LaidOPEN Podcast

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

In this episode of the Laid Open Podcast we welcome Dr. Susan Campbell PhD, an esteemed psychologist and relationship coach who delves deep into the essence of understanding and managing what triggers us in intimate relationships.

Dr. Susan provides practical steps for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication to foster healthier relationships. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, safety, and understanding attachment styles. Together, Charna and Dr. Susan discuss the profound impact of individual healing on a collective scale.

The episode wraps up with Dr. Susan guiding an exercise on recognizing one's Trigger Signature and touches on approaches for relational freedom and repair.

00:00 Introduction and Course Announcement

01:18 Introducing Susan Campbell

02:26 Exploring Emotional Triggers and Healing

19:42 Understanding Attachment Styles

26:44 Practicing Self-Regulation and Pausing

37:05 Understanding Attachment Dynamics

37:20 Learning Through Experience

39:27 The Importance of Repair in Relationships

40:22 Compassionate Self-Inquiry

40:44 Addressing Core Fears and Triggers

42:17 Effective Communication and Repair Scripts

48:17 The Role of Radical Honesty

48:59 Creating Safety and Self-Awareness

50:07 Managing Triggers and Repair Timing

53:50 Unilateral Repair and Seeking Reassurance

58:45 When to Seek Third-Party Help

01:00:14 Workshops, Webinars, and Continued Learning

01:02:03 Relational Freedom and Trigger Signature Exercise

01:13:54 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, host Charna Cassell welcomes guest Mark Walsh an embodiment coach and host of The Embodiment Podcast, to discuss their shared history and Mark's extensive work in the field of embodiment and trauma education. He's also the author of Embodiment, Working with the Body in Training and Coaching, and Embodied Meditation. He led The Embodiment Conference (1000 teachers, 500,000 delegates) and has trained over 2000 embodiment coaches in over 40 countries.

Mark, situated near Stonehenge in England, shares insights from his extensive travels and training, including his work with trauma-affected communities in Ukraine. The conversation spans various topics, such as the global rise of social isolation, the impact of technology on mental health, the essential role of humor in trauma work, and the importance of cultural context in embodiment practices.

Mark also shares his personal journey with embodiment, driven by his hyper-intellectual background and a traumatic childhood. The episode concludes with a practical centering exercise and reflections on embodied freedom, emphasizing the importance of awareness and choice in overcoming habitual behaviors.

00:00 Introduction and Reunion

02:10 Mark's Current Endeavors and Thoughts on Society

03:23 Impact of COVID and Technology on Mental Health

08:46 Mark's Work in Ukraine

21:37 The Role of Humor in Trauma Training

26:31 Navigating Cultural Sensitivities

29:08 Managing Vicarious Trauma

31:40 Personal Practices for Well-being

33:43 The Power of Social Media

35:16 Connecting with Mentors

45:30 Embodied Freedom and Choice

47:15 Conclusion and Resources

In the season 4 finale of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna welcomes Dr. Keesha Ewers, an expert in integrative medicine, functional sexology, and a survivor of autoimmunity induced by trauma. And shares her personal journey from starting as a conventional nurse to exploring alternative healing modalities like Ayurveda, hypnotherapy, and EMDR after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

She illuminates the profound connection between unresolved trauma and physical health, including autoimmune disorders and sexual vitality. The discussion delves deep into the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), highlighting the impact of trauma on long-term health and well-being.

Dr. Keesha also discusses the concept of 'libido' as life force vitality and emphasizes the importance of healing and digesting trauma for reclaiming one's full vitality and sexual freedom. The episode encourages personal reflection and offers insights on how to embark on a healing journey with an exercise from Dr. Keesha that teaches how to embrace your inner 'eagle' and live a more embodied and liberated life.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to LaidOPEN Podcast with Dr. Keesha Ewers

01:06 Embarking on a Journey of Healing and Transformation

01:23 Dr. Keesha's Personal Battle with Autoimmune Disease

04:55 Discovering the Power of Ayurveda and Yoga

07:34 The Profound Connection Between Trauma and Health

13:57 Exploring the ACE Study and Its Implications

21:56 Navigating Trauma and Its Impact on Health

25:34 Personal Stories of Overcoming and Healing

27:21 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundary Setting

32:39 Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Shame

34:12 The Power of Plant Medicine in Healing

35:01 Navigating Life's Developmental Milestones and Achieving Unity Consciousness

35:43 Understanding the Human Condition: From Victim to Perpetrator

36:42 The Journey to Self-Compassion and Liberation

42:26 Exploring Sexual Liberation and Vitality

52:17 The Importance of Play and Embracing Different Perspectives

59:40 Concluding Thoughts on Community, Healing, and Empowerment

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