We have a pretty wild conversation all about raising our standards in life, health, relationships...all in a healthy and “feel good” way. We talk about what prevents us from raising those standards, the difference between healthy and unhealthy ways of going about it...we even quote the Declaration of Independence and Jesus on it. And of course, we also share examples from our own lives.
The ep starts with a "date update" on our date life, so if you want to skip straight to the main topic, go to around (12:45) into it.
Also, if you're curious, here are links to the full song "Nobody Else," which we mention and share a clip of at around 20 minutes in.
"Nobody Else" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1exumNLQB0PCJOIrbVOpGK
"Nobody Else" on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/nobody-else/1493576062
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The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/80-the-feel-good-of-raising-your-standards
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
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In this episode, the point is not just to give you some laughs, but to make you realize if you’re LGBTQ and still able to be a responsible adult who treats others with respect and kindness, you’re already winning. (Please keep being a rock star here, because our world needs your light-filled energy!)
Full disclosure: at the start, we first talk about The Terror: Infamy, which is the name of the second season of a horror/ghost story T.V. series that reimagines historical events relating to Asian cultures. This second season, Infamy, follows the story of a Japanese American family during World War II. We saw it on Hulu.
The actual direct “gay talk” starts at around 13:20 into this episode, where we discuss stuff like:
people thinking you’re actually the opposite sex that you are
assuring people you’re using the “correct” public bathroom
working in retail and assisting customers in dressing rooms
people trying to figure out what your relationship is
hair stylists asking if you have a boyfriend
people trying to set you up with a guy
people’s fantasies and speculations about you
 
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Read more at the blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/79-funny-stories-youll-only-hear-from-lesbians-and-lgbtq-folks
Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843
 
 
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We first address why we decided to NOT talk about sex on the podcast (until now) since first starting it in 2007. That’s when George W. Bush was still President of the United States! Hint: it has to do with establishing the full humanity of LGBTQ people in the mind of society at large. After some light chit chat about flavored coffee and the music that airlines play when landing in Hawaiian airports, we then talk about:
Lesbian Bed Death
the idea of scheduling sex
focusing on connection
the 5 Love Languages
and sex and the second chakra
We hope this episode provides some insight and support when it comes to the topic of sex.
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Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/78-lets-talk-about-sex
Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
 
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Fans of Star Wars will get a kick out of the first part of this episode. We geek out over Baby Yoda and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker a bit before turning to the main topic of Closing Energy Leaks in your life.
We all know how it feels to have incomplete issues dragging our energy down. They can be practical matters that pretty much require mostly your time. And a lot of times, the discomfort of thinking about doing them is 10x worse than the discomfort of actually doing them. We talk about why that is and share some of our current incomplete issues. 
Energy leaks can also be much more complicated, touchy, and nuanced when it concerns personal relationships. This is spiritual work. We call it "cleaning up your side of the street." It can include forgiving, blessing or wishing a person well, apologizing, thanking, or forgiving, yet again (for the umpteenth time). We share our thoughts and experiences here as well. For example, deciding whether or not to contact someone from our past, or confront someone with an issue that’s been bothering us. Also, dealing with the voice of self-doubt that can sabotage our forgiveness efforts: did you really forgive?
We hope this discussion helps you in closing energy leaks in your life.
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Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/77-how-to-free-up-your-energy-by-closing-energy-leaks-in-your-life
Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute
 
 
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In this episode, we start with telling you about our encounter with "nakedness" in the wilderness, during the cold and waning weeks of 2019. Then we get into the actual main topic and share thoughts on what it means to “stay awake to your life, and in your life.” After that, we share 7 things you can do to help cultivate awake-ness and alive-ness, and make it more of a habit than say, going numb, dozing off, and missing your precious and passing life.
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Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/76-the-importance-of-staying-awake
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At the time of recording this episode, Siena was recovering from a seasonal cold. So: we started with an extended meandering convo that includes our etiquette about germs and the natural medicines she’s been taking, and that have really been helping!
As for the title of this episode, we talk about the idea of having Words For The Year:
what they are
why to have them, and also
a warning about how this concept can sabotage your peace of mind, too! (so watch out!)
 
Siena shares her Words For The Year, and how she cheated on choosing one (a little bit ;) this year.
Toast shares the “stand-in word” that’s her Word For The Year, so far.
Something to realize/think about: instead of focusing on finding some perfect, fail-proof set of directions or "words," focus on staying closer to, and attending to, the Source of direction.
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Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/75-words-for-the-year
 
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Another super casual, just done on an iPhone, episode.
We share a funny story, that’s also smelly, and to be honest, pretty inspiring in an extremely common, normal kind of way. If you want inspiration that’s super applicable in super normal, everyday life, listen in.
This quickcast episode covers…
a reminder of how influential you are, out there in public
the impact for good you can make for others, yourself, and our world
the emotional let-down that happens after Christmas
why Siena isn’t feeling the let-down this year
what a 'training tree' for cats is

The Crown on Netflix, and how Toast gets too excited about it

Modern Love on Amazon Prime

The Twilight Zone marathon on the SYFY channel
 
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Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/quickcast-happy-new-year
 
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Welcome to an experimental episode. 
Super casual, just done on an iPhone, no music at all (except for Toast bursting out in song a few times). 
Just sharing with you some cozy holiday-themed chit-chat /”talk story,” and sending you our most heartfelt (listen to the ep to hear why) wishes and prayers for a safe, happy, and holy holiday.
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Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/quickcast-merry-christmas
Get a $10 OFF code good for our new ’magic shop’ ( https://sienaandtoast.com/shop ) when you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts before 12/31/19. Email us at info @ sienaandtoast dot com to let us know about your rating and review; we’re looking forward to hearing from you! :)
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In this episode we discuss the difference between 1) staying actively engaged in the fulfillment of your dreams 2) suffering under the oppressive pressure to achieve 3) and suffering the oppressive numbing of repetitive routine. Also: a scientific reason for why fire is a common way to describe the sensation of our primal drive for progress and growth. And finally: two Challenges/Exercises to re-light “The Fire Inside.” Oh yeah, and our reactions to the Star Wars TV series The Mandalorian.
Link to the DREAM Sleep Aid we mention at the end of this episode: https://sienaandtoast.squarespace.com/shop/dream-roll-on • We've been using this great little all-natural product to assist in falling alseep more quickly, and waking feeling more rested.
Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources
Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/74-how-to-dream-again
Get a $10 OFF code good for our new ’magic shop’ ( https://sienaandtoast.com/shop ) when you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Email us at info @ sienaandtoast dot com to let us know about your rating and review; we’re looking forward to hearing from you! :)
 
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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

Get a $10 OFF code good for our new ’magic shop’ ( https://sienaandtoast.com/shop ) when you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Email us at info @ sienaandtoast dot com to let us know about your rating and review; we’re looking forward to hearing from you! :)
The main topic of this episode is a big push-back against the obsession that has its grip on society, the obsession of “being and doing better/more/faster, and yet still more; it’s never enough!”
We’re not against progress or growth, it’s just that we recognize how valuable it is to define progress and growth in a more holistic and sustainable way, one that honors, affirms, and strengthens the life force within each of us. Listen to learn about “sky moments,” and why Siena thinks Lifetime will be the first T.V. network to feature a gay couple as the main characters in a holiday-themed movie.
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Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/73-you-are-enough
 
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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