Madness Cafe

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Magic mushrooms, plant medicine, psilocybin - what came to mind when you read those words? If you grew up in the 80s, "just say no" probably popped up. But are all drugs bad? Can their powers be used for good? Sometimes, yes. Specifically, psilocybin.

We talk about this (and so much more!) with guest Leslie Draffin, a trauma-trained somatic coach, psychedelic microdosing guide & breath and meditation teacher with a special focus on helping women learn the language of their body.  She helps midlife women & millennials get unstuck by showing them ways to build their mind-body connection, heal the wounds of unworthiness, get free from mental health challenges and build a life they love - using psilocybin microdosing protocols and various healing modalities.

Curious? Listen to the episode, connect with Leslie, and let us know your thoughts.

Where to connect with Leslie Draffin:
IG: @LeslieDraffin
Website: www.lesliedraffin.com
Call: Book a free 1:1 Discovery Call
Microdosing Guide: Free Microdosing 101 Guide

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Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

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Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!

After a few days of processing the results of the election, we talk through our feelings about what happened, what's to come, our fears and hopes, and our plans going forward. The conversation doesn't stop here, and it doesn't stop with us; after you listen, please share your thoughts and feelings. Community is going to help us through this. You're a part of this community and we want to hear from you.

We're in for a long ride and we need all of you on this journey. So, as always, please protect your peace.

We're in this together.

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

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Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!

We read and discussed Stacey Abrams' Our Time Is Now before the results of the 2024 election were announced. We were excited and hopeful and wanted to share Stacey's message, information and talented wordsmithing with everyone. We're in a very different emotional space right now, but we still want everyone to read Our Time Is Now. We stand by our view that Stacey Abrams' book is vital and important. And necessary. The truth remains that we aren't taught everything about our system of government and elections, how they came to be, how they are manipulated, and how they can be fixed. Stacey Abrams' Our Time Is Now pulls back the curtain so we can see what we're dealing with while also providing solutions to make it all work for the greater good. This may be the guide we all need right now.

Where to find Stacey Abrams:
Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams | Crooked Media
Fair Count
Fair Fight: Fighting Voter Suppression & Protecting Voting Rights

Some of the organizations mentioned in Our Time Is Now - maybe they'll be a source of inspiration right now.
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
New Georgia Project
Brennan Center for Justice
Asian American Legal Advocacy Center
League of Women Voters
Black Voter Project
Fair Fight
Fair Fight Action
Fair Count
American Civil Liberties Union
NAACP
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Voto Latino
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials
Bolder Advocacy
Swing Left
Sister District
Let America Vote
Indivisible
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
National Abortion Rights Action League
Moms Demand Action
Congressional Black Caucus
Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
Black Leadership Roundtable
New Florida Majority
Way to Win
Vote.org
Black Lives Matter
Black Voters Matter
Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

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Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!

Return guest Christina Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Communications and Content at EMILYs List, is back to talk about the book that she co-wrote with the President of EMILYs List Stephanie Schriock - Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World. Timely topic, no? But trust that the lessons in the book are for all women looking to lead and make change whether that's as a business owner, head of household, or future president of the United States. Listen to the conversation and learn how you can change the part of the world that speaks to you!

Christina Reynolds joined EMILYs List after nearly two decades of experience as a communications and research strategist. A lifelong fighter for progressive causes, she has managed large-scale press operations from the campaign trail to the White House.

A proud Tar Heel and Marine brat, Christina studied journalism and political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also the co-author, with EMILYs List former President Stephanie Schriock, of Run to Win: Lessons in Leadership for Women Changing the World.

Where to find Christina Reynolds:
Website: emilyslist.org
IG: @creynoldsnc
Twitter/X: @creynoldsnc
Threads: @creynoldsnc

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

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So many people walk through life wearing a mask, disconnected from themselves. How can we drop the mask and reconnect? According to this week's guest, Gao Motsemme, we have to get to the core of the issue and connect to source. That's how we get to the sexual and creative energy that the patriarchy is so afraid of. That's how we connect to the queen within and let her thrive!

Gao Motsemme is a mother of three who emerged from the ashes of betrayal and emotional turmoil. For years, she hid behind a mask of strength, until life’s greatest challenges—divorce, judicial injustice, and separation from her children, stripped her down to her core. Through these adversities, she discovered her true power and gifts as a Freedom Illuminator, Human MRI, and Psychic Surgeon. Now she helps high achievers break free from generational trauma, embody emotional independence, and reclaim their spiritual and sexual sovereignty. Her work empowers individuals to thrive in the boardroom and ignite passion in their relationships.

Where to find and connect with Gao Motsemme:
Website: https://www.gaomotsemme.com/
Facebook: www.facebook/gmotsemme
Instagram: @gaomotsemme.magneticconfidence
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaomotsemme
Book a Call: https://www.awakeningconfidence.com/gaomotsemme/claritysession

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!

Words matter. Words have power. Art is powerful. We explore just how powerful words, art, and poetry can be with guests Tara Bracco and Karla Jackson-Brewer. Tune in to hear some of that power as Karla reads a portion of one of her poems included in the book, Poetic People Power.

For 20 years, the New York City-based spoken word group Poetic People Power has creatively explored social and political topics, offering insights and solutions to issues that affect our everyday lives and the world around us. This debut anthology invites readers to explore three of their shows about environmental heroes, women’s voices, and human rights abuses. 

Tara Bracco is the founder and producing artistic director of Poetic People Power. She has created, produced, and performed in 20 spoken word shows about social and political issues. She is a recognized leader in the field of art and social change and has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Time Out New York, Brooklyn Rail, and HuffPost. As a journalist, her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, American Theatre, Condé Nast Traveler, BUST, and Clamor. 

Karla Jackson-Brewer is a longtime member of Poetic People Power, Professor at Rutgers University, Senior Vajrayana Buddhist Teacher, and priest in the West African tradition of Ifa.

Where to find out more about Poetic People Power:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poeticpeoplepower/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poeticpeoplepower/
Website: https://www.poeticpeoplepower.com/

Where to find Karla Jackson-Brewer:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/karla.jacksonbrewer
Instagram: @oduneye

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

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Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!

Sensitive, empathic, overwhelmed? Can you relate? Do you know someone who can? How can you protect yourself? How can you manage overwhelm in this time of chaos? This week's guest, Abby Humphrey, talks to Raquel and Jennifer about what can help.

Abby Humphrey has been practicing acupuncture in Ann Arbor since 1999. In 2001, she co-founded the Center for Sacred Living. She has lectured on Chinese Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and in the intensive Interflex program at the Medical School. Abby has facilitated workshops on Five Element Theory for many years and she recently developed the online course The Five Element Journey of the Empath.

Where to find Abby:
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_harmony_within
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_harmony_within/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/5-Elements-of-Self-Care/61554947776185/
Course: https://www.abbyhumphreyacupuncture.com/limited-time-offer

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!

One common belief is that our colleges and universities are safe spaces and, if we are subjected to sexual violence, our schools will protect us. Unfortunately, that is not true for so many people. In fact, victims are often retraumatized by the very people in authority who are supposed to help them. Why? What is happening? What isn't happening? What can be done? We delve into that with guest Nicole Bedera, PhD as we discuss her new book On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence.

Nicole Bedera, Ph.D. is a sociologist and author of the book On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence. Her research broadly focuses on how our social structures contribute to survivors’ trauma and make sexual violence more likely to occur in the future. Her scholarship has influenced sexual violence prevention programming across the country, including for Planned Parenthood, and her work has been featured in many popular outlets, including The New York Times, NPR, Time Magazine, and Teen Vogue. Nicole puts her work into practice as an affiliated educator at the Center for Institutional Courage and as a co-founder of Beyond Compliance Consulting.

Where to find Nicole Bedera, Ph.D.:
Twitter: @NBedera
Personal Website: nicolebedera.com
Beyond Compliance Website: beyond-compliance-consulting.com
Book Order Link: https://bookshop.org/p/books/on-the-wrong-side-how-universities-protect-perpetrators-and-betray-survivors-of-sexual-violence-nicole-bedera/21312168?ean=9780520395893

Mentioned in this episode:
https://slate.com/human-interest/2020/03/daughter-advice-sexual-assault-college.html

#DARVO #punishmentversusconsequences #titleix #protectwomen #believewomen #listentowomen #sexualviolence #onthewrongside #supportsurvivors

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

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Is motherhood the default? Are people without children monsters? Is it ok to be childfree and happy? Raquel and Jennifer talk about all of this and more with this week's guest Therese Schechter.

Therese Shechter is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of the production company Trixie Films. Over the past 20 years, she has created a body of work that fuses humor, activism, and personal storytelling to explore a host of thorny questions around women’s roles and identities.

Therese’s most recent film My So-Called Selfish Life, is a revolutionary documentary about one of our greatest social taboos: choosing not to become a mother. Released in 2022 to critical acclaim, it has reached audiences in over 35 countries, and has become a powerful tool for fostering conversations about reproductive autonomy in this post-Roe v Wade era.

Where to find Therese and her work:
Websites: https://trixiefilms.com/, https://myselfishlife.com/
IG: @trixiefilms, @mysocalledselfishlife
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mysocalledselfishlife/
Twitter/X: @trixiefilms

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

Thanks!

Join the conversation by letting us know what you think about the episode!

Project 2025 - it's all over the news and everyone's talking about it. Or they should be. What is it? Why should we care? To be fair, it's to be expected that a candidate for president will have a plan (not just a concept of a plan...) for how they will govern. But Project 2025 is more than that, it is The Heritage Foundation's plan which would have lasting negative, earthshattering consequences. In short, it's a plan to dismantle democracy. In this episode, Raquel and Jennifer discuss Project 2025 and their feelings about it. This is just the tip of the Project 2025 iceberg so don't stop here, do your research.

Links to Project 2025 and a few resources to help you make sense of what it's effects would be:

• Project 2025 | Presidential Transition Project
• What is Project 2025? See full PDF summary document (19thnews.org)
• A Guide to Project 2025 - FactCheck.org
• Project 2025 summary: What's in the blueprint for a second Trump term? (slate.com)
• Project 2025, Explained | American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org)

Support the show

Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts about this episode, what you may have learned, how the conversation affected you. You can reach Raquel and Jennifer on IG @madnesscafepodcast or by email at [email protected].

Share the episode with a friend and have your own conversation. And don't forget to rate and review the show wherever you listen!

Thanks!