Welcome to a bold conversation you didn’t know you needed. In this groundbreaking episode, host Ed Coambs sits down with Angela Skurtu—licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and all-around force of nature—for a candid, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about the unexpected but undeniable connection between sex and money. If you've ever felt anxiety talking about either topic, this episode is your permission slip to get curious and playfully explore the intimacy and financial patterns in your relationship. From breaking taboos to redefining orgasms (yes, financial ones too), Angela shares practical wisdom, contagious energy, and a refreshing take on how couples can stop friend-zoning each other and start building passionate, connected, and abundant lives—both in bed and at the bank. Let’s get it on!

Key Takeaways:

• How does our relationship with sex mirror our relationship with money—and why do both often feel like ticking emotional bombs?

• What role does communication and shared responsibility play in reviving intimacy and financial connection in long-term relationships?

• How can couples move beyond performance goals (like orgasm or saving) to enjoy the full journey of sexual and financial intimacy?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Sex, money, and emotional taboos

(03:45) - Best friends who stop having sex

(05:30) - Why sex feels like a “bomb” in the room

(08:00) - Why money and sex both trigger fight-or-flight

(10:30) - Casual conversations about sex

(13:00) - Sexual play, orgasms, and how goals get in the way

(16:00) - Religion, shame, and how belief systems shape our sexual identities

(19:00) - Redefining sex as exploration, not performance

(25:00) - Money as playful math

(27:00) - Emotional and physical intimacy

(29:00) - The real skill behind great sex and strong finances

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Sex and money in relationships, Couples therapy for intimacy, Financial and sexual wellness, Overcoming shame around sex, Marriage and money communication tips

Mentions:

Website: https://openbedroomdoors.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-skurtu-01008822

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at ed@healthyloveandmoney.com

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

In today’s episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, Ed is joined by the incredible Brooklyn Brock — a trailblazing financial planner who specializes in helping dual-career couples navigate the complex intersection of love, work, and money. Brooklyn opens up about her own journey as part of a dual-career couple and shares deeply personal insights into the challenges and breakthroughs that come with balancing two ambitious careers under one roof. Together, Ed and Brooklyn dive into the emotional realities behind financial planning, the art of crafting a "couple's contract," and how self-discovery is a hidden — but critical — ingredient in building thriving relationships and financial futures. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a working professional, or simply striving for a healthier relationship with your partner and money, this episode will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and inspired.

Key Takeaways:

• How can dual-career couples create a "couple’s contract" to align their values, boundaries, and fears in both life and career decisions?

• Why is self-discovery essential for individuals and couples when navigating major career and financial transitions?

• How do entrepreneurs balance the emotional realities of business ownership with maintaining a healthy relationship and financial plan?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Statistics on dual-career couples and early career challenges

(05:00) - Creating a “couple’s contract” for career and life decisions

(08:00) - The role of self-discovery in financial and relationship planning

(10:00) - Balancing entrepreneurship and personal life as a couple

(14:00) - Navigating individuation and renegotiating relationship roles

(17:00) - Double primary vs. double secondary career models

(20:00) - Importance of revisiting career and life expectations

(24:00) - Emotional impact of entrepreneurship on relationships

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Dual-career couples, Financial planning for entrepreneurs, Couples career balance, Self-discovery in relationships, Navigating career transitions together

Mentions:

Website: https://www.ellevateadvisors.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooklynbrock

Mentions:  ”Couples That Work" by Jennifer Petriglieri

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at ed@healthyloveandmoney.com

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

In today’s powerful conversation, Ed welcomes back the insightful and trailblazing Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, financial therapist, author, and educator, to explore the emotional undercurrents of our financial lives. From her innovative work at the University of Michigan to her unique blend of social work and financial literacy, Lindsay shares how she’s creating safe, inclusive spaces for real financial healing. Together, Ed and Lindsay unpack the emotional weight of money, how to know if financial therapy is right for you, and why understanding your money story is essential no matter your background or bank account balance. Whether you're a professional in the financial or mental health field or someone trying to make peace with your money, this episode is full of powerful truths, personal reflections, and practical guidance. Tune in for a deeply affirming and thought-provoking journey into the heart of money, emotion, and healing.

Key Takeaways:

• How can financial therapy help people address the emotional side of money beyond traditional financial literacy?

• What makes group-based financial empowerment programs effective across diverse backgrounds and experiences?

• What should you consider when choosing a financial therapist, and how do you know if it's the right fit for your needs?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - The emotional weight of money conversations

(02:30) - Financial empowerment program

(09:00) - Program structure and future plans at CEW+

(16:00) - Transitioning from one-on-one work to group education

(22:00) - When financial therapy is the missing piece

(28:00) - The boundaries of financial vs. mental health support

(32:00) - The importance of cross-trained professionals

(34:00) - Encouragement for listeners to find support

(35:00) - How to bring up financial therapy with a partner

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Money and mental health, Financial empowerment workshops, How to find a financial therapist, Emotional side of money, University of Michigan

Mentions:

Website: https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaybryanpodvin

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at ed@healthyloveandmoney.com

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.