178: Emotional Closeness Builds Better Sex In Marriage

Podcast Guest: Chelom Leavitt

April 27th, 2026

178 Chelom

Listen to the Show:

In this Episode

In this episode, Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm welcome back Dr. Chelom Leavitt to explore the powerful connection between emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy in marriage. They discuss how vulnerability, mindfulness, and small daily habits can strengthen connection and improve long-term relationship satisfaction. Backed by research, this conversation highlights practical ways couples can build trust, deepen emotional closeness, and create a more fulfilling sexual relationship.

“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”

Chapters

00:00 – Emotional intimacy introduction
01:27 – Podcast welcome and guest intro
02:54 – What is emotional intimacy
03:44 – Emotional connection predicts sex
04:34 – Men vs women differences
05:20 – Biology and oxytocin explained
07:35 – Long-term satisfaction patterns
09:00 – Building emotional intimacy habits
09:42 – Daily connection and mindful hugs
11:24 – Small gestures matter most
12:36 – Mindfulness and body awareness
14:31 – Vulnerability builds trust
17:58 – Habits of emotionally close couples
18:57 – Intentional connection over time
21:32 – Emotional intimacy and safety
23:26 – Breaking relationship ruts
26:02 – Advice for engaged couples
28:35 – Honoring different needs
30:11 – Frequency vs connection
32:15 – Advice for men and women
34:18 – Practical daily habits recap
35:44 – Key to strong marriage
36:05 – Takeaway of the day

Insights

Chelom Leavitt: Invest in your future marriage by being emotionally vulnerable now—strong emotional foundations lead to deeper connection later.
Liz Hale: Have the courage to bring up vulnerable conversations, especially when you’re worried about your relationship’s direction.
Dave Schramm: Focus on building emotional intimacy first—consistently giving and connecting without expecting anything in return strengthens the relationship.

About Curtis

Dr. Chelom Leavitt received her PhD from Penn State. Chelom studies sexuality in committed relationships and examines how mindfulness during sex is associated with positive outcomes for men and women. Her recent publications include work on sexual mindfulness, how loneliness impacts relationships, forgiveness, infidelity, and men’s and women’s sexual response cycles and orgasm. Chelom is married to David Leavitt and they have nine children.

Chelom's Resources:

Web: https://drchelomleavitt.com/course

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchelomleavitt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askchelomleavitt#

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Dr. Dave Schramm:

https://drdaveschramm.com