear family
✨ The secrets to navigating challenges and sustaining a marriage for the long haul
✨ Embracing personality and communication differences as opportunities for growth and connection
Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, newly partnered, or simply curious about what makes love last, this episode offers real-world advice, humor, and touching moments that will resonate with anyone on their journey of connection and self-discovery.
Connect with Laira Thomas:
🌐 LairaThomas.com
📸 Instagram - @LairaThomas
Join us for an open, honest, and uplifting conversation about love, relationships, and everything in between.
🔊 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform — and don’t forget to leave a review to help keep us connected!
In this episode of Reconnect with Laira Thomas, we dive deep into the modern dating landscape with relationship expert and journalist Jen Kirsch. From decoding dating app profiles to embracing vulnerability, Jen shares practical advice on how to present your true self, avoid dating burnout, and cultivate meaningful relationships.
We explore:
✨ How to create an authentic dating profile that sparks real conversations
✨ The art of moving from online chats to real-life connections
✨ Why rejection isn’t about you — and how to build emotional resilience
✨ Navigating breakups, rediscovering yourself, and finding love again
Whether you're navigating dating apps or seeking personal growth after a breakup, this episode is packed with empowering insights and heartfelt advice.
Connect with Jen Kirsch:
📸 Instagram - @Jen_Kirsch
Connect with Laira Thomas:
📸 Instagram - @LairaThomas
Join us for an open, honest, and emotionally supportive conversation about love, loss, and finding your way back to yourself.
🔊 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. Don’t forget to leave a review — your support keeps us connected!
00:00 Intro
02:55 Navigating the World of Dating Apps
07:38 Meeting People Organically
13:02 Presenting Yourself Online
21:28 Communicating in Relationships
32:57 Authenticity in Online Dating
35:04 Connecting with Others in Everyday Life
39:42 Navigating Divorce and Breakups
43:29 The Importance of Self-Awareness
In this episode of Reconnect with Laira Thomas, Laira sits down with Sari Fox, a life and mindset coach, mindfulness educator, and speaker. Together, they explore the key pillars of personal growth: self-awareness, skill development, and goal setting. Sari shares actionable strategies to build self-awareness, overcome fear, and set stretch goals that inspire lasting change. They dive into the emotional connection needed to stay committed to personal growth and the importance of cultivating a growth mindset to achieve meaningful transformation.
Find out more about Sari at sarifox.com and on Instagram @sarifoxy.
Follow Reconnect with Laira Thomas on your favorite podcast platforms. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a quick review to help others find the show!
Stay connected with Laira:
00:00 Intro
02:26 Practical Tips for Building Self-Awareness
07:27 Overcoming Fear in Skill Development
14:51 The Power of Goal Setting
20:37 Creating a Personal Development Plan
29:50 Rapid Fire Questions with Sari Fox
29:56 Exploring Self-Care and Relationships
32:26 Conclusion and How to Connect with Sari
In this episode, Laira sits down with award-winning filmmaker Lisa Rideout to discuss her acclaimed documentary Sex with Sue. The film offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Sue Johanson, Canada’s pioneering sex educator. Known for her fearless approach to discussing sexuality, Sue reshaped conversations about sex, making challenging topics accessible to audiences of all ages.
Lisa shares her creative journey in bringing Sue’s story to life, from collaborating with Sue’s daughter, Jane Johanson, to preserving Sue’s humor, honesty, and groundbreaking commitment to sexual education. Laira and Lisa reflect on Sue’s impact in creating a safe, inclusive space for people to discuss sexual health without shame or judgment.
Learn more about Lisa Rideout at lisakrideout.com.
Follow Reconnect with Laira Thomas on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Like, subscribe, and leave a quick review to support the show!
Stay connected with Laira:
00:00 Intro
04:56 Challenges and Controversies
10:59 Sue's Unique Approach and Humor
15:59 Modern Sex Education and Influences
22:45 Personal Reflections and Future Generations
28:53 Modeling Comfort and Honesty in Sex Education
34:10 The Evolution of Sex Education
38:38 Accessing the Documentary and Its Global Reach
40:19 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
42:13 Sue's Timeless Influence and Final Thoughts
In the premiere episode of Reconnect with Laira Thomas, Laira sits down with Casey and Meygan Caston, founders of Marriage365, to discuss their journey of transforming their marriage from struggle to deep connection. They share practical tools, including their accessible online therapy program, aimed at helping couples build healthier relationships.
Casey and Meygan unpack key topics such as effective communication, emotional connection, and the impact of early life experiences. They provide actionable strategies for overcoming intimacy issues, introducing tools like the four-step apology process, connecting question packs, and revisiting cherished memories.
Learn more about Casey and Meygan Caston at marriage365.com.
Follow Reconnect with Laira Thomas on all podcast platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with others!
Stay connected with Laira:
00:00 Intro
06:26 Practical Tools for Couples
10:04 Connecting Through Questions
12:33 Emotional and Sexual Intimacy
19:05 Date Ideas for Hurting Couples
25:13 Rebuilding Trust in Relationships
30:49 Personal Growth and Its Impact on Marriage
38:18 Setting Healthy Boundaries
43:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion
Whether you are on the road to self-discovery, on the dating scene or in a long-term relationship, we all want better connections. Re/connect will dive into each of these areas with great guests who specialize in their field.
Hosted by Laira Thomas, a Facilitator talking about connections, intimacy and sex. Re/connect will get you thinking about the ways we can examine our behavior, form stronger relationships and figure out what kind of changes we can make to get what we want out of life.
