Foreplay Replay - Alcohol -- Gas Pedal or Brake?

Foreplay Replay - Alcohol -- Gas Pedal or Brake?

Author: Cloud10 February 16, 2026 Duration: 31:14
"Sometimes popping two gummies on vacation helps us have really great sex!" "I really need that glass of wine to get me in the mood!" "Smelling alcohol on your breath is such a turnoff!" As couples and sex therapists, we've talked to thousands of partners about how alcohol and substances affect their relationships. Sometimes couples report that alcohol is a major block to sexual connection, others share that it can help them get out of their heads and make sex more enjoyable. In your relationship, is alcohol a gas pedal or a brake? Meaning it turns you on and helps with desire, arousal, orgasm or it shuts you down and you withdraw from sex. If seeing your partner drunk is a sexual brake, you may feel rejected by their advances because they wouldn't typically act like that sober. If alcohol is a gas pedal, you may feel your inhibition lower and it's more comfortable to access thoughts about sex and connection to your body. Listen to this episode as George and Laurie discuss the function of alcohol in sex and relationships and what you may need to explore underneath if it is a gas pedal or brake. Our hosts approach this topic with non-judgement and are explicit that alcohol and substance use runs on a wide spectrum and affects people in many ways. We know this may open up myriad reactions from our listeners and we welcome your feedback! As always, thank you for listening and keep it hot, y'all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world where conversations about intimacy often get reduced to cliches or awkward silence, Brave Love Great Sex-Couples Therapy Podcast offers a different space. Hosted by certified sex therapist Dr. Laurie Watson and renowned couples therapist George Faller, LMFT, this is a dialogue that goes beyond simple advice. Each episode is built on a foundation of professional expertise and compassionate honesty, tackling the real, sometimes messy, intersections of emotional connection and physical desire. You'll hear frank discussions that demystify therapy, explore relationship dynamics, and address the challenges and joys of maintaining a vibrant, erotic bond within a committed partnership. The conversations are designed to be both fascinating and practical, moving from broader concepts of love and trust to specific discussions about sexual intimacy and technique. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about providing hope and actionable insights for couples who want to deepen their understanding of each other. By listening to this podcast, you gain access to a rare combination of perspectives, where a focus on sexual health and a focus on relational fitness come together. It’s for anyone in a long-term relationship seeking to nurture both the brave love and the great sex that can sustain it for the long haul.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Brave Love Great Sex – Couples Therapy Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Foreplay Replay - She Needs to Get Ready; He Needs to Get Going [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
She needs more foreplay and he doesn’t wanna lose his erection. Women need a slow patter of arousal to reach the best climax. Men when they’re on sildenafil (viagra, etc.) need to use their erection - soon. This is a fam…
499: Novelty in the Bedroom: Hot or Not? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:09
Does introducing sexual novelty spice things up or turn things sour? Join us today for a conversation on how and when to introduce bringing something new into the bedroom? Research suggests that novelty in long-term rela…
Foreplay Replay - Women Who Don’t Like Sex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:16
So many women seem to just give up on sex. Maybe they reach menopause and they’re done with sex. Or maybe well before menopause , she and her partner haven’t gotten through to each other and sex stops. Or if sex continue…
498: Who Taught You about Sex? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:05
In today's episode, we discuss the messages we received about sex and who taught us about it. Join hosts, Laurie and George in this exploration to uncover 'who taught me about sex and what lessons did I receive?' For man…
Foreplay Replay - What Shuts Her Down Sexually? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:38
The million maybe billion-dollar question: how do we increase low sexual desire in women? Laurie and George discuss what is shutting down sexual desire in women. George gets it right by saying women often put everyone el…
497: How to Have More Freedom in Sex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:54
In today's episode, we discuss freedom in your sex life. Three simple questions to ask of each other: What freedom do you need to explore? What do you need freedom from and where do you need the freedom to say no? Join h…
Foreplay Replay - Flattery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
Everyone wants to feel desired certainly. But the research shows that for women - being desired, hearing their partner's verbal admiration and open "want" - is very important to their turn on. When men are dating they in…
496: Better Sex in 30 Minutes a Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:49
In today's episode, we discuss the importance of caretaking in intimate relationships. Things can go awry when one partner is looking for affection, nurture or attunement and it's read as blame. We all need to be cared f…
Foreplay Replay - Losing Attraction - How to get it back! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
“I’m just not attracted to you anymore.” - OUCH!!!I Sounds like a showstopper doesn’t it? But Laurie and George have hope for you to get it back.We use our favorite acronym BEST SEX Conversations - to explore why people…
495: Overcoming Parallel Positions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
In today's episode we are discussing the "double hard." This is when partners are in the same position in each cycle. When the emotional pursuer is also the sexual pursuer and the emotional withdrawer is also the sexuall…