LaidOPEN Podcast

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  

In this incredibly moving episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna engages in a powerful discussion with Christian Branscombe, who, after being sentenced to life in prison for murder, transformed his life through meditation, reading, and community healing initiatives. This profound experience led him to become an advocate for transformative justice and healing initiatives in the prison system and beyond.  Together they delve into Christian's transformative journey and his work developing prison programs to provide healing. Christian also recounts an emotional courtroom experience highlighting the power of forgiveness in healing from trauma.  A key focus in this episode is on how self-compassion helps free us from our trauma and sham with Christian sharing his insights and experiences on the subject. Overall, the conversation explores the impacts of generational trauma, coping mechanisms, and the steps toward personal and communal transformation. Something we can all use in this highly polarized world we’re living in. 01:00 Guest Introduction: Christian Branscombe 01:43 Christian's Transformative Journey 04:00 The Power of Community and Healing 08:06 Facing Shame and Trauma 10:22 Generational Trauma and Coping Mechanisms 19:54 Buddhism and Finding Purpose in Prison 28:05 Transparency and Accountability in Healing 36:27 The Power of Embodied Wisdom 37:00 Rewiring the Brain Through Physical Practices 37:54 The Role of Somatic Experiences in Healing 38:32 Victim Offender Dialogue: A Transformative Experience 39:06 The Journey from Trauma to Compassion 40:47 The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Compassion 42:28 Balancing Life's Ecosystem 44:07 The Impact of Childhood Trauma 48:16 Forgiveness and Compassion in the Healing Process 55:25 The Role of Community in Healing 01:00:26 Embracing New Experiences for Growth 01:04:58 Defining Freedom Through Interconnection  

Join us on LaidOPEN Podcast as we dive into the world of transformational theatre and healing practices with my sometimes co-host Amy MacClain and her creative partner Molly Kittle. Discover the magic of the collaborative work that’s resulted in their highly anticipated mid-life musical “After The Rainbow,” which will be debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer. Together Molly and Amy discuss their transformational musical about overcoming trauma and finding purpose while detailing their unique backgrounds in experimental theater, social-emotional learning, and music.  Molly and Amy share their journey of finding each other, emphasizing the importance of transformation, play, and collective healing in the work they’ve done, both separately and together, to create their musical.  They also talk about their upcoming participation in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which you can see them at if you live in the UK and includes a performance of the single from “After The Rainbow,”, 'You Are the Light,' highlighting the themes of mutual support and self-recognition. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on trauma, transformation, and the healing power of art. 00:00 Introduction and Course Announcement 01:00 Introducing Today's Guests: Amy MacLain and Molly Kittle 02:18 Amy and Molly's Journey and Collaboration 03:21 Molly's Background and Path to Transformation 04:58 Amy and Molly's Creative Process 06:56 The Birth of 'After the Rainbow' 07:30 Themes of Transformation and Healing 10:38 The Role of Music in Healing 13:44 Preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 16:12 The Power of Play and Collaboration 21:30 Performing and Sharing the Message 32:37 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Please welcome, Mathew Boudreaux, also known as Mx Domestic to his millions of crafting fans from around the globe. During the pandemic, Mathew’s crafting projects left them with a wide following. However, the interaction they were sometimes having speaking their truth led to conflict on their social media channels. Mathew muses on this while also sharing their transformative healing journey, detailing the emotional and psychological challenges they faced, including childhood PTSD, ADHD, and CPTSD.  They also discuss navigating corporate America while being authentic and the difficulties encountered due to their identity and social stance. Mathew opens up about the impact of trauma, uncovering neurodivergence, and the steps they took to heal. They share personal stories related to family struggles, social issues, and the power of vulnerability.  The conversation also delves into coping strategies for mental health, managing triggers, and the role of art and crafting in their healing journey. The episode emphasizes the significance of self-love, setting boundaries, and creating community connections through shared experiences. Charna and Mathew wrap up by highlighting practical techniques for emotional regulation and the profound impact of parenting with a healed perspective. The episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of mental health, identity, and creativity. 00:00 Introduction to Pathways to Peace Course 01:11 Meet the Guest: Matthew Boudreaux 02:46 Matthew's Healing Journey 04:55 Navigating Corporate America with Authenticity 09:15 The Impact of Trauma and Healing 13:11 Discovering Neurodivergence 16:05 Family Struggles and Personal Growth 31:48 Standing Up for Social Issues 34:23 Navigating Personal Challenges 35:28 Sharing Personal Stories for Impact 35:53 Mental Health Strategies 36:33 Understanding and Managing Triggers 42:22 Sexual Identity and Trauma 46:51 Parenting and Healing 48:35 Practical Techniques for Regulation 01:02:08 The Power of Crafting 01:03:24 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of the Laid Open Podcast we welcome Dr. Susan Campbell PhD, an esteemed psychologist and relationship coach who delves deep into the essence of understanding and managing what triggers us in intimate relationships. Dr. Susan provides practical steps for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication to foster healthier relationships. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, safety, and understanding attachment styles. Together, Charna and Dr. Susan discuss the profound impact of individual healing on a collective scale. The episode wraps up with Dr. Susan guiding an exercise on recognizing one’s Trigger Signature and touches on approaches for relational freedom and repair. 00:00 Introduction and Course Announcement 01:18 Introducing Susan Campbell 02:26 Exploring Emotional Triggers and Healing 19:42 Understanding Attachment Styles 26:44 Practicing Self-Regulation and Pausing 37:05 Understanding Attachment Dynamics 37:20 Learning Through Experience 39:27 The Importance of Repair in Relationships 40:22 Compassionate Self-Inquiry 40:44 Addressing Core Fears and Triggers 42:17 Effective Communication and Repair Scripts 48:17 The Role of Radical Honesty 48:59 Creating Safety and Self-Awareness 50:07 Managing Triggers and Repair Timing 53:50 Unilateral Repair and Seeking Reassurance 58:45 When to Seek Third-Party Help 01:00:14 Workshops, Webinars, and Continued Learning 01:02:03 Relational Freedom and Trigger Signature Exercise 01:13:54 Conclusion and Resources  

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, host Charna Cassell welcomes guest Mark Walsh an embodiment coach and host of The Embodiment Podcast, to discuss their shared history and Mark's extensive work in the field of embodiment and trauma education. He's also the author of Embodiment, Working with the Body in Training and Coaching, and Embodied Meditation. He led The Embodiment Conference (1000 teachers, 500,000 delegates) and has trained over 2000 embodiment coaches in over 40 countries. Mark, situated near Stonehenge in England, shares insights from his extensive travels and training, including his work with trauma-affected communities in Ukraine. The conversation spans various topics, such as the global rise of social isolation, the impact of technology on mental health, the essential role of humor in trauma work, and the importance of cultural context in embodiment practices.  Mark also shares his personal journey with embodiment, driven by his hyper-intellectual background and a traumatic childhood. The episode concludes with a practical centering exercise and reflections on embodied freedom, emphasizing the importance of awareness and choice in overcoming habitual behaviors.   00:00 Introduction and Reunion 02:10 Mark's Current Endeavors and Thoughts on Society 03:23 Impact of COVID and Technology on Mental Health 08:46 Mark's Work in Ukraine 21:37 The Role of Humor in Trauma Training 26:31 Navigating Cultural Sensitivities 29:08 Managing Vicarious Trauma 31:40 Personal Practices for Well-being 33:43 The Power of Social Media 35:16 Connecting with Mentors 45:30 Embodied Freedom and Choice 47:15 Conclusion and Resources  

In the season 4 finale of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna welcomes Dr. Keesha Ewers, an expert in integrative medicine, functional sexology, and a survivor of autoimmunity induced by trauma. And shares her personal journey from starting as a conventional nurse to exploring alternative healing modalities like Ayurveda, hypnotherapy, and EMDR after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.  She illuminates the profound connection between unresolved trauma and physical health, including autoimmune disorders and sexual vitality. The discussion delves deep into the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), highlighting the impact of trauma on long-term health and well-being.  Dr. Keesha also discusses the concept of 'libido' as life force vitality and emphasizes the importance of healing and digesting trauma for reclaiming one's full vitality and sexual freedom. The episode encourages personal reflection and offers insights on how to embark on a healing journey with an exercise from Dr. Keesha that teaches how to embrace your inner 'eagle' and live a more embodied and liberated life. Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to LaidOPEN Podcast with Dr. Keesha Ewers 01:06 Embarking on a Journey of Healing and Transformation 01:23 Dr. Keesha's Personal Battle with Autoimmune Disease 04:55 Discovering the Power of Ayurveda and Yoga 07:34 The Profound Connection Between Trauma and Health 13:57 Exploring the ACE Study and Its Implications 21:56 Navigating Trauma and Its Impact on Health 25:34 Personal Stories of Overcoming and Healing 27:21 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundary Setting 32:39 Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Shame 34:12 The Power of Plant Medicine in Healing 35:01 Navigating Life's Developmental Milestones and Achieving Unity Consciousness 35:43 Understanding the Human Condition: From Victim to Perpetrator 36:42 The Journey to Self-Compassion and Liberation 42:26 Exploring Sexual Liberation and Vitality 52:17 The Importance of Play and Embracing Different Perspectives 59:40 Concluding Thoughts on Community, Healing, and Empowerment