The Love Doc Podcast

• Episode 23 | Season II: “The Wisest Person Dr. Hensley Has Ever Met”

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 23 | Season II “The Wisest Person Dr. Hensley Has Ever Met”In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley introduces listeners to someone who has been quietly woven into the fabric of her story for many years—her dear friend Ashley Endenstrom. If you’ve been a loyal listener, you’ve likely heard Dr. Hensley mention Ashley many times, often referring to her as the vessel that led her to seek a relationship with Jesus.The episode begins with Ashley courageously sharing her personal testimony—one shaped by heartbreak, unwavering faith, and profound redemption. From the pain of failed relationships to being told she would never bear children, and even the devastating loss of a child, Ashley’s story is nothing short of miraculous. Today, she is the proud and joy-filled mother of five healthy children, all conceived naturally. Her journey is one of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of faith.As the conversation unfolds, Dr. Hensley opens up about the pivotal season in her life when God placed Ashley in her path. It was a time marked by unimaginable pain: the loss of her ex-husband, navigating grief with her children, her mother’s cancer diagnosis, a turbulent relationship with a dismissive avoidant partner, and even a painful fracture in her friendship with Raina. Through Ashley’s steadfast faith and presence, God worked powerfully—restoring, healing, and holding space for Sarah in ways that would change her life forever.Throughout the episode, Ashley offers multiple Bible verses that beautifully reflect the unwavering love and grace of Christ, weaving scripture into real-life moments of redemption and resilience. Dr. Hensley also reflects on the many pieces of wisdom Ashley has poured into her life over the years—what she lovingly calls “Ashleyisms.” These are the heartfelt phrases, profound one-liners, and gentle truths that have anchored Sarah in some of her most difficult seasons. Many of these sayings have become personal touchstones for Dr. Hensley, quietly shaping her faith, her healing, and the way she shows up in her practice and in her life.Listeners will hear all three women's personal faith journeys and how they have grown and deepened over the years—and how their relationship with Christ has enriched every part of their lives.Important Note: This episode is deeply Christian-based and speaks openly and candidly about faith in Jesus Christ. Both Raina and Dr. Hensley believe in creating an inclusive space for everyone while honoring their personal spiritual journeys. If this message doesn’t align with your beliefs, feel free to skip this episode with love and respect.For those who are seeking a closer connection with God—or are simply curious about what that might look like—this episode offers a heartfelt invitation to experience Christ’s love. Ashley’s gentle wisdom, combined with Dr. Hensley and Raina’s shared reflections, create a deeply intimate conversation about faith, healing, and divine love.The central message of this episode is beautifully simple yet profoundly true: God is Love.And if you are searching for more in your life—more peace, more meaning, more connection, more healing—our hope is that you’ll open your heart to the possibility of that love.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyLinks to books referenced in episode: "Experiencing God" -- https://a.co/d/buOZbDD"The Inner Voice of Love" -- https://a.co/d/gOhSRJ1Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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• Episode 22, Season II— “When the Spark Fades: Healing Sex, Shame, and Connection After Kids” with special guest Dr. Rebecca Eudy

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 22, Season II — “When the Spark Fades: Healing Sex, Shame, and Connection After Kids”In this powerful and deeply intimate episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley sits down with licensed couples and sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, author of the newly released book "A Guide to Great Sex After Kids," to talk about one of the most quietly painful topics many couples face—what happens to intimacy after children. Together, they pull back the curtain on the real, research-backed struggles couples encounter as they try to reconnect sexually amid exhaustion, identity shifts, and the invisible weight of modern parenting.Dr. Eudy, like Dr. Hensley, draws on attachment science to explain how emotional safety is the foundation of erotic safety. When partners feel unseen, unvalidated, or emotionally disconnected, the body interprets closeness as pressure rather than pleasure. Dr. Eudy and the host discuss how postpartum changes, stress, and shifting roles can quietly activate old attachment wounds—anxious partners fearing rejection, avoidant partners withdrawing under the weight of expectation—and how rebuilding emotional intimacy often becomes the key to reviving sexual desire.They also dive head-on into the topic of sexual shame, a quiet force that can fracture even the strongest partnerships. Dr. Eudy beautifully normalizes that nearly everyone carries some form of sexual trauma—whether from past relationships, body image conditioning, or religious and cultural scripts—and she reminds listeners that this doesn’t make anyone broken. Instead, she frames it as an invitation to heal. Through gentle language and tangible examples, she shows how curiosity, self-compassion, and vulnerability can transform shame into connection.Another core theme of the episode is self-exploration—both emotional and physical. Dr. Eudy highlights the importance of learning your own body again after children, reclaiming desire through self-pleasure, and maintaining openness about what truly feels good. Masturbation, body awareness, and honest communication aren’t just acts of indulgence, she explains—they’re pathways back to self-ownership and authenticity, the very things that sustain long-term intimacy.By the end of the episode, Dr. Hensley and Dr. Eudy remind listeners that great sex isn’t just about chemistry or technique; it’s about the emotional and relational ecosystem in which that intimacy lives. When couples learn to meet one another’s emotional needs, regulate their nervous systems, and release the weight of shame, they don’t just revive their sex lives—they rediscover safety, joy, and connection in every corner of their relationship. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has ever wondered where their spark went—and who’s ready to bring it back, with compassion, science, and a renewed sense of wholeness.Please checkout Dr. Rebecca Eudy and her newly released book at:Rebeccaeudy.comInstagram @rebeccahowardeudy.comBook: https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Love-Guide-Great-After/dp/1683738551Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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• Episode 21, Season 2: “The Pain of the Dismissive Avoidant”

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.In this powerful and deeply illuminating episode Dr. Sarah Hensley in Social Psychology, and Raina Butcher dive into one of the most misunderstood emotional landscapes in attachment science: the inner world of the Dismissive Avoidant. For decades, the dismissive avoidant has been stereotyped as cold, unfeeling, and incapable of emotional depth. But Dr. Hensley dismantles that myth with compassion and scientific clarity. Beneath their carefully constructed armor lies some of the deepest, oldest pain of all the attachment styles—a pain so profound that many DA’s have learned to dissociate from it entirely just to survive.Dr. Hensley traces these wounds back to their roots in childhood. Many dismissive avoidants grew up in environments where emotional needs were consistently minimized, ignored, or even shamed. A child who learns that their emotional world is unsafe or “too much” often adapts by shutting it down altogether. That shutdown becomes their survival strategy—one they unknowingly carry into adulthood. But here’s the truth that often goes unseen: that shutdown is not the absence of feeling; it is the presence of invisible pain. Pain from years of not being held emotionally. Pain from learning early on that vulnerability equals danger. Pain that becomes so overwhelming that the only way to cope is to turn it off.Inside adult romantic relationships, this creates a painful paradox. The DA’s partner often experiences the excruciating sting of their distance—their tendency to pull away when connection deepens, their inability to express what’s going on internally, their preference for solitude over closeness. But underneath that distance is a nervous system that is terrified of being emotionally seen as too much or dismissed for feeling. Their detachment isn’t because they don’t care. It’s because the pain is simply too much to face. Dr. Hensley and Raina explore how healing for dismissive avoidants isn’t about “learning more.” It’s about learning how to build capacity around feeling safely for the first time. And when they do heal—when they slowly reconnect with the parts of themselves they’ve locked away for years—many report experiencing real joy for the first time in their adult lives. Joy in connection. Joy in trust. Joy in finally coming home to themselves. As Dr. Hensley shares, this journey requires a gentle, measured, and safe container—one that honors their pace rather than overwhelms it. That’s exactly why The Love Doc Hybrid Group Coaching Program has become a powerful healing space for so many dismissive avoidants. The program allows participants to remain anonymous if they choose, and the information is micro-dosed in digestible layers, so DA’s can process at their own speed without pressure or exposure. In fact, many FA/DA couples who’ve gone through Dr. Hensley’s program report breakthroughs they once thought were impossible.Whether you love someone with a dismissive avoidant attachment style—or you are one—this episode offers both scientific insight and a path forward. Pain may have shaped their past, but it does not have to define their future.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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• Episode 20, Season 2: "Monthly Q&A – Questions from Our Private Facebook Community"

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 20, Season 2: "Monthly Q&A with Dr. Hensley – Questions from Our Private Facebook Community"In this month’s special Q&A edition of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley opens the floor to you—our loyal listeners and members of the Love Doc Clients & Community Facebook group. After reading through dozens of insightful and deeply personal questions submitted by the community, Dr. Hensley sits down to answer as many as she can in one heartfelt episode. These are real questions from real people—many of whom are courageously navigating the complexities of insecure attachment, emotional neglect, and the challenges of modern relationships.As expected, a major theme emerges: the Dismissive Avoidant attachment style—that emotionally elusive, often misunderstood blueprint that so many of you struggle to make sense of. Why do they retreat just as things start to feel close? Can they truly change? What does healing look like with someone who seems emotionally unavailable? Dr. Hensley dives deep into these questions, unpacking the psychology of avoidance while also addressing broader themes such as self-abandonment, boundary setting, and nervous system regulation in love and partnership.If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why do I love people who can’t meet me halfway?”—this episode will feel like a conversation you’ve needed for years.And if you’re not yet part of the free, private Love Doc Clients & Community group, consider this your invitation to join a supportive, trauma-informed space where you can connect, ask questions anonymously, and receive guidance grounded in science and compassion. ➡️ Join the group here.Month after month from here on out Dr. Hensley will be answering your most pressing questions directly on the podcast. Keep your questions coming—because your healing matters here.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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• Episode 19, Season II: “Attachment Across the Generations: How Our Past Shapes Our Present”

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 19, Season II: “Attachment Across the Generations: How Our Past Shapes Our Present”In this episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley dives into a thought-provoking exploration of how attachment styles have been shaped and reshaped across multiple generations. While research in this area is still developing, Dr. Hensley shares her insights, blending the data we do have with her own professional expertise and observations from years of working with clients. Together, she and Raina reflect on how cultural norms, economic conditions, and parenting trends have influenced the way each generation both experiences and passes down attachment.We begin with The Greatest Generation aka the Silent Generation (1928–1945), who were shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. Their attachment strategies often leaned toward survival, self-sacrifice, and stoicism—traits that helped them endure hardship but often left emotional needs unspoken. This foundation directly influenced the Baby Boomers (1946–1964), who grew up in a time of post-war prosperity, suburban expansion, and cultural shifts. While this generation had greater stability, many were raised by emotionally distant parents still carrying war scars, creating a paradox of material abundance alongside emotional gaps.Next, we move to Generation X (1965–1980), often called the “latchkey kids.” With both parents working and divorce rates climbing, many Gen X children learned independence early but often struggled with consistent emotional attunement at home. This set the stage for Millennials (1981–1996), who came of age in a rapidly globalizing world of technology, economic instability, and shifting social values. Millennials were raised with more open conversations about emotions but also felt the weight of high expectations, student debt, and uncertain futures—all of which influence how they form and sustain attachments today.Finally, we turn to Gen Z (1997–2012) and Gen Alpha (2013–present), the most digital-native generations. Gen Z has grown up amidst political polarization, social media pressures, and the mental health crisis, shaping a cohort that is both highly self-aware and often highly anxious. Gen Alpha, still in childhood, is being raised by Millennials who are more intentional about emotional intelligence, attachment security, and breaking cycles—but also parenting in a world defined by technology, climate concerns, and shifting cultural landscapes.Dr. Hensley and Raina bring compassion and clarity to this conversation, showing how the ripple effects of one generation’s experiences can echo for decades. At the heart of the discussion is a message of hope: while each generation carries wounds, each also has the opportunity to break cycles, build secure attachments, and create healthier family units for the future.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTENERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Cozy Earth promo code: LOVEDOC for 40% off at Luxury Bedding and Loungewear | Cozy EarthBedJet promo link for our listeners: bedjet.com/lovedocArmra promo code: LOVEDOC for 15% off at https://armra.com/LOVEDOCPatreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s self-paced coaching program: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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