LaidOPEN Podcast

In this latest episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna Cassell speaks with Mariah Freya, a sex coach and founder of Beducated, an online platform for sex education that offers a vast library of resources for pleasure-focused sex education.  Mariah delves into the innovative role of AI technology in revolutionizing sex education, making it more accessible and tailored to individual needs. Highlighting how Beducated’s AI sex coach aids users in navigating their expansive library and provides personalized sex education resources. She also shares the challenges and experiments involved in developing their AI-powered tool.  She also speaks on the challenges of balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship to the transformative power of embracing one's sexuality, this conversation explores the intersections of personal growth, intimacy, and empowerment.  We end this episode with Mariah sharing a mindful shower practice. Join us as we delve into the importance of self-discovery, boundary-setting, and cultivating a sex-positive mindset at any stage of life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:48 Exploring Sexuality and Motherhood 06:25 The Impact of Parenthood on Business 12:55 The Journey of Sexual Empowerment 31:04 The Role of AI in Sex Education 40:09 The Vision for BBeducated 50:20 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

This week, Charna interviews Brett Chamberlin, the founder and executive director of OPEN, the Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Nonmonogamy. Brett opens by sharing his journey of transitioning from environmental activism to the advocacy for more awareness and legal rights for non-monogamists. This includes anyone who subscribes to relationship designs outside the norm of one man and one woman, including single people. He also discusses the cultural implications of nonmonogamy, the impact of societal norms, the progressing nonmonogamy movement, and the importance of community, consent, and cooperative living in practicing non-monogamy. When it comes to having a successful non-monogamous relationship, Brett emphasizes the relevance of developing effective communication skills, having a clear understanding of personal desires, and the establishment of healthier relationships. He calls for the questioning and challenging of the supremacy of monogamous relationships in society and how dismantling this norm will lead to a more inclusive, loving society. Charna ends the episode by sharing resources for people looking to explore the world of non-monogamy, as well as, an exercise designed to help you focus in on the characteristics and nuances you’re looking for in a partner when choosing a potential mate.  Show Notes 00:04 Introduction of Brett Chamberlin and OPEN 01:09 Brett Chamberlin's Journey to Polyamory Advocacy 03:31 The Birth of OPEN: Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Nonmonogamy 04:09 The Challenges and Privileges of Advocacy 05:38 OPEN's Theory of Change and Advocacy Strategies 11:07 The Reality of Nonmonogamy in America 13:23 The Importance of Visibility and Acceptance 17:22 The Legal Challenges Faced by Nonmonogamous People 28:31 The Role of Polyamory in Broader Human Liberation 35:42 The Liberatory Potential of Non-Monogamy 35:51 The Social and Environmental Impact of Extractive Systems 36:31 The Rise of Social Issues and the Role of Non-Monogamy 38:08 The History and Evolution of Monogamy 38:58 The Impact of Industrial Revolution on Relationship Structures 40:55 The Importance of Relationship Education 50:07 The Role of Media in Normalizing Non-Monogamy 54:43 The Impact of Pandemic on Non-Monogamous Relationships 59:41 The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Authenticity in Relationships 01:00:58 Understanding and Navigating the Complexities of Relationships 01:03:57 Conclusion: The Power of Open Conversations and Community

Get ready for Valentine's Day with Celeste Moore, a personal image and dating consultant in the latest pre-Valentine's Day episode of LaidOpen Podcast. In this episode, Celeste offers invaluable guidance for those navigating new beginnings, particularly men who are navigating the complexities of dating post-long-term relationships or marriages. She also explores the importance of communication and authenticity in relationships, strategies for building confidence, and the art of crafting effective digital dating profiles.  Discover how Celeste's experience as a sole parent informs her approach and the invaluable insights she offers for single parents dipping their toes back into the dating pool. From debunking common profile pitfalls to unveiling the top lies men tell online, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration for anyone seeking love in the modern world. Charna wraps up the episode with a powerful visualization exercise, enhancing focus and attention skills for a more mindful dating experience by pulling one's energies back from the past or future and directing them towards the present moment. Show Notes 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 00:54 Introducing the Guest: Celeste Moore 02:07 Celeste's Journey to Becoming a Dating Coach 04:05 The Challenges of Working with Men and Women 05:13 The Evolution of Celeste's Career 07:08 The Ideal Client for Celeste 08:59 The Challenges of Dating and Image Consulting 09:38 The Importance of Image in Dating 10:30 The Different Types of Clients Celeste Works With 13:44 The Importance of Adventure in Dating 18:35 The Role of Mock Dates in Celeste's Coaching 24:25 The Challenges of Being a Sole Parent 32:51 Parenting and Dating: A Delicate Balance 34:59 The Importance of Timing in Relationships 35:57 Transferable Skills: From Parenting to Dating 37:23 The Power of Collaboration in Personal Growth 38:21 Breaking Communication Barriers 42:21 Building Confidence and Desirability in Dating 53:45 The Art of Online Dating: Profile Dos and Don'ts 59:09 The Journey to Self-Love and Acceptance  

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast Charna is joined by holistic sex educator and Yoni Mapping therapist, Freya Graf to discuss Freya's approach to dismantling shame and taboos around sexuality. She also explains the practice of Yoni Mapping Therapy, a method she uses to help people with vulvas and vaginas understand their bodies, relationships, and the impacts of trauma.  Additionally, Freya opens up about her personal journey with sexuality, offering a unique perspective on holistic sexual practices. The discussion delves into the realm of sex education, focusing on reconnecting individuals with their bodies, enhancing pleasure, and challenging societal narratives surrounding sex. The conversation culminates with Graf explaining her exercise, The Seven Gates of Female Arousal, and sharing about her online course 'Queen Out', a guide to Yoni self-massage, de-armoring, multiple orgasms, and the release of trauma and tension. 00:38 Guest Introduction: Freya Graff 02:40 Understanding Yoni Mapping 03:44 The Process of Yoni Mapping Therapy 04:40 The Impact of Yoni Mapping on the Nervous System 08:42 The Importance of Sex Education and Body Reconnection 19:58 The Role of Neurofeedback in Healing 25:21 Personal Journey Towards Sexual Healing 31:32 Acknowledging the Courage to Change 32:24 Healing Ancestral Trauma 34:14 Breaking the Cycle: A Personal Journey 35:33 Family Reactions to Unconventional Career Choices 43:50 Finding a Calling in Yoni Mapping 49:14 The Seven Gates of Female Arousal 55:48 Freya's Online Course "Queen Out" use code LAIDOPENPODCAST to get $100 off. 58:28 Conclusion: The Journey Continues  

Join us this week on LaidOPEN Podcast, for an insightful conversation with certified Human Design expert, Evelyn Levenson.  In this episode, Evelyn shares her journey of discovering Human Design and its profound impact on her life. She recounts how understanding herself as a Projector within Human Design redirected her path from a successful yet unfulfilling business career to a deeper exploration of Human Design's transformative possibilities. She also sheds light on how uncovering her Human Design type propelled her towards a fulfilling pursuit of assisting others in navigating their unique paths. Throughout the episode, Evelyn and Charna eloquently break down the fundamental principles of Human Design, using it to illuminate how this system serves as a valuable tool for self-discovery, providing a roadmap for individuals to optimize their choices and live fulfilled, authentic lives. 

Welcome back to LaidOPEN Podcast. Today, we're joined by Aline Ra M., a remarkable spiritual guide sharing her unique journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. At the age of 12, Aline found herself attuned to voices from the other side, an experience that led her to an enigmatic island school off the Brazilian coast, a sanctuary where she began unraveling the mysteries of her gift. In her late 30s, facing significant discontentment, Aline underwent a profound transformation. She ingeniously blended her mystical knowledge with the profound teachings of Buddhism, creating a practical and meaningful approach to spirituality. Aline's approach is refreshingly down-to-earth. She doesn't deal in esotericism but offers a practical roadmap to connect individuals directly to their inner divine, integrating spirituality into their everyday lives. She facilitates healing, expansion, and purpose amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. Join us as Aline Ra M. shares her journey, delves into the essence of inner magic, and illuminates the path to a deeper connection with the divine within ourselves. 

This week on LaidOpen Podcast I’m joined by renowned somatic expert Staci Haines. Together we delve into transformative methods to mend our fractured society, exploring the power of somatic practices in fostering unity and healing. Staci and I talk about the journey from individual healing to collective transformation, and unraveling the intersections between somatics and spirituality. We also explore the pivotal shift from fragmentation to wholeness and how to navigate the path from polarization to love through somatic principles. Listen in as Staci candidly reflects on her evolution as a leader, acknowledging personal limitations while embracing growth, and offering invaluable insights on becoming a more adept authority figure. Plus, we speak on the enigmatic process of healing the collective, activism, and the intricate task of disentangling societal beliefs from the body.  Join us for an episode brimming with wisdom, guidance, and the promise of societal healing through the transformative lens of somatic practices.   

Hey there! Have you ever thought about how we discover ourselves through the different voices we try on in life? I'm excited to share an amazing conversation in this episode where we explore exactly that. I sit down with Adrienne Shamszad, a talented musician I got introduced to through my friend Ned Buskirk from You're Going To Die. Adrienne's story is truly inspiring—she found her true voice when she began losing it. That struggle led her on a journey to uncover the ways she'd been silenced, and it changed everything for her. We dive deep into Adrienne's artistic process, how she channels her art, and the mind-body connection in her journey as an artist. But it's more than that; it's about growing up as an artist, finding paths by tapping into something higher, and letting that energy flow through her art. One thing Adrienne said that stuck with me is, "Suffering can sometimes be this incredible portal in life, pushing us toward awakening or awareness." That hit hard, reflecting on how challenges can shape us in unexpected ways. Join us as we uncover Adrienne Shamszad's story—a story of resilience, artistry, and the search for authenticity. We'll explore how she found her voice amid life's hurdles and how her journey might resonate deeply with your own. Come along and let's discover together the transformative power of self-discovery through art and resilience.

Dr. Avgi Saketopoulou is a New York-based psychoanalyst and therapist with extensive experience with trauma, queerness, gender diversity, and the nuances of consent. In her latest book, “Sexuality Beyond Consent: Risk, Race, Traumatophilia,” Dr. Saketopoulou argues that we have become culturally obsessed with healing trauma and points to the ways traumatized people synthesize their pain. In her book, she also makes an important distinction between limit and affirmative consent, which we dissect as concepts through art and creative expression at large. This leads to an enriching conversation about the evolution of self, coming out whole after trauma, how trauma brings us into a new awareness and chances who we are fundamentally, and the ever-important question… is trauma ever healed?  We also pull apart the crossover between eroticism and consent, the erotics of racism,  and how through traumatic experiences we can unlock our potential as these encounters are not about guarding the self but about risking experience. In this episode, I have a truly fascinating conversation with Dr. Saketopoulou that begs us each to look at the traumas we’ve experienced, how we can relate to these events, not pathologize them and use them not to master trauma but to rub up against it so it opens us up to encounters with opacity.

This season, we have been loosely exploring “cancelation” what it means for the canceled person if it works, and how we can integrate the canceled person back into society. This week’s episode continues with that theme and is an extension of our last episode featuring canceled sexuality coach Charlie Glickman. This episode features Mischa Byruck, a sexual integrity coach who works to support people to live their sex lives in line with their values. He specializes in supporting subjects of public callouts and cancelations and assists over three dozen men to take accountability for sexual harm and return to their lives transformed. He also leads courses and workshops on sexual integrity, kink, and consent. Mischa is also part of Charlie’s accountability team. Mischa and I explore how we can put preventative systems in place to avoid a power dynamic that prevents people in a passive position from approaching the more powerful person with feedback or notes on unintentional abuses of power. This all starts with an awareness that leaders in a power position (bosses, coaches, teachers) need to acknowledge the lack of power their audience has. Tools like these can help to avoid many harmful situations that result in leaders feeling scrutinized.  We also talk about why, as a society, we wait for harm to occur to establish accountability systems. What if this became the norm? Of course, this takes understanding and acknowledging the power differentials built into our roles, socioeconomic, gender, and race. We end with an exercise that briefly explains how to somatically navigate defensiveness as it arises and staying present when being called out.