Happy New Years Eve! In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I’m joined by Jessica Lindsey, 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 into animal and plant communication.  Jessica emphasizes the power within everyone to connect deeply with the natural world and urges us all to start refining this relationship today. If you’ve ever loved a pet and wished to be able to communicate with them clearly, this episode is for you. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Animal Communication 00:25 Meet Jessica Lindsey: Trauma-Informed Healer 02:14 Discovering the Gift of Telepathy 06:56 Understanding the Different Clairs 12:04 The Intelligence of Animals and Birds 16:23 Communicating with Insects 21:49 Gardening and Animal Communication 28:56 Adopting and Understanding Rescue Animals 33:50 Understanding Animal Behavior and Coping Mechanisms 36:30 Supporting Animals Through Grief and Loss 39:13 Clearing Energies After a Loved One Passes 43:59 Animal Reincarnation and Soul Journeys 48:15 Guided Meditation for Connecting with Animals and Plants 01:04:02 Sharing Personal Experiences and Reflections 01:06:08 How to Connect with Jessica Lindsey 01:09:46 Course Information and Closing Remarks  

In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I have an in-depth conversation with my friend Joseph Kramer, Ph.D 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 past guest of LaidOPEN Podcast. 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 trauma and nervous system regulation. I highlight the importance of embodied freedom and liberation, personally and within my work. We touch on mindfulness, energy medicine, and the necessity of continuous practice to bring about lasting change. Plus, if you have been wondering what somatics is I define it in this episode and get into exactly what embodiment means. Additionally, Joseph emphasizes the crucial role of being present in the body and the importance of being of service to others. I further explain the development and intent behind my course, Pathways to Peace: Mindful Practices for Transformative and Vibrant Living, aimed at providing accessible resources globally. The episode highlights the necessity of integrating the body into therapeutic practices and provides valuable resources for anyone interested in similar career paths. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:38 Meet Joseph Kramer 02:28 How Charna and Joseph Met 05:25 Charna's Journey into Sex Education 06:32 Good Vibrations and Early Training 11:16 The Strozzi Institute and Somatic Practices 15:52 Challenges in Psychotherapy Training 21:27 Pathways to Peace: Online Course 24:35 The Importance of Practice 29:27 Influences and Universal Truths 33:29 Integrating Somatics and Trauma 36:03 The Importance of Boundaries in Therapy 38:12 Surprising Client Experiences 41:59 Defining Liberation in Therapy 51:31 Resources for Somatic Practices 54:22 The Role of Somatics in Healing 01:02:48 Conclusion and Course Information

In this week’s episode, I explore a healthier version of intimacy when interviewing Zach Beach, 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 forgiveness, and how affection, devotion, and gratitude interplay in healing and cultivating a joyful life. We end the episode with practical advice on creating loving and predictable practices for personal growth and healing. Zach shares a simple breathing exercise to help you get back into your body and access your heart.    Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction  00:03 Meet Zach Beach: A Life of Love 02:47 Exploring Love and Life's Purpose 04:06 The Journey from Head to Heart 04:22 Modeling Love and Compassion 05:35 The Body as an Access Point to Love 05:45 Understanding Love and Trauma 19:28 The Practice of Forgiveness 27:43 The Role of Animals and Deities in Healing 31:59 Creating Meaningful Experiences 33:08 The Power of Senses 35:35 Attachment and Warmth 37:26 The Role of Love and Gratitude 38:46 Healing and Trauma 43:50 Micro Practices for Love 47:51 Trauma-Informed Practices 54:12 Guided Breathing Exercise 58:43 Final Thoughts and Resources  

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I chat with the incredibly insightful Erica Wright, 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 boundaries, and foster unconditional love in your relationships? Tune in as we decode codependency and discover the path to genuine connection and self-empowerment. 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Erica Wright 02:07 Defining Codependency 03:53 Historical Context and Personal Journey 13:00 The Practice of Interdependency 17:58 The Radical Act of Self-Love 21:59 Sober Reflections and Reality Checks 26:20 The Power of Friendships 27:59 First Partnership Experience 28:43 Non-Codependency Moments 29:53 Healing Through Intimacy 30:29 Unspoken Understanding 31:31 The Power of Presence 34:26 True Intimacy and Vulnerability 35:52 Sex and Somatic Healing 39:49 Spiritual Practice and Healing 46:29 Grounding and Centering Practice 50:47 Offerings and Final Thoughts  

In this episode, I welcome Atlanta-based musician Kennedy Ryon. We discuss Kennedy's journey in the music industry, her experiences with self-doubt, the significance of accepting imperfections, and her creative process.   Kennedy shares insights from working on the soundtrack for the Amazon show 'Expats,' the challenges of managing artistic blocks, and the healing powers of music and creativity. The episode also highlights the importance of emotional expression, versatility in songwriting, and the impact of supportive mentors like Kennedy's fifth-grade teacher.  The episode ends with Kennedy's thoughts on gratitude and connection, a musical sample, and the importance of believing in yourself. Overall, this episode provides a candid look into the life of a dedicated artist navigating the complexities of her life and craft. 00:00 Introduction  02:27 Welcome, Kennedy Ryon! 02:39 Kennedy's Recent Projects and Reflections 03:52 The Challenge of Self-Critique 04:55 Letting Go of Perfectionism 08:24 The Healing Power of Music 13:02 Kennedy's Creative Process 26:24 Themes in Kennedy's Music 28:39 Breaking Out of the Box: Embracing Musical Diversity 29:48 The Challenges and Joys of Being an Independent Artist 31:07 Overcoming Creative Blocks and Self-Doubt 31:25 Navigating Audience Reactions and Staying True to Your Art 34:18 The Importance of Rest and Authenticity in Creativity 37:39 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Doubt 41:11 Childhood Influences and the Power of Music 43:15 The Impact of Teachers and the Love for Reading 49:33 Concluding Thoughts and Evergreen Performance 53:31 Final Words and Gratitude  

In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I welcome my friend and guest Rachel Kaplan. Rachel hosts the “Healing Feeling Shit Show” podcast and is the author of “Feel, Heal, and Let That Sh*t Go: Your Guide to Emotional Resilience and Lasting Self-Love,” which explores the process and importance of reconnecting with and expressing emotions.  The discussion delves into the emotional challenges many face, like avoiding uncomfortable feelings, and offers insights and tools on how to move emotions through the body. Rachel introduces her 'emotional potty training' method, emphasizing proactive and reactive emotional release techniques to facilitate healing from core emotional wounds.  The conversation also explores the significance of nature and reparenting in developing emotional resilience and the nuances of navigating complex PTSD. The episode underscores the revolutionary potential of feeling emotions fully and skillfully as a form of personal activism. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:46 Healing Through Feeling: Rachel's Journey 03:46 The Importance of Emotional Expression 05:31 Avoidance and Its Consequences 09:54 Tools for Emotional Bandwidth 11:18 Nature and Connection 19:29 Reparenting and Self-Love 26:38 Understanding Reintegration Work 27:12 Exploring Childhood Shame 27:44 Building a Whole Self 28:57 Complex PTSD and Shame 29:59 Physical Manifestations of Emotions 33:08 Proactive vs. Reactive Emotional Release 34:21 Core Wounds and Emotional Healing 36:39 Practical Techniques for Emotional Release 41:03 Deep Practice and Commitment 45:43 Navigating Trauma and Trust 52:22 Final Thoughts and Resources  

This episode of Laid Open Podcast features guest Dr. Joli Hamilton, Ph.D., a research psychologist, relationship coach and founder of 'The Year of Opening.' Together, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of non-monogamous relationships, the importance of creating custom relationship dynamics, and the primal value of jealousy… because jealousy isn’t always a bad thing.  Dr. Joli also shares insights on the fluid nature of attachment styles, the complexity of jealousy, and her own experiences with non-monogamous relationships. Listeners can expect to learn about the importance of agreements, navigating jealousy, and the concept of internalized polyphobia. Our conversation provides a deep dive into conscious relationship building and the nuances of managing evolving relationship needs. We also touch on the fluidity of attachment styles, the process of navigating differing desires between partners, and how cultural and personal backgrounds influence relationship dynamics. Dr. Hamilton also introduces her 'Jealousy Roadmap' as a tool for understanding and managing jealousy–a must for anyone who’s ever felt jealous and been made to feel bad about it. 00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Dr. Joli Hamilton 00:38 Exploring Jealousy and Eroticizing It 02:38 The Concept of Non-Monogamy 03:28 Creating Safety in Relationships 05:01 The Importance of Agreements 09:20 Attachment Styles and Relationship Dynamics 12:17 Navigating Non-Monogamy and Polyamory 18:43 Internalized Polyphobia and Cultural Norms 23:32 Seeking Validation and Understanding in Relationships 24:14 The Challenge of Conscious Awareness 24:57 Navigating Consent Violations and Unconscious Slips 25:37 The Complexity of Holding Deep Work in Relationships 26:01 Commitment to Loving and Creating Resonant Relationships 26:41 Sexual Trauma and Differing Needs in Relationships 27:34 Midlife Crises and Changing Relationship Dynamics 28:50 Exploring Sexual Autonomy and Freedom 29:59 The Importance of Slowing Down in Relationship Transitions 32:25 Desire Discrepancies and Non-Monogamy 34:01 Understanding and Embracing Jealousy 41:44 The Jealousy Roadmap and Relationship Customization 46:42 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning  

On this week’s episode, I’m excited to have the hosts of The Sex Reimagined Podcast joining me, Dr. Willow Brown, a Chinese medicine doctor and Taoist sexologist, and Leah Piper, a Tantra sex expert. Together, we delve into the intricacies of shame-free, pleasure-forward sexuality by discussing the integration of Tantra and Taoist practices. Dr. Willow and Leah explain the differences between Tantra and Taoism, focusing on how both use sexual energy for healing and spiritual awakening.  We also explore the concept of chakras, how trauma can get stored in the body, and practical methods for using breath, movement, and sound to clear these blockages.  Leah shares her profound personal journey of healing from sexual trauma using Sacred Spot massage, emphasizing self-love and forgiveness techniques. The conversation also highlights the importance of micro-practices and how small, tangible steps can make a significant impact on one's sexual and overall well-being.  Throughout the episode, Dr. Willow and Leah offer resources, courses, and practical advice for anyone looking to explore their sexuality more deeply, making this a must-listen for those interested in spiritual and sexual health. This episode, and the rest of Season 5, can be found on my YouTube channel. Please follow and like to help grow our community. 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Episode Overview 01:49 Welcoming the Guests: Dr. Willow and Leah 02:55 Exploring Tantra and Taoism 09:19 The Power of Chakras in Healing 25:11 Sensuality and Presence Practices 35:06 Managing Nervous Energy and Stress 36:36 The Importance of Receptivity in Healing 37:02 Introduction to Sacred Spot Practice 37:39 Leah's Personal Journey with Tantra 40:12 Self-Love and Forgiveness Techniques 48:26 Exploring the Sacred Spot and G-Spot 01:00:40 Courses and Resources for Sexual Healing 01:06:11 Final Thoughts and Contact Information  

This week I welcome, Alreen Haeggquist, a women's rights advocate, lawyer, and author of, “Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma.” Alreen discusses her journey to founding her own law firm, which specializes in cases of sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination, with a focus on trauma-informed care.  The conversation explores Alreen's personal story of surviving sexual abuse within her family and how it has shaped her professional and advocacy work. She shares insights on the role of a survivor advocate in her firm, the importance of trauma-informed lawyering, and her transformative gratitude and meditation practices.  Alreen also touches on the impacts of the Me Too movement and the challenges of addressing sexual misconduct in male-dominated fields like medicine and the military. The episode concludes with Alreen providing advice for those considering legal action and emphasizing the importance of taking immediate steps toward healing. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction  01:51 Meet Alreen Haeggquist: Advocate and Lawyer 02:30 Founding a Female-Centric Law Firm 04:08 The Role of a Survivor Advocate 05:11 Trauma-Informed Lawyering 07:16 Alreen's Memoir: Fired Up, Fueling Triumph from Trauma 09:14 The Healing Journey and Empowerment 18:48 Impact of the Me Too Movement 24:35 Challenges in the Legal System 26:55 Supporting Survivors Through Legal Battles 28:47 Understanding Statute of Limitations for Abuse Cases 29:20 Challenges in Workplace Harassment Cases 30:34 The Impact of High-Profile Cases: Weinstein and Cosby 31:54 Power Dynamics in Medical and Military Fields 34:45 Unveiling Medical Field Abuses: 'At Your Cervix' Documentary 37:39 Writing and Family Reactions During Quarantine 42:22 The Power of Gratitude and Meditation Practices 47:44 Embracing Personal Power and Taking Action 51:10 Conclusion and Staying Connected  

This week we welcome Licensed Therapist, Transformation Coach, and international speaker, Allison Guilbault from Notes From Your Therapist on the LaidOPEN Podcast. Allison and I explore the journey she took on her unique career path from working with the FBI and Rikers Island inmates to her current role as a therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and sex/intimacy in New Jersey.  We discuss Allison's experiences in forensic psychology, her transition to private practice, and her passion for helping clients overcome shame and build confidence. The episode delves into the challenges of navigating significant career changes, personal relationships, and the importance of self-care and mindset work. Allison discusses her recent media presence, including an interview in Time Magazine about loneliness, and highlights the challenges and successes of working in demanding environments. Themes of self-empowerment, navigating difficult transitions, and supportive relationships are explored. Allison also introduces a simple daily practice for fostering self-compassion and positive thinking.  Join Charna and Allison as they explore the transformative power of inner work and resilience. Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Allison Guilbault 01:36 Allison's Recent Achievements and Podcasting Journey 02:23 Discussing Loneliness and Post-COVID Isolation 03:54 Allison's Career Shift: From Forensic Psychology to Private Practice 04:48 Navigating Burnout and Major Life Changes 06:55 The Power of Self-Trust and Resilience 15:17 Exploring Shame and Its Impact on Mental Health 18:26 Relationships, Intuition, and Personal Growth 25:45 Shifting Career Focus 25:53 Attracting High-Functioning Clients 26:16 Personal Reflections and Client Work 27:35 Fascination with Forensics 30:19 Experiences at Rikers Island 35:29 Self-Care and Boundaries 45:57 Therapy and Coaching Services 48:37 Daily Practice for Self-Compassion 51:02 Final Thoughts and Contact Information