Show notes
Sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman talks with Katie Runyon, co-founder of Faithful Fling, about using playful novelty and role play to break out of “roommate syndrome,” increase vulnerability, and strengthen emotional and sexual connection. Katie shares how a small comment from her husband during the early-kids years prompted her to get curious, take a risk, and create a fantasy scenario that helped her reconnect with her erotic self as “a mom and a sexy woman.” They discuss how stressors like parenting, work, finances, caregiving, and illness can dull intimacy, why making space for play matters, and how Faithful Fling provides detailed, consent-based role-play “flings” with prompts, character and location ideas, separate partner logins to reduce unmet expectations, optional name changes, and “fringe dates” for couples who want the structure without acting as different people.00:00 Show Intro00:45 Meet Katie Runyon01:49 Roommate Syndrome Story05:56 Why Novelty Works08:25 Stress and Permission12:03 Mid Episode Break12:30 What Is Faithful Fling15:52 Test Drive Example20:14 Authenticity Concerns23:34 How Often and Props25:58 Listener Feedback Stories29:21 Where to Find Them29:45 Podcast OutroYou can find Jessa's quizzes at https://www.desirediscrepancy.comBio:Katie Runyan is the co-creator of Faithful Fling and is widely known as “The Role-Play Expert.” She helps couples keep monogamy HOT and playful through imaginative, flirty role-play dates designed to spark connection and desire. With a degree in psychology and over 25 years of marriage to her high school sweetheart, Katie blends expertise and creativity to help others thrive in committed relationships. She’s passionate about encouraging couples to embrace novelty, fantasy, and playfulness as a way to strengthen their bond and keep date night exciting. Katie is on a mission to help couples break free from routine and make playful connection a regular part of their love story.Want to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.More info and resources:Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcastSecret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcastHow Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz –https://www.sexlifequiz.comThe Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com/iwecourseThe Book –https://www.sexwithoutstress.comAccess the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclassIntimacy with Ease is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jessazimmerman.substack.com/subscribe
