meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Pillow Talks

E251: What’s Your Desire Type? Our NEW Framework for Understanding What You and Your Partner Really Want

Pillow Talks

Vanessa & Xander Marin

Sexuality, Health & Fitness

4.82.6K Ratings

🗓️ 12 March 2026

⏱️ 65 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

We’re talking about something that explains so much of the tension couples feel around sex and desire. And no — it’s not about having a “high” or “low” libido. Desire isn’t as simple as being “in the mood” or not. It’s shaped by how desire shows up for you — in your brain or your body — and when you want intimacy — before or after emotional connection. When you combine those two dynamics, you get four distinct Desire Types. This is a framework we created to help couples finally understand why they might feel like they’re not on the same page when it comes to intimacy. Understanding yours (and your partner’s) desire type can completely change the way you approach sex, connection, and feeling wanted — without blame, shame, or pressure. 💛 In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between spontaneous (brain-first) and responsive (body-first) desire. Why some people want sex to create connection — and others need connection first. The four Desire Types and the strengths and challenges of each. Why your type might shift depending on stress, life stage, or relationship season. How to use this framework to open up better conversations with your partner. We’ll walk you through simple prompts to help you figure out your type, then break down what each combination looks like in real life. No stereotypes. No “one of you is broken” narratives. Just a clear, compassionate way to understand how you want sex — and why your partner might want it differently. If you’ve ever felt mismatched, confused, or frustrated around desire… this episode might be the clarity you’ve been missing. 🔗 Links & Resources 🔥Discover Your Desire Type Here Want to know your type for sure? Learn your Desire Type and get personalized insight into how you experience desire — plus what it means for your relationship. 👉 Take the quiz here: https://free.vmtherapy.com/sex-drive-type ✨ Your relationship called. It wants a little more… fun. The Spark is our monthly cheat code for connection + intimacy. Connection questions, date nights, and a new position to try — delivered fresh every month for just $9! 👉🏻 Get your Spark back here: http://vmtherapy.com/spark 🎧 Stay connected: 📸 Follow us on Instagram ➡️ **https://instagram.com/vanessaandxander** 💌 Get our weekly email — with behind-the-scenes stories, expert tips, and so many sex puns. Sign up here 👉🏻 vmtherapy.com/subscribe 🎧 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Pillow Talks wherever you listen to pods! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Inevitably, anytime Zander and I are talking to a couple who's struggling in any way with their sex life, there is one partner who's brain first, one partner who's body first.

0:10.0

There's one partner who wants emotional connection first.

0:12.6

There's one partner who wants physical connection first.

0:15.3

And yeah, I can just feel like this absolute gridlock.

0:24.2

Hello, Anthony. this absolute gridlock. Hello and welcome to the Pillow Talks podcast.

0:27.7

We're your host, Vanessa.

0:29.1

And Zander Marin.

0:30.3

I'm a sex therapist with over 20 years of experience.

0:33.3

And I'm just a regular dude.

0:34.9

We share the ups and downs in our relationship

0:37.0

while giving you step-by-step techniques for improving yours.

0:40.6

Make sure you subscribe for your weekly double date full of totally doable sex tips, practical relationship advice,

0:47.2

hilarious and honest stories of what really goes on behind closed bedroom doors and so much more.

0:53.4

It's the sex education you wish you'd had.

0:57.8

I am so excited about today's episode because we are going to be sharing a brand new model

1:03.9

for understanding desire.

1:07.0

We get asked about desire all the time.

1:10.1

It's absolutely one of like the top three concerns that couples have in long-term relationships.

1:14.9

It might be the number one. Concern that we have. And it's a tricky one because most people try to ask really simple questions, oh, how do I increase my desire?

1:26.6

And the unfortunate answer is there's no good

1:29.2

individual tip. This is a complex system, really. Yeah. Well, also, I think a lot of times people

1:36.0

want, the question that we usually get asked is like, what's the best supplement for increasing

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Vanessa & Xander Marin, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Vanessa & Xander Marin and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.