LaidOPEN Podcast

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I chat with the incredibly insightful Erica Wright, a codependency counselor who spends an hour with me breaking down complex relationship dynamics and sharing wisdom on healing and self-love. 

Erica delves into her journey, discussing the roots of codependency within societal frameworks and the transformative role of spirituality and sobriety. From understanding the true meaning of intimacy and interdependency in relationships to practical exercises for grounding yourself, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. 

Ready to reclaim your energy, set boundaries, and foster unconditional love in your relationships? Tune in as we decode codependency and discover the path to genuine connection and self-empowerment.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Erica Wright

02:07 Defining Codependency

03:53 Historical Context and Personal Journey

13:00 The Practice of Interdependency

17:58 The Radical Act of Self-Love

21:59 Sober Reflections and Reality Checks

26:20 The Power of Friendships

27:59 First Partnership Experience

28:43 Non-Codependency Moments

29:53 Healing Through Intimacy

30:29 Unspoken Understanding

31:31 The Power of Presence

34:26 True Intimacy and Vulnerability

35:52 Sex and Somatic Healing

39:49 Spiritual Practice and Healing

46:29 Grounding and Centering Practice

50:47 Offerings and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I welcome Atlanta-based musician Kennedy Ryon. We discuss Kennedy's journey in the music industry, her experiences with self-doubt, the significance of accepting imperfections, and her creative process.  

Kennedy shares insights from working on the soundtrack for the Amazon show 'Expats,' the challenges of managing artistic blocks, and the healing powers of music and creativity. The episode also highlights the importance of emotional expression, versatility in songwriting, and the impact of supportive mentors like Kennedy's fifth-grade teacher. 

The episode ends with Kennedy's thoughts on gratitude and connection, a musical sample, and the importance of believing in yourself. Overall, this episode provides a candid look into the life of a dedicated artist navigating the complexities of her life and craft.

00:00 Introduction 

02:27 Welcome, Kennedy Ryon!

02:39 Kennedy's Recent Projects and Reflections

03:52 The Challenge of Self-Critique

04:55 Letting Go of Perfectionism

08:24 The Healing Power of Music

13:02 Kennedy's Creative Process

26:24 Themes in Kennedy's Music

28:39 Breaking Out of the Box: Embracing Musical Diversity

29:48 The Challenges and Joys of Being an Independent Artist

31:07 Overcoming Creative Blocks and Self-Doubt

31:25 Navigating Audience Reactions and Staying True to Your Art

34:18 The Importance of Rest and Authenticity in Creativity

37:39 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Doubt

41:11 Childhood Influences and the Power of Music

43:15 The Impact of Teachers and the Love for Reading

49:33 Concluding Thoughts and Evergreen Performance

53:31 Final Words and Gratitude

In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I welcome my friend and guest Rachel Kaplan. Rachel hosts the “Healing Feeling Shit Show” podcast and is the author of “Feel, Heal, and Let That Sh*t Go: Your Guide to Emotional Resilience and Lasting Self-Love,” which explores the process and importance of reconnecting with and expressing emotions. 

The discussion delves into the emotional challenges many face, like avoiding uncomfortable feelings, and offers insights and tools on how to move emotions through the body. Rachel introduces her 'emotional potty training' method, emphasizing proactive and reactive emotional release techniques to facilitate healing from core emotional wounds. 

The conversation also explores the significance of nature and reparenting in developing emotional resilience and the nuances of navigating complex PTSD. The episode underscores the revolutionary potential of feeling emotions fully and skillfully as a form of personal activism.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:46 Healing Through Feeling: Rachel's Journey

03:46 The Importance of Emotional Expression

05:31 Avoidance and Its Consequences

09:54 Tools for Emotional Bandwidth

11:18 Nature and Connection

19:29 Reparenting and Self-Love

26:38 Understanding Reintegration Work

27:12 Exploring Childhood Shame

27:44 Building a Whole Self

28:57 Complex PTSD and Shame

29:59 Physical Manifestations of Emotions

33:08 Proactive vs. Reactive Emotional Release

34:21 Core Wounds and Emotional Healing

36:39 Practical Techniques for Emotional Release

41:03 Deep Practice and Commitment

45:43 Navigating Trauma and Trust

52:22 Final Thoughts and Resources

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