Intimacy Evolution
The podcast that helps you enjoy deeper connection and more intimacy in your relationships. Join Brianna & Mark Carey, a wife & husband duo, as they discuss desire, intimacy and how to embrace the changes within your relationship. They share from their experiences, have guest interviews to bring new tips & perspectives on how to be intentional with the attention you give your relationship.
Brianna is a relationship and intimacy coach with 16 years of experience as a women's sexual health educator. Mark is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been running his private practice for 8 years. Together, they help couples create the relationships they crave.
Intimacy Evolution
How to Stay Connected as a Couple During the Holidays (Without the Stress) -- ep 68
In this episode of Intimacy Evolution, we’re diving into one of the most common challenges couples face: staying connected during the holidays. Between family expectations, overloaded schedules, childhood programming, and unspoken obligations, the holiday season can easily create distance between partners. In fact, research shows that stress, increased responsibilities, and family dynamics contribute to a spike in relationship conflict during November and December.
We explore the difference between obligation energy and choice energy—and how operating from obligation often leads to resentment, overwhelm, and emotional shutdown. You’ll hear how to shift into choice-based decision-making that supports intimacy, teamwork, and grounded connection.
Inside this conversation, we unpack:
- How childhood traditions shape your current holiday expectations
- Why visiting family can trigger anxiety or old identity patterns
- How to create shared traditions instead of defaulting to what you “should” do
- Practical ways to reduce stress, overstimulation, and schedule overload
- A simple reflection process to identify what actually feels nourishing
- Our “scale system” for navigating events, in-law dynamics, and overstimulation
- How to support each other when one partner feels overwhelmed
- Why so many couples argue—or feel disconnected—during the holidays
- How to prioritize emotional closeness and partnership even during busy seasons
Whether you’re navigating family expectations, figuring out boundaries, or trying to prevent holiday burnout, this episode will give you the clarity and language to stay connected as a team.
You’re not alone in this—holiday challenges are incredibly common. This episode will help you move through the season with more intention, compassion, and connection.
Join us for our free webinar all about staying connected through the holidays! Thursday, December 18th at 7pm CST
Connect with Bri:
Instagram: @_brianna_carey_
Connect with Mark:
Instagram: @mark_carey_
Website: IntimacyEvolution.com
Get cozy with 10% off your Love Blanket!
Code: Intimacy10
Newsletter: Click here to enjoy weekly newsletter with juicy tips we can't share on social media. Plus be the first to know when we launch new events & programs!