Episode 34 - Talking Sex as a Powerhouse Woman with Intimacy Expert, Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus

Sex and intimacy are topics of vulnerability- even for powerhouse women. Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, associate sociologist, and relationship and communication expert joins Tracy today for some juicy but important conversation. 

Dr. Jenn loves asking questions. Everything from why we create an armour for self-protection, trusting our intuition to are we really happy with our level of vulnerability and sexual intimacy in our relationships? Forging her career path as a 20-year-old Jennifer began asking all the right questions, approaching students in university dorms to discuss sexual health.

In today’s Powerhouse episode, Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus discusses her love of working with and teaching both couples and singles how to be happy and satisfied at any stage of your life or under varying circumstances. Dr. Jenn’s teachings are inspiring and thought-provoking on how we can lead our lives with passion and intimacy instead of simply checking a box on auto pilot. 

Tune into today’s episode to to learn more about having conversations around sex & intimacy to improve your own relationship.

In This Episode: 

[03:25] Dr. Jenn’s take on why sex should be a huge part of women’s well-being and empowerment retreats or conferences

[06:35] How Dr. Jenn’s college gig as Sexual Health Peer Educator led her to work in this field

[14:37] The “Good Girl” ideology and how that affected the sexuality of women who grew up in the United States

[19:01] How intimacy is more than just physical- it’s also about mental, emotional, social, and possibly a spiritual connection with someone else

[28:29] Body image and its effects on relationships- married or dating - get to the root of this to feel good in your own skin 

[38:42] Covid-19 and its effects on relationships and intimacy

[42:26] Dr. Jenn’s advice for successful single powerhouse women finding their partner 

Key Takeaways: 

The heart of intimacy requires the courage and skill-building of communicating and letting your walls down to your partner.

Women should understand that their pleasure is equally as important as their partner’s and lean into openly communicating even when it feels vulnerable.

Allowing yourself to be vulnerable with a partner in a sexual aspect can help you make connections on a deeper level that allow you each a more intimate and elevated level of acceptance.

Quotes:

“The heart of intimacy is letting your walls down and letting someone else do it and be seen, accepted, and loved just for who you are.” - Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus

“It's not just about sex. It's the vulnerability, it's the intimacy. It's the ability to lean into what pleasures you openly with your partner and allow yourself to let your guard down.” - Tracy Holland

CONNECTIONS:

For more about Jennifer Gunsaullus, follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Also, be sure to check out Dr. Jenn's Den.

Check out our website, Potential to Powerhouse, for more details and to learn about past, present, and future guests. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and join our Facebook Community for a deeper connection with the P2P tribe.

Grab your free copy of our guide, 4 Daily Habits Essential to Becoming a POWERHOUSE Entrepreneur, and don’t forget to subscribe to our show and leave a rating and review. Do you know any other female powerhouses that could benefit from listening? If so, please let them know to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever they like to listen to valuable audio content.

Until next time… High Five!

BIO:  

Jennifer Gunsaullus is Relationship and Sex Speaker, Intimacy Expert, Author & Educator. 

Her sociology and sexology career path began as a 20 year old, approaching students in university dorms to discuss sexual health in the early 1990’s.

Since then Dr. Jenn has become a frequent speaker on sexual consent, healthy relationships, body image, women’s sexual empowerment, sexual health, and mindfulness. 

She has presented two TEDx Talks, is a writer on sex and relationships, and a recurring intimacy expert on the San Diego morning news.

Dr. Jenn has over 1.5 million views on her In the Den with Dr. Jenn YouTube video series and is an active philanthropist with Women Give San Diego, the founder of World Sexual Health Day--San Diego, and on the executive team for Sex Positive San Diego.