Sexuality · Laura Jurgens, Ph.D.
by Laura Jurgens, Ph.D.
Formerly The Desire Gap Podcast Most people who feel disconnected from their desire, their pleasure, or their partners have spent years assuming something is wrong with them. It isn't. The disconnection is real — but it traces back to what most of us were never taught: how to be in our bodies fully, how to connect to each other authentically, how to know and ask for what we need without guilt or shame. Culture shapes that — the broader culture we inherit, and the family we grew up in — and it can be unlearned. Pleasure, secure attachment, and authentic desire are your birthright. You can learn what you were never taught — and unlearn what got in the way. Dr. Laura Jurgens is a somatic sex and intimacy specialist, Master Certified Intimacy Coach, American Board of Sexology Certified Sex Educator, and former research professor whose work sits at the intersection of nervous system science, attachment theory, and genuine embodied pleasure. Every episode delivers the somatic, body-based tools that generic relationship advice and most therapists miss entirely — because desire, pleasure, and connection aren't fixed by talking more. They're fixed by giving your body and your nervous system reparative experiences that shift you out of your past. This show covers: getting out of your head during sex · low libido and what actually helps · somatic and nervous system approaches to intimacy · desire discrepancy and mismatched libido · secure attachment and relationship repair · sexual shame and body disconnection · how to talk about sex without fighting · ADHD and desire · the orgasm gap and why it exists · reclaiming pleasure on your own terms. Whether you've tried therapy, books, date nights, or just quietly wondering why intimacy feels harder than it should — this show will help you understand why those things don't move the needle — and what does. New episodes weekly. Start wherever you are. Free resource: Get Out of Your Head — A Starter Guide to Releasing the Pressure, Shame, and "Shoulds" Around Intimacy at https://laurajurgens.com/guideWheel of Erotic Emotions: https;//laurajurgens.com/wheelFor deeper analysis and the research behind desire, arousal, and attachment -- plus a chance to ask me questions, subscribe to my Substack here: https://laurajurgens.substack.com/
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Position in the Sexuality chart (US), last 90 days.
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This is an intelligent resource for navigating embodiment, desire, and desire gaps in sexuality. As a man partnered with a woman, I’ve found it applicable and informative for lots of what we navigate together. However, Dr Jurgens has a tendency to use the language of “socialization” to, for instance, lump trans men in with (cis) women. I think it’s an attempt to be inclusive that actually misses the boat on most trans experience, actual forms of socialization as our respective genders, and trans embodiment. I think further study on Dr Jurgens’ part here would improve her work and the podcast. Overall, especially for cis and/or hetero-partnered listeners, a really helpful resource with that caveat.
Laura’s work is insightful, grounding, and refreshingly practical. She breaks down topics in a way that’s easy to understand and genuinely implement, offering simple, compassionate steps that help you reconnect with yourself. It’s a thoughtful, accessible listen for anyone who wants a deeper, more honest connection with their own desire.
The episode on arousal styles so resonated w me. I had never heard of erotic trance and Laura explains this in a way I could not articulate or understand. I have struggled to explain this to my husband and why I am SO sensitive to certain stimuli & how some things are so distracting. I also feel like role play is definitely my secondary & can even help support my “trance”. Thank you!! I know this will be a great tool for communication w my partner / husband.
My wife and I have been to so many counselors over the last 26 years. The podcast has dramatically changed my perspective which is helped our relationship so much. Laura is real with you and cares about helping people find their intimacy in their relationships. My wife and I are going through coaching with her as well. Thank you for real support and a very short amount of time. All the counseling I’ve received over the last 26 years with little to no help! Laura has given us a path forward and just too short months. We are ready for the journey!!
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