Love, Sex, and Leadership

In this episode, I sit down with Charlene Gisele to unpack the deep roots of burnout and how it shapes our bodies, relationships, and emotional well-being. We talk about why burnout is rarely just about workload—it’s often a reflection of old patterns, internalized expectations, and the ways we’ve learned to seek safety and validation. Charlene’s perspective is both compassionate and grounded, reminding us that healing doesn’t require abandoning ambition; it asks us to reorient it with presence and care.Charlene shares her powerful journey from being a high-performing lawyer driven by perfectionism to hitting a wall—and then choosing radical transformation. We explore how childhood experiences can wire us for over-responsibility and people-pleasing, and how hypnotherapy can help us reconnect to repressed emotions, unwind addictive coping behaviors, and build a more resilient inner foundation. The throughline is self-honesty: seeing the patterns that served us once but no longer do, and meeting them with skill instead of shame.We also dig into what a healthier relationship with work, love, and purpose looks like in real life: listening to the body’s signals, setting boundaries without guilt, creating simple restoration rituals, and pursuing big goals from an aligned nervous system. The invitation is to keep your drive—and pair it with awareness, spiritual practice, and a values-led compass. Burnout recovery isn’t about dimming your light; it’s about directing it with balance, intention, and presence.[b]Chapters[/b]0:00 - Introduction with Burnout Expert Charlene Gisele2:30 - Charlene's Personal Connection to Burnout8:41 - From Lawyer to Spiritual Seeker9:43 - Balancing Work and Personal Life13:18 - Structuring Entrepreneurial Work Weeks16:22 - Evolving Work Relationships as an Entrepreneur22:19 - Addressing Work Addiction and Trauma28:16 - Restoring Sensuality Post-Burnout33:50 - Emotional Work and Men's Health40:02 - Natasha's Journey with Pregnancy and Leadership46:11 - Charlene on Financial Support and Resilience

I invited my friend Sigourney Belle to explore the real transformation that happens when we move from maiden to mother—and why it’s a physiological, neurological, and spiritual awakening. Together we name the power of matrescence, the rise of heightened instinct, and the shadow of fear that can surface in pregnancy. Sigourney shares how unexpected challenges late in her pregnancy dismantled old structures, and how she rebuilt her life with deeper trust in her body’s wisdom—ultimately birthing Soma Mystica as a bridge between modern medicine and mystical insight.We go deep into somatic healing: what field intelligence feels like in real time, why co-regulation and therapeutic touch matter, and how practitioners must master state entrainment so their nervous systems become safe, attuned instruments. I share the practices I lean on to anchor presence, while Sigourney offers trauma-informed perspectives that make intuition practical—so we can listen to the body’s signals without getting swept by them.From parenting to education, we explore cultivating a child’s unique genius, unshaming early body education, and making aligned schooling choices—from Steiner to Green School Bali. We talk about raising embodied, sovereign kids who can sense their own boundaries and creativity, and how intuitive leadership at home starts with our capacity to feel, name, and navigate our inner states.Sigourney also opens up about co-parenting, dating after birth, and building a slower, more strategic business that supports motherhood and creativity. This conversation is an invitation to widen what we believe is possible—inside our bodies, our relationships, and the ecosystems we steward—so that healing becomes not just personal, but profoundly relational and generational.[b]Chapters[/b]0:00 - Sigourney Belle's Transition to Motherhood5:44 - Balancing Motherhood and Creativity8:41 - Cultivating Genius in Your Child13:45 - Deciding Your Child's Educational Path21:25 - Teaching Children About Sexuality24:43 - Healthy Conversations on Sexuality26:43 - Healing Trauma with Soma Mystica37:35 - Integrating AI in Energy Medicine40:53 - The Importance of Human Touch45:53 - Navigating Relationships After Motherhood49:30 - Fertility and Planning for More Children52:49 - Future Plans: A Life in Bali57:27 - Sigourney Belle's Upcoming Projects

In this episode, I open up about the art of trusting life, even when the unknown feels overwhelming. I explore how our bodies are living temples and how breath, sound, and presence can reconnect us to the subtle realms of spirit without needing substances. I reflect on moments of inspiration beyond the veil, the reality of duality, and why those micro-moments of choosing faith over fear shape the way we move through the world.I also share a very human season of dismantling—leaving a relationship, a country, and an academy—and how surrender, prayer, and daily self-holding carried me through. We look at the danger of spiritual bypassing and why authentic tantra starts from the ground up: feeling what’s real, integrating it in the body, and only then rising into trust. This is about meeting life honestly and letting wisdom grow from the roots.Along the way, I offer the practices that keep me steady and clear: meditation, emotional release, gratitude, mindset hygiene, and creating spaciousness so spirit can move through. My hope is that you feel invited to remember the grand, organized design we’re part of—and to co-create a life that feels aligned, awake, and deeply human.[b]Chapters[/b]0:00 - Tantric Life Lessons for Awakening the Soul2:00 - The Sweetness of Letting Go of Resistance9:21 - Creating Spaciousness for Trust and Surrender

In this episode, I invited Britton and Carolee Beckham to share how they moved from six-generation Mormon conditioning to a sovereign, heart-led union. Their story begins with a psilocybin journey that shifted how they saw their church, opening a path through grief into clarity and personal truth. We also sit with the courageous healing that followed repeated infidelity—how they chose to face the pain, tell the truth, and keep listening to love.Together, we unpack what sovereignty really means in partnership, why consent is a living practice, and the difference between hierarchy and healthy power in sacred sexuality spaces. The Beckhams explain their commitment to emotional monogamy while allowing playful social containers, and how deep shadow work, embodiment, and honest agreements helped them rebuild safety, desire, and trust from the inside out.We also explore parenting four kids without shame—normalizing bodies, teaching consent early, and fostering open, curious dialogue at home. Now guiding others through Ritual Shadow Work with astrology and lunar cycles, Britton and Carolee offer a grounded blueprint for choosing love, freedom, and integrity—within yourself and in union.Chapters0:00 - Introduction to Our Guests from Colorado2:30 - Realizing the Desire for a Different Path8:34 - Navigating the Exit from Mormonism13:47 - Historical Context of Polygamy in Mormonism18:17 - Sacred Sexuality and Emotional Intelligence24:35 - Exploring Sexual Sovereignty and Polyamory31:57 - Embarking on a Healing Journey32:36 - Understanding Masculine and Feminine Dynamics33:44 - Balancing Sovereignty and Freedom in Relationships42:26 - Union in Polyamory46:17 - Owning Infidelities and Relationship Growth52:01 - Releasing Judgments for Personal Freedom52:28 - Parenting and Conversations About Sexuality56:02 - A Story of Protection and Awareness in Parenting

In this powerful episode of Love, Sex & Leadership, Aaron sits down with Sundari (Marci Lock) for a deep dive into embodied leadership, spiritual devotion, and the art of surrender. They explore how resistance can be a gateway to healing, the sacred use of plant medicine, and the transformational journey of building the Sanctuary of Light in Bali. With heartfelt reflections on death, divine timing, and authentic expression, this conversation is a masterclass in living fully from the soul. Tune in for inspiration, wisdom, and a reminder to embrace life with presence, purpose, and joy.

Listeners are invited to explore simple tantric teachings that help embody true power, awaken the soul's wisdom, and live an inspired, intuitive, and heart-centered life. We begin with a grounding exercise to connect you to your body, prompting reflection on your life's journey and the conscious choice to inhabit your current form. The focus is on exploring different archetypes and energies, particularly the healthy warrior spirit. This warrior within is encouraged to express emotions and needs, creating safety not just for oneself but for others. We delve into introspection of where warrior-like energy lies within and where it might be underexpressed or overexpressed, aiming to understand intrinsic authority without the need for external validation. The concept of embodiment is introduced, emphasizing the necessity of intellectual understanding alongside physical experiences. I share reflections on experiences with intellectual upbringing and a realization of the value of mindfulness and embodiment work. The dialogue encompasses the differentiation between light and dark masculine energies, describing light energies as compassionate and dark energies as assertive but not overpowering, aiming for a balance that invites strength and encouragement for oneself and others. We challenge competitive instincts, recognizing the value in camaraderie over domination, and address the societal pressure men face to balance strength with tenderness, noting the conflicted expectations of modern masculinity. The exploration encourages leaning into personal edges, whether that means embracing fierceness or softness, and highlights the importance of intrinsic value. With an emphasis on the solar plexus, connected to will and fire, you are guided to explore personal blockages stemming from beliefs or ideologies that may hinder stepping into your true power. We acknowledge common fears around judgment and rejection when asserting power, stressing the importance of conscious power that creates safety rather than fear, and acknowledge the fear of unconscious power as seen in personal experiences with aggression. As the episode progresses, we emphasize vulnerability alongside strength, and the notion that true safety and trust arise from standing firmly in one's power. This power, when conscious, allows others to rise and meet one another as equals, sharing collective strength. We conclude with an invitation to embrace the dualities of strength and vulnerability, and encourage you to participate in practices that awaken your inner fire.

In this engaging episode, I welcome Chantelle Raven from the Embodied Awakening Academy to explore the evolving dynamics in relationships, focusing on the concept of the "masculine provider." We dive into the pressures men face as financial providers and the expectations women have regarding arousal and partnership. Chantelle highlights the unfair societal expectations placed on men while acknowledging the roles women play. She shares her personal journey towards financial independence and how these dynamics manifest in her relationship with Matisse, who offers emotional and familial support instead of financial. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of equality in relationships, suggesting that provision extends beyond finances to include emotional care and household responsibilities. We discuss how energies and responsibilities should flow naturally in a relationship, free from traditional gender roles or entitlement, and how this is crucial for personal empowerment and shared responsibilities. As we continue, I share insights from my own relationship and reflect on the upcoming birth of my baby, considering how these dynamics of providing and relational flow evolve with fatherhood. We highlight the significance of mutual respect and balance, ensuring all partners feel seen and appreciated in their roles. Our discussion challenges societal norms that pressure men and women into predefined roles. Towards the end, we shift focus to personal growth, community, and the transformative potential of workshops like Living Tantra, inviting listeners to explore deeper personal and relational transformations. This episode navigates the nuanced dialogue of traditional masculine and feminine roles, personal empowerment, and the creation of balanced, nurturing partnerships. Check out our upcoming Living Tantra Retreat at https://embodiedawakeningacademy.com/event/living-tantra-retreat-portugal-2025/

I had the pleasure of inviting Sofia, a dear friend and former lover, to join me on the podcast to explore our shared journey into tantra and personal growth. Sofia played a pivotal role in introducing me to the world of tantra, profoundly influencing my understanding of love, embodiment, and leadership. During our conversation, Sofia shared her philosophy on guiding men toward their potential, emphasizing the importance of leading with love and embodying divine grace. She opened up about her professional and personal journey, highlighting that true love and transformation stem from embodying one's authenticity and being in tune with one's inner self. We delved into the concept of love addiction, discussing societal patterns of seeking validation and love externally rather than recognizing our inherent completeness. Together, we reflected on the journey from "prince" to "king" consciousness for men, where a mature man knows his center and purpose. Our discussion also touched on the evolution of relationships and recognizing when a season of love has concluded. We examined the addictive nature of love as portrayed in media and how people often cling to relationships out of fear of being alone. Sofia shared her readiness for a life partner, having released the attachment to needing a relationship for fulfillment, attributing this shift to understanding love addiction and embracing solitude. We explored the essence of tantra, which Sofia defines as recognizing the divine in every moment and experience, even through life's challenges. Surrendering to life's flow and relaxing into the divine embrace is essential for genuine transformation and creation. Sofia offered her insights into leadership, emphasizing how individuals can elevate human consciousness by embodying purity and transparency, focusing on deep personal transformation that naturally impacts the world around them.

I invite listeners to explore the profound themes of love, self-discovery, and the journey to inner union. By tapping into our heart space, we can embrace the concept of love as an omnipresent energy that defines the universe. Through sharing my personal experiences, including a transformational moment in Egypt, I illustrate how a perceived loss of love can lead to a deeper understanding of self-love and inner union. Reflecting on past relationships, I emphasize that love should be cultivated within rather than sought externally. I distinguish between codependent and interdependent relationships, advocating for inner wholeness and mutual growth in partnerships. Codependency is detrimental, leading to cycles of unmet needs, while interdependence allows for healthier, more fulfilling connections. I challenge societal misconceptions around romantic love, particularly the 'you complete me' trope, and stress the necessity of knowing oneself as whole before engaging in relationships. I delve into healing personal patterns, sharing anecdotes about breaking cycles rooted in early familial relationships, such as recognizing and interrupting a recurring dating pattern linked to my mother's birthday. I encourage listeners to view partnerships as opportunities for growth and reflection, recognizing discomfort as a catalyst for transformation. Love is a shared journey requiring mutual commitment to personal evolution, with compatibility in sexual, emotional, and conscious alignment being critical for harmonious relationships. I redefine love as a means of self-discovery through genuine, often challenging interactions, counseling against staying in relationships out of obligation or fear. Through my personal journey, I illustrate the importance of honest communication and recognizing red flags early on. I emphasize personal growth, encouraging listeners to love themselves enough to demand what they deserve from relationships. Ongoing personal work within partnerships is essential, as no relationship is perfect, but conscious efforts can lead to profound mutual support and growth. I advise against falling in love with potential, emphasizing that it's not one's job to evolve another unwilling person, and invite listeners to consider what holds them back from fulfilling relationships, advocating inner work to align one's vibration with a compatible partner.

In this engaging episode, I introduce Layla El Khadri, a dynamic embodiment coach who guides both men and women in connecting deeply with their true essence to become effective leaders. Layla passionately shares her insights on unlocking human potential and fostering personal and collective growth. We dive into the importance of inner work, highlighting the need to confront personal darkness and transform it into empowering experiences. Together, we explore the cycle of identifying personal triggers, navigating through struggles, and emerging stronger. Layla elaborates on her approach to helping clients embrace and integrate all parts of themselves, including the light and dark aspects of their personalities. Our conversation also touches on societal influences on men's expression of masculinity and the necessity for men to embrace their true power without fear. We delve into gender dynamics and the significance of establishing clear boundaries and communication in relationships. Addressing the impact of societal narratives and personal experiences on victimization, we emphasize reclaiming self-sovereignty and transitioning from victimhood to empowerment. Layla shares her personal journey of overcoming trauma and finding strength in vulnerability, discussing the healing power of conscious intimate relationships. Throughout our discussion, we underscore the importance of understanding and regulating the nervous system for personal magnetism and leadership, ultimately calling for embracing the full spectrum of one's being to lead a life of purpose and inspiration.