In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna talks with Dr. Chelsey Hague-Zavaleta, an expert in applied educational neuroscience and social–emotional learning. Together, they explore what it really means to raise calm, connected kids — and how to do it without losing your mind (or yourself) in the process.

They unpack the science of co-regulation, discuss the difference between gentle and authoritative parenting, and share practical tools for managing stress behaviors and creating family balance.

Dr. Chelsey offers compassionate insights for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to build calmer, more cooperative relationships with children, and with themselves. Charna also introduces her upcoming group program designed to help parents and individuals deepen their self-regulation and embodiment practices.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Wish for Parenting

00:53 Introducing Dr. Chelsey and Her Expertise

02:41 Chelsey's Journey and Parenting Course

05:13 Parenting Challenges and Co-Regulation

07:45 Gentle Parenting vs. Authoritative Approach

15:54 Tone and Nonverbal Communication in Parenting

20:54 Handling Parental Preferences and Boundaries

30:17 The Ineffectiveness of Negative Commands

30:51 Positive Framing in Parenting

32:38 Intervening Before Explosions

34:04 Handling Stress Behaviors

35:21 Challenges of Co-Parenting and Transitions

37:57 Adoptive and Foster Parenting

45:09 Embodiment and Raising Self-Aware Children

53:22 The Power of Praise and Positive Reinforcement

56:11 Conclusion and Resources

✨ Subscribe to LaidOPEN for more conversations about intimacy, self-regulation, and the science of connection.

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, host Charna Cassell sits down with award-winning playwright, performer, and teacher Ann Randolph, whose autobiographical solo shows blend comedy, storytelling, and profound transformation. Together they explore their long-held desire to collaborate — a journey guided by synchronicity, presence, and creative courage.

Ann shares how her early days working the graveyard shift at a homeless shelter evolved into a celebrated career sharing the stage with icons like Mel Brooks and Alanis Morissette. She opens up about using comedy to approach trauma, the healing power of daily writing, and the importance of embodying your story rather than just telling it.

Charna and Ann dive deep into the somatic roots of storytelling, the interplay between vulnerability and creative freedom, and the spiritual practices that sustain both art and healing. Whether you're a writer, performer, or simply someone seeking personal transformation, this conversation invites you to embrace failure, presence, and play as pathways to authentic expression and connection.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:11 – Charna's Journey to Meeting Ann

03:39 – The Power of Daily Writing

04:18 – Writing for Transformation

05:02 – Ann's Solo Shows and Comedy

09:18 – Victim, Hero, and Perpetrator Dynamics

12:22 – Somatic Practices in Storytelling

18:19 – Collaborations with Alanis Morissette

23:10 – Working with Mel Brooks

27:42 – Support and Validation

28:15 – Mentorship and High Stakes

29:16 – Opening in New York and Personal Loss

31:27 – Turning Grief into Art

41:26 – The Healing Power of Storytelling

45:29 – Spiritual Practices and Personal Growth

47:42 – Current Projects and Offerings

51:53 – Conclusion and Farewell

This season, dreams are really on my mind. I've been thinking about how they shape our creativity, our healing, and the subtle ways our bodies speak through them. In this episode, I sit down with dreamwork expert Bonnie Buckner, author of The Secret Mind: Unlock the Power of Dreams to Transform Your Life and founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery.

Bonnie teaches that dreams aren't just stories from the night—they're a living intelligence, guiding us through symbol, sensation, and emotion. Together, we explore how dreams can open pathways to creativity, empathy, and collective consciousness.

We talk about the erotic and the joyful, the ones that confuse or haunt us, and how every dream—no matter how strange—is an invitation to listen more closely to what our deeper selves are trying to say. Bonnie also shares accessible dream practices you can begin tonight to help translate your inner imagery into healing and transformation.

If you've ever woken from a dream that lingered in your body all day, this conversation will help you understand why—and how to listen when your dreams start speaking back.

Learn more about Bonnie's work at the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery, and explore my offerings in somatics and embodiment at charnacassel.com and passionatelife.org.

Show Notes:

00:00 — Reflections on the mystery and intelligence of dreams

00:40 — Meet Bonnie Buckner: author, dreamwork teacher, and founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery

02:36 — What happens when we dream collectively

04:48 — Using dreams for problem-solving and creative inspiration

07:24 — How dreams mirror our emotional and physical well-being

08:41 — The body as the dream's messenger

15:11 — Supporting children's natural dream connection

26:30 — Lucid dreaming and conscious participation in the dream

28:11 — What sex dreams reveal about desire, energy, and embodiment

29:35 — The role of joy and play in dreaming

31:39 — How life transitions, including menopause, shape dream life

33:36 — Exercises to shift emotion through imagery

38:21 — The symbolism of color in dreams

40:21 — Guided imagery as a bridge to healing

49:23 — Why dream journaling matters

50:40 — Closing thoughts and resources

Welcome back to LaidOPEN Podcast. In this week's episode, we explore altered states of consciousness, sound, healing, and the legacy of ancestral trauma. My guest is Tania de Jong. She's a singer, sound healer, and social entrepreneur who co-founded Mind Medicine Australia, leading efforts to make psilocybin and MDMA legally available for treatment-resistant mental health conditions.

Tania shares her own healing journey as a descendant of Holocaust survivors and the profound impact of psychedelic-assisted therapy in her life. We discuss the importance of set and setting, the benefits of group work, and how finding one's voice can open pathways to expression and integration.

She also sheds light on her advocacy in Australia, her work bridging science and spirituality, and her vision for more compassionate global healing practices.

This conversation is rich with insight for anyone curious about psychedelics, wellness, and transformation. You can experience her new song or watch the Ram Dass meditation she mentioned in the episode.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Late Open Podcast

00:20 Meet Tanya De Young: Singer, Sound Healer, and Social Entrepreneur

00:46 Tanya's Personal Healing Journey

03:52 Discovering Psychedelic Assisted Therapies

05:14 The Profound Impact of Psychedelic Experiences

06:21 Healing Ancestral Trauma

11:34 The Importance of Set and Setting in Psychedelic Therapy

12:40 Mind Medicine Australia's Mission and Training Programs

18:13 The Role of Compassion and Connection in Healing

22:31 Engaging with Indigenous Communities and Future Goals

23:40 Exploring Indigenous Healing Practices

24:08 Mind Medicine Australia Clinic Launch

24:35 The Power of Group Healing

25:15 The Importance of Belonging and Connection

27:25 The Healing Power of Sound and Voice

30:19 Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice

33:29 Promoting Global Unity and Understanding

35:57 Gross National Happiness in Bhutan

37:26 Expanding Healing Practices Internationally

39:59 Personal Spiritual Practices for Grounding

41:03 Practical Exercises for Voice and Connection

43:27 Final Thoughts and Resources

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of sexual assault.

In part 2 of this powerful conversation, Charna sits down again with Ariella Daly: dream worker, animist, and beekeeper — to continue exploring how dreams can become profound guides for healing, recovery, and transformation. Ariella shares more of her personal path, weaving together the wisdom of dreams, ritual, and the natural world to show how the subconscious can support deep repair after trauma.

Together, we discuss practical tools for reclaiming your body, rebuilding your relationship with eros and creativity, and reconnecting to nature as a source of restoration. Ariella also offers insights into sensory practices, embodiment techniques, and how to integrate dream work into everyday life so it's not just a nighttime experience but a living practice.

We also touch on the magic of collective dreaming — how shared dream spaces can reveal hidden truths, spark collective healing, and open up surprising pathways of growth. If you've ever been curious about how your dreams might be guiding you, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded practices to begin listening more deeply.

Show Notes:

00:00 Welcome Back and Episode Overview

01:05 Continuing Ariella's Healing Journey

03:20 Rituals and Dream Integration

07:45 Embodiment Practices for Recovery

12:30 Reconnecting with Nature Through Dreams

18:15 Collective Dreaming and Group Insights

26:50 Sensory Exercises, Sensory Remediation and Practical Applications

38:40 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Trigger warning: discussion of seggsual assault near the end

In this episode, Charna interviews Ariella Daley, a seasoned dream worker, animist, and beekeeper with over 15 years of experience. Ariella shares her fascinating journey into beekeeping and dream work, influenced by a blend of naturalism from her mother and mysticism from her father. She recounts a significant experience where wild bees moved into her home, deeply intertwining her dream work with her beekeeping practice.

Ariella and Charna discuss the profound healing and intuitive lessons bees can impart, the importance of intentional dreaming, and the animist worldview that sees life and consciousness in all things. Ariella also touches on her personal healing journey through profound experiences with snakes and bees, and later discusses her recent experience of seggsual assault and how dream work has been a vital resource in her healing process.

Show Notes: (You can also watch the episode on YouTube)

00:00 Welcome, Trigger Warning and Introduction

01:03 Meet Ariella Daley: Dream Worker and Beekeeper

03:33 Ariella's Journey: From Childhood to Dreaming with Bees

05:40 The Healing Power of Bees

09:41 Intentional Dreaming and Animism

12:17 The Animist Worldview

15:33 Connecting with Nature and Intuition

19:29 The Meditative Presence of Bees

24:33 Exploring the Connection Between Bees and Dreams

25:10 Ancient Dream Healing Practices

26:08 The Symbolism of Snakes and Bees

28:25 Personal Stories of Dream and Snake Encounters

34:03 The Impact of Trauma and Healing

42:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

Resources To Reach Out To:

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN):

Voice: (800) 656-HOPE (4673) | Web: https://centers.rainn.org/

SF Women Against Rape: 415-861-2024

Book Resources:

Judith Herman "Trauma and Recovery"

Babette Rothschild "The Body Remembers and 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery"

Peter Levine "Waking the Tiger"

Staci Haines "Healing Sex"

In this powerful episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I sit down with medical researcher, writer, and host of Modern Hysteria, Micah Larsen, to dive deep into her deeply personal and courageous journey through PMDD, menopause, and preeclampsia. With warmth and unflinching honesty, Micah illuminates the painful gaps in our healthcare system and the persistence of medical misogyny—and, more importantly, how we can begin to dismantle those barriers.

We explore:

• The courage it takes to speak openly about taboo topics like incontinence, childbirth, postpartum challenges, and menopause.

• How narrative and advocacy are essential tools for transforming women's healthcare.

• Micah's Montana farm: a place of solace, healing, and self-acceptance that has helped her reclaim her body and spirit amid the storms.

This episode is equal parts urgent call to action and celebration of resilience—a reminder that better women's healthcare starts with brave conversations and compassionate communities.

Note: This episode includes discussions of very heavy themes, including suicide. If you're feeling fragile, you might choose to listen in gentle doses, on a different day, or skip it altogether. But know this: this is an inspiring conversation—and I hope it helps ignite a true women's medical rights movement.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to the LaidOPEN Podcast

00:06 Meet Micah Larson: Advocate for Women's Health

02:10 The Inspiration Behind Modern Hysteria

04:13 Navigating Women's Healthcare Challenges

05:30 Addressing Taboos and Listener Engagement

09:29 Personal Stories and Medical Advocacy

11:46 Understanding Surgical Menopause

16:31 The Struggles of PMDD and Hormone Therapy

20:43 Challenges in the Healthcare System

30:08 The Struggles of Menopause and Misdiagnosis

31:45 The Last Fertility Taboo: Egg Donation

33:58 Women's Healthcare and Systemic Issues

36:35 Personal Stories of Medical Trauma

51:46 The Healing Power of Gardening

57:34 Reflections on Embodied Freedom

01:00:38 Closing Thoughts and Resources

What do you really want—and how do you even begin to ask for it?

In this episode of laidOPEN, I'm joined by somatic sex therapist Susan Morgan Taylor, a healer and teacher who guides people through the often-overlooked terrain of embodied desire. With over 25 years in somatic healing, Susan brings a grounded, intuitive approach to what she calls the Pleasure Keys Process—a set of practices designed to help individuals and couples reconnect with their sensuality, emotional truth, and authentic connection.

We dive into how early wounding, stress, and disembodiment can short-circuit intimacy—and what it really takes to come back into alignment with your body and your partner. Susan shares how her background in massage therapy and intuitive healing shaped her path, and offers practical, heartfelt wisdom on navigating low libido, sacred sexuality, and the art of noticing, naming, and negotiating in relationships.

Whether you're in a long-term partnership or simply curious about deepening your relationship to pleasure, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and reclaim the wisdom of your body.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to LaidOPEN Podcast

00:07 Meet Susan Morgan Taylor: Somatic Sex Therapist

02:48 The Pleasure Keys Process

03:20 Intuitive Healing and Somatic Work

04:50 The Importance of Touch and Consent

05:39 Navigating Desire Mismatches in Relationships

09:24 The Wheel of Consent

11:19 The Pleasure Keys Framework

16:55 Understanding Low Libido in Women

23:44 Exploring Sacred Sexuality

32:11 Exploring Sensitivity and Numbness

33:03 The Role of Physical Sensation in Relaxation

33:41 Martial Arts and Body Work in Emotional Healing

34:54 Understanding Numbness and Its Origins

36:25 Pathway to Emotional and Physical Healing

38:45 Sacred Sexuality and Emotional Depth

43:34 The Paradox of Polarity and Union

49:56 Sexual Freedom and Self-Knowledge

52:49 Practical Steps for Emotional and Physical Awareness

55:43 Conclusion and Resources

Welcome to the first episode of July 2025, where I have a fascinating conversation with Nick Brancato, a relationship systems architect and author of 'Prioritize Us.' Nick shares his unique journey from being a professional poker player to stepping into the world of personal development and relationship coaching.

We talk about the significance of aligning priorities within relationships, enhancing communication, and strategies to maintain focus under stress. Nick also introduces his 'Prioritize Us' test, a powerful framework designed to help couples (and friends and anyone else you want to build a more connected relationship with) understand each other's core life priorities and values.

We also explore coping mechanisms during crises, the concept of parallel play, and turn-based communication for resolving conflicts. Join us as we dive into these insights and more, plus we end with a simple mindfulness exercise that can help prioritize our personal resources when we want to accomplish something. Truly useful for all people.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Nick Brancato

02:15 Nick Brancato's Unusual Path to Coaching

03:24 The Impact of Poker on Relationships

05:00 The Concept of Prioritize Us

06:39 Practical Applications and Micro Rituals

12:44 Understanding the Prioritize Us Test

15:15 Real-Life Examples and Success Stories

25:45 Personal Story: Overcoming Crisis

29:58 Creating Shared Moments in Relationships

30:34 Dealing with Cognitive Decline in Loved Ones

32:07 The Importance of Self-Care Rituals

33:15 Breath Work and Content Consumption

36:06 Prioritizing Growth and Understanding in Relationships

46:26 Turn-Based Communication for Difficult Conversations

51:38 Grounding Exercises for Mindfulness

54:47 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I have an insightful conversation with activist and author Dean Spade about his extensive work in movements for queer and trans liberation, anti-militarism, and the abolition of police and prisons.

Dean and I discuss his new book titled 'Love in a Fucked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together,' covering topics such as mindful practices for managing stress, the evolution of his book over nine years, and personal growth in relationships.

We also delve into the romance myth, decentralizing romantic relationships, and the importance of community support. Dean shares valuable insights and practices for generating internal safety and the importance of collective care in social movements.

This episode is an enriching dialogue aimed at anyone interested in social justice, personal growth, and transformative community practices.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Course Announcement

00:55 Introducing Dean Spade

02:01 Dean Spade's Book Journey

02:28 Healing Modalities and Personal Growth

03:05 Non-Monogamous Relationships

03:34 Challenges in Writing the Book

05:15 Self-Help Literature Critique

06:45 Emotional Awareness in Movements

15:27 Decentralizing Romantic Relationships

23:49 Self-Generated Safety and Belonging

31:40 Therapy Misconceptions and Realities

32:38 The Overuse of Pathologizing Language

33:23 Forgiveness and Self-Inquiry in Relationships

36:05 The Impact of Alcoholism on Relationships

37:28 The Process of Forgiveness and Healing

41:34 Sexual Trauma and Cultural Narratives

44:18 Transformative Justice and Community Response

49:52 Decentralizing Romantic Relationships

You can watch this episode on my YouTube channel, just search LaidOPEN. Plus, I have free guided visualizations and a host of other tools and resources available to you there and on my website at CharnaCassell.com.