A Conversation on Real Connection & Ecstatic Intimacy

What do we actually long for in love?

In this episode, Shana James is joined by Joanna Shakti, founder and facilitator of Ecstatic Intimacy, for a rich conversation about authentic connection, emotional depth, and intimacy that doesn't require shrinking, over-giving, or shape-shifting to be loved.

Joanna introduces the concept of ecstatic authenticity — the shift from hiding parts of ourselves to keep the peace, to honoring who we truly are in relationship and lovemaking. From this place of authenticity, deeper emotional intimacy, trust, and soul-level connection become possible — and passion becomes grounded in honesty, support, and delight.

Together, Shana and Joanna also explore masculine and feminine energy not as rigid roles, but as living polarities (like yin and yang) that can create greater attraction, freedom, and aliveness in conscious relationships.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why authenticity is the gateway to deeper intimacy

• What it really means to feel fully seen, understood, and "gotten" in love

• How conscious conflict can become communion instead of disconnection

• A more liberating approach to masculine and feminine dynamics in intimacy

• The conscious path from authenticity → intimacy → ecstasy

If you're longing for a relationship where you can be fully yourself — and experience passion, devotion, and real connection — this conversation is for you.

Find out how to have the best love and sex of your life!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/burble
License code: OHMHFXBSHHFV307Z

On today's Practicing Love podcast, Shana James is joined by divorce coach and NLP practitioner Rachael Sloan for a powerful conversation about how relationships break down — and how they can be repaired before it's too late.

Rachael works primarily with men navigating separation and divorce and is the creator of the Better Beyond Divorce program. Together, Shana and Rachael explore emotional regulation, conflict, boundaries, survival responses, and the unconscious patterns that couples bring into relationships.

This episode is for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively, stay connected during conflict, and build a relationship that can weather hard moments with greater compassion and clarity.

It's a hopeful conversation about staying in love longer, even when things get hard, and how to stop the downward spirals that couples get stuck in.

Find out how to have the best love and sex of your life!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/burble
License code: 3XO0LDATK42BXEXU

Why does connection and communication break down in long-term relationships, even when love is still there?

In this episode of Practicing Love, Shana James and Hannah Chapman explore the hidden dynamics that cause couples to talk past each other, shut down, or feel chronically misunderstood. Drawing from vulnerable relationship experiences and decades of coaching, this conversation illuminates how defensive communication forms, what matters more than "being right," and how to rebuild connection over time.

You'll learn:

• Why long-term couples often repeat the same painful communication cycles
• The difference between defensive communication and open, connected dialogue
• How curiosity and nervous-system safety change dynamics
• What it really takes to rebuild emotional intimacy and trust
• How partners feel seen, heard, and met again

Whether you're feeling disconnected, stuck in recurring arguments, or longing for deeper closeness, this episode offers practical insight and hope for creating a relationship where communication becomes a source of connection, not conflict.

Find out how to have the best love and sex of your life!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/burble
License code: JYEBEACXSYUOYD5E