Dan's Website

In this episode, Courtney sits down with Dan, founder of Get Your Marriage On, for an honest, energizing conversation about intimacy, desire, and what it really takes to keep passion alive in long-term relationships. Together, they unpack the complexities of sexual connection—from the ways our cultural and family histories shape intimacy, to how couples can navigate the very normal experience of desire discrepancy without shame or blame.

Dan shares the personal journey that led him to develop his intimacy app, offering practical and playful tools that help couples communicate better, understand their individual needs, and bring more intentionality into their sex lives. The conversation dives into the difference between "horizontal" novelty (new experiences, fun ideas, trying things) and "vertical" novelty (deepening emotional connection), highlighting why both matter for desire to thrive.

Throughout the episode, Courtney and Dan emphasize that great sex is built on a foundation of emotional intimacy, personal growth, and daily micro-moments of connection. From scheduling intentional time together to embracing small, consistent acts of affection, they offer couples a roadmap for reigniting passion in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and deeply satisfying.

This episode is a reminder that sexual connection isn't something you luck into—it's something you build, nurture, and grow together. When couples invest in intimacy, they unlock not just better sex, but a deeper, more fulfilling partnership.

Takeaways

-Connection can be multifaceted, including cultural and familial ties.
-Sexual connection can be both a source of disconnection and connection in relationships.
-Desire discrepancies are common in marriages and can be managed through communication.
-The presence of desire differences isn't the problem; how couples handle them is key.
-Intimacy requires self-confrontation and understanding one's own needs and desires.
-Novelty in intimacy can be categorized into horizontal and vertical experiences.
-Personal growth is essential for maintaining passion in long-term relationships.
-Scheduling connection activities can enhance intimacy and lead to better sexual experiences.
-Small daily acts of intimacy can lead to significant progress in relationships.
-Intimacy is a foundation for great sex, and investing in it can unlock deeper connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection
03:31 Exploring Sexual Connection
09:00 The Journey to Intimacy
13:31 Desire Discrepancy in Relationships
18:04 Understanding Intimacy and Self-Confrontation
21:18 The Essence of Healthy Selfishness in Intimacy
24:38 Exploring Novelty in Long-Term Relationships
28:15 The Importance of Personal Growth in Relationships
30:44 Connection as the Foundation for Intimacy
42:03 Challenging the Norms of Passion in Relationships

In this heart-expanding episode, Coco Plank and Olivia Reighley explore the many layers of parenting — from building structure and instilling values to cultivating creativity, connection, and joy. Together, they reflect on how to nurture children with clear principles while leaving space for freedom, fun, and self-expression.

The conversation flows from family dinner rituals to ice cream moments, weaving in the role of creativity through clothing as a form of identity and play for kids. They discuss sharing, the importance of seeing the best in everyone, and the balance of energy within family relationships — how each person's rhythm affects the whole.

Coco and Olivia also reflect on the parable of the porcupines, a timeless story about community and connection — how we sometimes prick each other in closeness, yet still need one another to stay warm. It's a reminder that relationships, though imperfect, are where growth and grace live.

Ultimately, this episode is about finding the sweet balance — between discipline and delight, individuality and togetherness — and understanding that parenting, like connection itself, is an energy exchange grounded in love.

✨ Takeaways:

• Parenting thrives on both structure and spontaneity.

• Clear principles help children feel grounded and secure.

• Creativity in clothing and play allows self-expression.

• Sharing teaches empathy and community-mindedness.

• Believing in the best in others fosters connection.

• Energy balance within families shapes harmony.

• The porcupine parable reminds us that closeness can both comfort and challenge.

• Fun and flexibility are forms of nurturing.

• Relationships are the foundation for growth and joy.

• Parenting is an evolving dance of energy, love, and connection.

Sally's Website

In this heartfelt episode of Project Connection, we sit down with Sally Plank, LCSW, for a powerful conversation about healing from the inside out. Sally opens up about her personal experience with neurodivergence and how it has shaped her understanding of stress, regulation, and the nervous system. She shares what she calls "the stress edge" — that moment when overwhelm meets awareness — and how learning to ground herself transformed her relationship with her body and her life.

Through her story, Sally reminds us that healing isn't about perfection — it's about presence. From simple grounding practices to deep self-attunement, she offers wisdom on how to reconnect with yourself and find stability in a world that often feels too fast and too loud.

If you've ever felt stuck in stress or searching for balance, this episode will inspire you to slow down, tune in, and discover the power of coming home to your body.