We recorded this episode on Mon. Apr. 20, 2020, which marks 39 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opening remarks (that don't directly relate to the main topic include): anyone else cleaning house more during our collective stay-at-home efforts? What about sorta freaking yourself out over owl legs? How about just cooking?
The main topic of self-care during our collective COVID-19 quarantine era follows. Including:
to wear jeans, or to stay in sweats? the phenomenon of enclothed cognition
the new structure for your all-day-at-home days. time targets, task targets, and using domestic chores as mental breaks
staying in integrity when scheduling FaceTime or Zoom meet-ups; protecting your time. alternatives like Marco Polo or Voxer
learning and telling your story; that is: getting clearer on how your personal history has shaped your interpretation of life.
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/90-new-levels-of-self-care
–––
Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
––––
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

We recorded this episode on Sun. Apr. 12, 2020, which marks 31 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After some opening chitchat about who's zooming who, the service and sabotage of smartphones, and a cat lady card game, we turn to the main topic of quiet.
One of the pleasant side effects of our various “stay at home” initiatives around the world has been cleaner air and water.
Pollution can occur in many mediums: air, water, light, sound, and also – thought and emotion.
A lifestyle that nurtures quiet and stillness builds people who are richer in life, stronger in spirit, and therefore, more useful in a crisis.
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/89-benefits-of-a-deeper-quieter-life
–––
Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
––––
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

We recorded this episode on Sun. Apr. 6, 2020, which marks 24 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It starts with chit-chat about the ongoing Toilet Paper Challenge, the joys of attending livestreamed virtual concerts, and moves into deeper topics like our species' need for a sense of community and belonging, the dynamics of in-person social interaction, and tying it all together: how smartphones both help and hinder the heart when it comes to genuine human connection with others, and also with the spirit eternal.
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/88-ramblings-about-smartphone-addiction
–––
Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
––––
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

We recorded this episode on Sat. March 28, 2020, which marks 16 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Silly: the way different people sleep, cat toys that talk, cats that act like dogs, the Siena and Toast Toilet Paper Challenge: can you dispense your ration of squares in just one tug???
Serious: humanity's mid-life crisis or coming-of-age traumatic event, the power of technology vs. the power of wisdom and the reality of our mortal condition, what makes life meaningful
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/87-be-kind
–––
Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
––––
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

More obviously than ever in our generation, we humans are being invited (forced?) to consciously and seriously engage in the next evolution of our beingness. Who do we want to be? As individuals? As a society? As a species?
What strange times, and what a strange episode. Lots of laughing, unintended jokes, and talking about cat toys that talk. Coming to you from self-quarantine in Portland, Oregon. Star Wars, Indigo Girls, and the new #NoPhonesInBathrooms campaign.
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/86-spring-energy
–––
Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
––––
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

In this episode, we share our thoughts from the midst of the onset of America’s experience with the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
We recorded this on Sun., Mar. 15, 2020, after a week of the most dramatic shift in the public’s awareness, concern, and action concerning covid-19.
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/85-covid-19
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

Another variety episode (like last week's). All kinds of nature-world topics:
flower petals, feeling balooby (what, you don’t know what that is? listen in!), and our wheat and gluten-free pasta alternative from the world of Japanese cuisine. Also an unexpected motif for this episode: verbal tiks. You know what I mean?
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/84-repurposing-rose-petals-balooby-and-soba
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

This episode is a variety episode. All kinds of topics:
A raw food that our cat Bear loves (and he’s picky)! Toast gives a sermon/pep-talk about politics. And we share our delight at sighting deer (a novel thing for us, since we were born and raised in Hawaii).
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/83-raw-food-for-cats-deer-sightings-and-politics
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

OK, this ep is sorta rambly. (What do burnt fries have to do with anything? We actually make that one relevant! Sort of.) You'll hear us disagree. But through the rambles and brambles, what we're sharing is how we relate to and deal with the power of inertia, when it comes to changing our own behavior patterns. Siena responds well to one approach. Toast responds better to different one. Diversity! It's healthy in ecosystems, you can have it in relationships, too.
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/82-virtuous-or-vicious-cycle
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

We come from similar backgrounds(both Asian Americans, and both born and raised in Hawaii) but also very *different* backgrounds at the same time. In this episode, we each share our stories. (We start the ep recounting our kinda typical but also kinda quirky Valentine's Day, so if you want to go straight to the main topic, skip ahead to around 7:30.) 
Siena is the "city mouse" and Toast is the "country mouse."
Our stories involve Evangelical Christianity and Sunday school, a teenage Mom and Dad, running away from home, being the victim of a hate crime, having an employer steal your pay and run, an all-girls Catholic school (that was full of surprises), and campaigning against America's first targeted attack on same-sex partnerships (it came in the form of the State of Hawaii amending its constitution in 1998). Plus more, and...all the lessons learned along the way. 
We hope you feel a kind of strength and solidarity, just by hearing our stories. Maybe you can relate, maybe you've had similar thoughts and experiences. Each of us is stronger when we're "in this life, together." This is us, stepping into the "together" part.
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/81-our-stories
Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007.
Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile.
That’s exactly why we do it.
We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years!
But now, for the first time, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Thank you for your consideration.
And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that!
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com