Embracing Silence: The Golden Path to A More Peaceful Existence
LaidOPEN Podcast
In this episode, Charna Cassell discusses the profound topic of silence, featuring an interview with Justin Talbot Zorn and Leigh Marz, authors of '' They delve into experiences and practices from their book that encourage finding clarity and peace amidst external and internal noise. The conversation covers the political and cultural relevance of silence, its role in addressing trauma, and techniques to incorporate it into daily life. The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners to reflect on their personal relationship with silence. Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to the Concept and...
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Menopause Unplugged: Health & Hormones at Midlife with Dr. Keesha Ewers
LaidOPEN Podcast
In this episode of Laid Open Podcast, I welcome back Dr. Keesha Ewers, a specialist in integrative medicine and functional sexology. We discuss the critical yet often overlooked topic of menopause, highlighting how women's health issues, particularly post-childrearing, are neglected in society and underfunded in research. Dr. Keesha and I provide insights into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), discussing various options like pellets, patches, and creams and emphasizing the importance of bioidentical hormones. We explain why not everyone needs HRT and the significant role of lifestyle...
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From Prisons to War Zones: Navigating Vicarious Trauma with Mark Walsh and Christian Branscombe
LaidOPEN Podcast
Today I welcome two previous guests from earlier this season to share their unique experiences and expertise on the topic of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. , an embodiment coach, trauma trainer & host of , and , a restorative justice facilitator and coach. Together we dive into the intricacies of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, especially in the contexts of working in prisons and war-torn Ukraine. The two of them share experience to help us delve into the ways self-awareness, self-compassion, and structured self-care practices are crucial for managing...
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The Song Of Life: Prayer, Presence and Connected Living with Natalie Silva
LaidOPEN Podcast
This week I welcome Natalie Silva of and . She and I discuss the power of self-love, community, vulnerability, and the integration of prayer in daily life. Natalie also shares how her relationship with former LaidOPEN Podcast guest, Erica Wright, has been integral to her healing journey. The episode highlights Natalie’s involvement in S Factor, a movement practice that helps women embody their sensuality and heal past traumas. Throughout the conversation, we discuss the importance of community, self-acceptance, and slowing down to truly connect with oneself. The episode concludes with...
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Being (Sick ) Enough: Pain, Resilience and Healing the Self with Jessica Graham
LaidOPEN Podcast
One of the best things about my podcast is all of the wonderful people doing incredible things that it’s brought into my life. People like this week’s guest, who’s returning to speak with me about their latest creation. Jessica is an author, actor and trauma resolution guide. Together we discuss Jessica's latest book, ',' and talk about their journey of writing, dealing with physical and emotional pain, and navigating trauma and healing. Jessica explains their methods for coping with pain and the importance of self-acceptance and flexibility. The episode dives...
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Evolving With Your Alter Ego featuring Ruby Marez
LaidOPEN Podcast
This week I want to acknowledge the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles, which also happens to be home to this week’s guest, actress, drag king and comedian, . Ruby shares her incredible journey of using humor and play to heal trauma. She opens up about her clowning and drag king persona . We talk about how embodying this alter ego has transformed her life and inspired a stage show built to entertain and educate. She also opens up about the ways she uses this alter ego to address trauma, self-judgment, and emotional healing in her personal life as well. Ruby also discusses nervous...
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Unlock Your Pet’s Secrets with Animal Clairvoyant Jessica Lindsey
LaidOPEN Podcast
Happy New Years Eve! In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I’m joined by , a trauma-informed energy healer, animal communicator, and clairvoyant pet psychic. Jessica shares her journey of discovering her ability to communicate with animals and plants and offers tools to attune to these beings. We explore topics including different species' forms of communication, end-of-life support for animals, and the nuances of intuitive abilities. The conversation also touches on respecting the intelligence and interconnectedness of all living beings, along with a meditative practice for tuning...
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New Wave Psychotherapy: Charna Cassell In Conversation with Joseph Kramer
LaidOPEN Podcast
In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I have an in-depth conversation with my friend about my journey into psychotherapy and sex education. Joseph is a sexologist and ex-Jesuit is the founder of Body Electric School for Massage as well as Sexological Bodywork and a . He guided a conversation where I shared my experiences working at Good Vibrations, where I educated people about sexual health and became familiar with sexological bodywork and somatic therapy. We also discuss my education at the Strozzi Institute and the impact of my training with Stacey Haynes on dealing with sexual...
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Love Lessons: The Philosophy of Heartfelt Living with Zach Beach
LaidOPEN Podcast
In this week’s episode, I explore a healthier version of intimacy when interviewing , a coach, poet, and yoga teacher who deeply explores the concept of love through various practices. His journey from a career in engineering to finding his purpose in love was influenced by the unconditional adoration he received from his parents, especially his mother. Zach emphasizes the importance of the body as an access point for experiencing and opening up, particularly through yoga and breathing exercises. We chat about the power of love in overcoming trauma, the significance of...
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The Codependency Cure: Unlocking Relationship Freedom featuring Erika Wright
LaidOPEN Podcast
In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I chat with the incredibly insightful , a codependency counselor who spends an hour with me breaking down complex relationship dynamics and sharing wisdom on healing and self-love. Erica delves into her journey, discussing the roots of codependency within societal frameworks and the transformative role of spirituality and sobriety. From understanding the true meaning of intimacy and interdependency in relationships to practical exercises for grounding yourself, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Ready to reclaim your energy, set...
info_outlineYou may have heard of this week’s guest from her two podcasts, blog, or books. Kate Sloan is a writer and podcaster specializing in sex, kink, and relationships. We talk about her books '101 Kinky Things Even You Can Do' and '200 Words to Help You Talk About Sexuality & Gender,' the latter of which was recently released. Plus, we do a round robbin covering her two podcasts (The Dildorks and Question Box), sex-ed, and the perks of the daddy-little girl dynamic. We also chat about the fine art of surrendering to pain, as well as, pain as a tool for healing. If you've ever wanted to know the ins and outs of being a sex columnist, this episode is for you.