The podcast
Love, Sex, and Leadership explores themes of personal development, spirituality, and authentic leadership. Host Erin brings on guest Sydney, a facilitator and author, to discuss their long-standing friendship and their shared journey of personal growth. They reminisce about their initial meeting in Bali and the spiritual experiences that followed. Sydney shares memories of past encounters that challenged her, particularly regarding her relationship with darkness and her journey to embody different aspects of herself.
Sydney discusses her experiences in Tulum and at a workshop in Mystic Manor, LA, highlighting her struggle to embody the "predator" and "rapist," exploring the difficulty of shedding the "good girl" persona. Erin asks Sydney about her evolving relationship with surrender, which is central to her recent book, I'm Ascending, Now What? Sydney shares her thoughts on surrendering to the unknown and living in the present.
She reflects on her internal journey throughout 2023, filled with moments of existential crisis and transformation, leading to deeper connections with herself and a quest to embody true authenticity. Sydney speaks about moments of near-suicidal ideation and their role in her deepening understanding of what life means to her. She emphasizes the importance of questioning one's own identity and purpose without adhering to public personas.
Erin and Sydney discuss the nature of spiritual leadership and the need for authenticity in their fields. They delve into the challenges of navigating an industry filled with facilitators who may not always operate with integrity. Both guests share experiences of working with coaches and mentors who didn’t meet their expectations, leading to significant personal insights.
Sydney emphasizes the value of authentic presence over performative spirituality. She describes how she has re-evaluated her career, releasing attachments to material success and focusing instead on living authentically and inspiring others through her own presence.
The conversation moves into the dynamics of surrendering personal agendas for spiritual growth and creating genuine connections with oneself and others. Erin discusses how he navigates these realms by finding balance between personal and spiritual identities. Sydney reflects on her Vipassana meditation experience, discussing the profound impact it had on her mental clarity and awareness.
They both express a desire for a simpler life, free from the pressures of the spiritual marketplace, focusing instead on genuine connection and service. Erin shares his personal vision, mentioning his plans to write more books, build a home in Bali, and prepare for starting a family in the future.
In the realm of relationships and personal life, both Erin and Sydney share how they have broken down past constructs, remaining open to deep listening and authentic relationships. Erin highlights the importance of staying present and open to what life brings, regardless of prior expectations or societal pressures.
The podcast concludes with gratitude between Erin and Sydney for their genuine friendship and ability to share such meaningful dialogue together. Erin appreciates Sydney’s authentic presence in the conversation, as they both emphasize the power of being true to oneself while navigating life’s richness and complexity.