LaidOPEN Podcast

This season, dreams are really on my mind. I’ve been thinking about how they shape our creativity, our healing, and the subtle ways our bodies speak through them. In this episode, I sit down with dreamwork expert Bonnie Buckner, author of The Secret Mind: Unlock the Power of Dreams to Transform Your Life and founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery. Bonnie teaches that dreams aren’t just stories from the night—they’re a living intelligence, guiding us through symbol, sensation, and emotion. Together, we explore how dreams can open pathways to creativity, empathy, and collective consciousness. We talk about the erotic and the joyful, the ones that confuse or haunt us, and how every dream—no matter how strange—is an invitation to listen more closely to what our deeper selves are trying to say. Bonnie also shares accessible dream practices you can begin tonight to help translate your inner imagery into healing and transformation. If you’ve ever woken from a dream that lingered in your body all day, this conversation will help you understand why—and how to listen when your dreams start speaking back. Learn more about Bonnie's work at the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery, and explore my offerings in somatics and embodiment at charnacassel.com and passionatelife.org. Show Notes: 00:00 — Reflections on the mystery and intelligence of dreams 00:40 — Meet Bonnie Buckner: author, dreamwork teacher, and founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery 02:36 — What happens when we dream collectively 04:48 — Using dreams for problem-solving and creative inspiration 07:24 — How dreams mirror our emotional and physical well-being 08:41 — The body as the dream’s messenger 15:11 — Supporting children’s natural dream connection 26:30 — Lucid dreaming and conscious participation in the dream 28:11 — What sex dreams reveal about desire, energy, and embodiment 29:35 — The role of joy and play in dreaming 31:39 — How life transitions, including menopause, shape dream life 33:36 — Exercises to shift emotion through imagery 38:21 — The symbolism of color in dreams 40:21 — Guided imagery as a bridge to healing 49:23 — Why dream journaling matters 50:40 — Closing thoughts and resources

Welcome back to LaidOPEN Podcast. In this week's episode, we explore altered states of consciousness, sound, healing, and the legacy of ancestral trauma. My guest is Tania de Jong. She's a singer, sound healer, and social entrepreneur who co-founded Mind Medicine Australia, leading efforts to make psilocybin and MDMA legally available for treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Tania shares her own healing journey as a descendant of Holocaust survivors and the profound impact of psychedelic-assisted therapy in her life. We discuss the importance of set and setting, the benefits of group work, and how finding one’s voice can open pathways to expression and integration. She also sheds light on her advocacy in Australia, her work bridging science and spirituality, and her vision for more compassionate global healing practices. This conversation is rich with insight for anyone curious about psychedelics, wellness, and transformation. You can experience her new song or watch the Ram Dass meditation she mentioned in the episode. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to the Late Open Podcast 00:20 Meet Tanya De Young: Singer, Sound Healer, and Social Entrepreneur 00:46 Tanya's Personal Healing Journey 03:52 Discovering Psychedelic Assisted Therapies 05:14 The Profound Impact of Psychedelic Experiences 06:21 Healing Ancestral Trauma 11:34 The Importance of Set and Setting in Psychedelic Therapy 12:40 Mind Medicine Australia's Mission and Training Programs 18:13 The Role of Compassion and Connection in Healing 22:31 Engaging with Indigenous Communities and Future Goals 23:40 Exploring Indigenous Healing Practices 24:08 Mind Medicine Australia Clinic Launch 24:35 The Power of Group Healing 25:15 The Importance of Belonging and Connection 27:25 The Healing Power of Sound and Voice 30:19 Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice 33:29 Promoting Global Unity and Understanding 35:57 Gross National Happiness in Bhutan 37:26 Expanding Healing Practices Internationally 39:59 Personal Spiritual Practices for Grounding 41:03 Practical Exercises for Voice and Connection 43:27 Final Thoughts and Resources

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of sexual assault. In part 2 of this powerful conversation, Charna sits down again with Ariella Daly: dream worker, animist, and beekeeper — to continue exploring how dreams can become profound guides for healing, recovery, and transformation. Ariella shares more of her personal path, weaving together the wisdom of dreams, ritual, and the natural world to show how the subconscious can support deep repair after trauma.  Together, we discuss practical tools for reclaiming your body, rebuilding your relationship with eros and creativity, and reconnecting to nature as a source of restoration. Ariella also offers insights into sensory practices, embodiment techniques, and how to integrate dream work into everyday life so it’s not just a nighttime experience but a living practice. We also touch on the magic of collective dreaming — how shared dream spaces can reveal hidden truths, spark collective healing, and open up surprising pathways of growth. If you’ve ever been curious about how your dreams might be guiding you, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded practices to begin listening more deeply. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome Back and Episode Overview 01:05 Continuing Ariella’s Healing Journey 03:20 Rituals and Dream Integration 07:45 Embodiment Practices for Recovery 12:30 Reconnecting with Nature Through Dreams 18:15 Collective Dreaming and Group Insights 26:50 Sensory Exercises, Sensory Remediation and Practical Applications 38:40 Closing Thoughts and Resources  

Trigger warning: discussion of seggsual assault near the end In this episode, Charna interviews Ariella Daley, a seasoned dream worker, animist, and beekeeper with over 15 years of experience. Ariella shares her fascinating journey into beekeeping and dream work, influenced by a blend of naturalism from her mother and mysticism from her father. She recounts a significant experience where wild bees moved into her home, deeply intertwining her dream work with her beekeeping practice. Ariella and Charna discuss the profound healing and intuitive lessons bees can impart, the importance of intentional dreaming, and the animist worldview that sees life and consciousness in all things. Ariella also touches on her personal healing journey through profound experiences with snakes and bees, and later discusses her recent experience of seggsual assault and how dream work has been a vital resource in her healing process.  Show Notes: (You can also watch the episode on YouTube) 00:00 Welcome, Trigger Warning and Introduction 01:03 Meet Ariella Daley: Dream Worker and Beekeeper 03:33 Ariella's Journey: From Childhood to Dreaming with Bees 05:40 The Healing Power of Bees 09:41 Intentional Dreaming and Animism 12:17 The Animist Worldview 15:33 Connecting with Nature and Intuition 19:29 The Meditative Presence of Bees 24:33 Exploring the Connection Between Bees and Dreams 25:10 Ancient Dream Healing Practices 26:08 The Symbolism of Snakes and Bees 28:25 Personal Stories of Dream and Snake Encounters 34:03 The Impact of Trauma and Healing 42:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes Resources To Reach Out To: National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): Voice: (800) 656-HOPE (4673) | Web: https://centers.rainn.org/ SF Women Against Rape: 415-861-2024  Book Resources: Judith Herman "Trauma and Recovery" Babette Rothschild "The Body Remembers and 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery" Peter Levine "Waking the Tiger" Staci Haines "Healing Sex"

In this powerful episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I sit down with medical researcher, writer, and host of Modern Hysteria, Micah Larsen, to dive deep into her deeply personal and courageous journey through PMDD, menopause, and preeclampsia. With warmth and unflinching honesty, Micah illuminates the painful gaps in our healthcare system and the persistence of medical misogyny—and, more importantly, how we can begin to dismantle those barriers. We explore: The courage it takes to speak openly about taboo topics like incontinence, childbirth, postpartum challenges, and menopause. How narrative and advocacy are essential tools for transforming women’s healthcare. Micah’s Montana farm: a place of solace, healing, and self-acceptance that has helped her reclaim her body and spirit amid the storms. This episode is equal parts urgent call to action and celebration of resilience—a reminder that better women’s healthcare starts with brave conversations and compassionate communities. Note: This episode includes discussions of very heavy themes, including suicide. If you’re feeling fragile, you might choose to listen in gentle doses, on a different day, or skip it altogether. But know this: this is an inspiring conversation—and I hope it helps ignite a true women’s medical rights movement. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to the LaidOPEN Podcast 00:06 Meet Micah Larson: Advocate for Women's Health 02:10 The Inspiration Behind Modern Hysteria 04:13 Navigating Women's Healthcare Challenges 05:30 Addressing Taboos and Listener Engagement 09:29 Personal Stories and Medical Advocacy 11:46 Understanding Surgical Menopause 16:31 The Struggles of PMDD and Hormone Therapy 20:43 Challenges in the Healthcare System 30:08 The Struggles of Menopause and Misdiagnosis 31:45 The Last Fertility Taboo: Egg Donation 33:58 Women's Healthcare and Systemic Issues 36:35 Personal Stories of Medical Trauma 51:46 The Healing Power of Gardening 57:34 Reflections on Embodied Freedom 01:00:38 Closing Thoughts and Resources  

What do you really want—and how do you even begin to ask for it? In this episode of laidOPEN, I’m joined by somatic sex therapist Susan Morgan Taylor, a healer and teacher who guides people through the often-overlooked terrain of embodied desire. With over 25 years in somatic healing, Susan brings a grounded, intuitive approach to what she calls the Pleasure Keys Process—a set of practices designed to help individuals and couples reconnect with their sensuality, emotional truth, and authentic connection. We dive into how early wounding, stress, and disembodiment can short-circuit intimacy—and what it really takes to come back into alignment with your body and your partner. Susan shares how her background in massage therapy and intuitive healing shaped her path, and offers practical, heartfelt wisdom on navigating low libido, sacred sexuality, and the art of noticing, naming, and negotiating in relationships. Whether you’re in a long-term partnership or simply curious about deepening your relationship to pleasure, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and reclaim the wisdom of your body. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to LaidOPEN Podcast 00:07 Meet Susan Morgan Taylor: Somatic Sex Therapist 02:48 The Pleasure Keys Process 03:20 Intuitive Healing and Somatic Work 04:50 The Importance of Touch and Consent 05:39 Navigating Desire Mismatches in Relationships 09:24 The Wheel of Consent 11:19 The Pleasure Keys Framework 16:55 Understanding Low Libido in Women 23:44 Exploring Sacred Sexuality 32:11 Exploring Sensitivity and Numbness 33:03 The Role of Physical Sensation in Relaxation 33:41 Martial Arts and Body Work in Emotional Healing 34:54 Understanding Numbness and Its Origins 36:25 Pathway to Emotional and Physical Healing 38:45 Sacred Sexuality and Emotional Depth 43:34 The Paradox of Polarity and Union 49:56 Sexual Freedom and Self-Knowledge 52:49 Practical Steps for Emotional and Physical Awareness 55:43 Conclusion and Resources  

Welcome to the first episode of July 2025, where I have a fascinating conversation with Nick Brancato, a relationship systems architect and author of 'Prioritize Us.' Nick shares his unique journey from being a professional poker player to stepping into the world of personal development and relationship coaching.  We talk about the significance of aligning priorities within relationships, enhancing communication, and strategies to maintain focus under stress. Nick also introduces his 'Prioritize Us' test, a powerful framework designed to help couples (and friends and anyone else you want to build a more connected relationship with) understand each other's core life priorities and values.  We also explore coping mechanisms during crises, the concept of parallel play, and turn-based communication for resolving conflicts. Join us as we dive into these insights and more, plus we end with a simple mindfulness exercise that can help prioritize our personal resources when we want to accomplish something. Truly useful for all people. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Nick Brancato 02:15 Nick Brancato's Unusual Path to Coaching 03:24 The Impact of Poker on Relationships 05:00 The Concept of Prioritize Us 06:39 Practical Applications and Micro Rituals 12:44 Understanding the Prioritize Us Test 15:15 Real-Life Examples and Success Stories 25:45 Personal Story: Overcoming Crisis 29:58 Creating Shared Moments in Relationships 30:34 Dealing with Cognitive Decline in Loved Ones 32:07 The Importance of Self-Care Rituals 33:15 Breath Work and Content Consumption 36:06 Prioritizing Growth and Understanding in Relationships 46:26 Turn-Based Communication for Difficult Conversations 51:38 Grounding Exercises for Mindfulness 54:47 Conclusion and Resources  

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I have an insightful conversation with activist and author Dean Spade about his extensive work in movements for queer and trans liberation, anti-militarism, and the abolition of police and prisons.  Dean and I discuss his new book titled 'Love in a Fucked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together,' covering topics such as mindful practices for managing stress, the evolution of his book over nine years, and personal growth in relationships.  We also delve into the romance myth, decentralizing romantic relationships, and the importance of community support. Dean shares valuable insights and practices for generating internal safety and the importance of collective care in social movements.  This episode is an enriching dialogue aimed at anyone interested in social justice, personal growth, and transformative community practices.   Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction and Course Announcement 00:55 Introducing Dean Spade 02:01 Dean Spade's Book Journey 02:28 Healing Modalities and Personal Growth 03:05 Non-Monogamous Relationships 03:34 Challenges in Writing the Book 05:15 Self-Help Literature Critique 06:45 Emotional Awareness in Movements 15:27 Decentralizing Romantic Relationships 23:49 Self-Generated Safety and Belonging 31:40 Therapy Misconceptions and Realities 32:38 The Overuse of Pathologizing Language 33:23 Forgiveness and Self-Inquiry in Relationships 36:05 The Impact of Alcoholism on Relationships 37:28 The Process of Forgiveness and Healing 41:34 Sexual Trauma and Cultural Narratives 44:18 Transformative Justice and Community Response 49:52 Decentralizing Romantic Relationships You can watch this episode on my YouTube channel, just search LaidOPEN. Plus, I have free guided visualizations and a host of other tools and resources available to you there and on my website at CharnaCassell.com.

In this episode, Charna Cassell discusses the profound topic of silence, featuring an interview with Justin Talbot Zorn and Leigh Marz, authors of 'Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise.' 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 Need For Silence 00:22 Personal Experiences with Noise and Silence 03:39 Introducing the Justin Talbot Zorn and Leigh Marz 05:37 Exploring Noise and Silence 07:11 The Impact of Noise on Wellbeing 10:35 Navigating Noise in Relationships 13:18 The Role of Silence in Healing 17:06 Mindfulness and Meditation 23:35 Embodiment and Silence 29:13 Finding Personal Pathways to Silence 31:08 The Essence of Silence 32:13 Scientific Insights on Silence 33:00 Holy Uselessness and Capitalism 36:05 Silence and Healing from Trauma 37:49 An Invitation to Silence 41:10 Self-Acceptance and the True Self 42:37 Sphere of Control and Influence 45:45 Cultural Perspectives on Noise 49:26 Silence as a Tool for Justice 50:40 Practical Exercises for Silence 55:11 Final Reflections and Farewell

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 choices, diet, and exercise in managing menopause symptoms.  Our conversation also delves into how the body communicates its needs through everyday signs like urine color, vaginal health, and bowel movements. Additionally, we explore the impact of trauma, stress, and genetic factors on hormone levels.  Dr. Keesha and I encourage listeners to tune into their bodies and get curious about their symptoms, offering practical advice on how to start addressing menopausal issues holistically. Every episode is now on YouTube, which you can watch via the link in my bio or by searching LaidOPEN.  Additionally, the best way to support my work is by liking, sharing, and leaving a review for my podcast. 🧡 Show Notes 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:15 Understanding Menopause and Its Impact 02:26 Personal Experiences and Medical Insights 05:17 The Role of Hormones in Health 06:48 Addressing Hormonal Imbalances 10:42 The Connection Between Trauma and Hormones 21:49 Managing Stress and Hormonal Health 31:38 Understanding Embodied Sensations 32:54 The Role of Energy Systems 33:52 Exploring Water and Fire Elements 36:14 Hormone Replacement Therapy Options 37:25 Genetics and Migraines 38:55 Personalized Hormone Treatments 50:11 Lifestyle Choices and Hormone Health 54:43 Final Thoughts and Resources