382: [Soapbox] Activities for connection

382: [Soapbox] Activities for connection

From Better Sex by Jessa Zimmerman

April 16, 2026 · 9 min

About this episode

Jessa Zimmerman discusses activities for couples to enhance connection, drawing from her training in MDMA-assisted therapy.

Sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman continues last week’s discussion about the potential of MDMA-assisted couples work, emphasizing she is not encouraging MDMA use because it remains a Schedule I illegal substance outside of research. Drawing from a recent 30-hour MDMA-assisted therapy training, she shares several couple “games” that can be helpful with or without an altered state: an appreciation game where partners slowly exchange gratitudes to deepen connection and nervous system regulation; a curiosity game focused on asking authentic, non-adversarial questions and answering truthfully (or passing); a simple difficult-conversation protocol that names fears, desired outcomes, and invites gentle response; and a win-win brainstorming question to generate solutions that meet both partners’ needs. She invites listeners to try the exercises and share feedback, and closes with podcast housekeeping and credits. 00:00 Welcome to Better Sex 00:46 MDMA and Couples Therapy 01:41 Legal Status and Disclaimer 02:51 Appreciation Game 03:51 Curiosity Game 05:04 Difficult Conversation Protocol 06:10 Win Win Brainstorming 07:30 Wrap Up and Listener Call 07:45 Outro and Credits Want to learn more…

People in this episode

Host: Jessa Zimmerman

Topics covered

  • MDMA-assisted therapy
  • couples connection
  • relationship games
  • communication exercises
  • emotional regulation

Keywords

  • MDMA
  • couples therapy
  • appreciation game
  • curiosity game
  • difficult conversations
  • relationship exercises

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Charity: Water

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