In this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza Phoenix, recently recovered from COVID fatigue, interviews comedian Johnny Corn on the anniversary of his death/resurrection to discuss his come back to comedy, film and the bubble biz. We say this podcast is all about using humor to survive life, it also helps some to survive death. We aren't joking... but we kind of are. Let's unpack this.

My amazing transgender daughter Kiera volunteered to come back on for what has become our annual Pride Month podcast interview. Kiera updates listeners on the big changes in her life since last year and what's going on with her partner Kaynah as well. We get in depth about the differences between gender and sexuality, what it means to be pansexual and polyamorous, and how dialectical behavioral therapy is improving her life. My daughter and I share a beautifully honest relationship that's both touching and hilarious. Some of the sexual revelations in this episode are very explicit. You've been warned. We even delve into the mysterious culture of furries and your assumptions may be way off base. There's so much to unpack here. Enjoy!

In this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy Esperanza explains EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy, why she decided to try EMDR for her PTSD & childhood trauma and her experience with this unique therapy technique so far. She also fills in regular listeners as to what she's been up to for the past few months and her efforts to conquer her ADHD to keep up with the podcast in the future.

A special kid friendly episode for children. Happy 4th of July.

For the very first episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza interviewed her transgender daughter Kiera to celebrate Pride Month. 

Kiera is back, again for this years second Pride Month episode. This time her girlfriend Kaynah joins in on the mother daughter conversation. Learn how things have changed for Kiera over the past year and how having an intimate partner has changed her perspective on whether or not she will have the full surgery. These ladies share some details of their sexual relationship and how it can be more about intimacy than gratification.

Kiera & Kaynah offer advice on coming out to parents and moving forward with who you are. Kaynah also shares how Planned Parenthood provided hormone therapy when she couldn't have afforded it otherwise.

Hopefully this interview will help others better understand the transgender community, and those who are transgender feel more comfortable with all the stages of their own transition. Lots to unpack here, enjoy...

Unpacking Life's Crazy celebrates pride month with words of wisdom for parents of transgender youth. 

Esperanza updates her listeners on her daughter Kiera's transition progress since their interview nearly a year ago. To hear Kiera discuss her experience coming out to her mother, listen to Unpacking Life's Crazy, Episode #1

This video offers suggestions on how to better support your trans child through their transition. Ms. Phoenix also offers advice on adjusting emotionally to your child's gender change. 

For more information on this episode or any other visit:

http:/www.esperanzaphoenix.com 

If you are a transgender, you are not alone. Please visit The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org

If you are in crises, call their helpline

1-866-488-7386.

In this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza interviews Seattle based comedian and producer Duante 'SuitMan' Barnett. Duante explains the frustration of how existing as a 6 foot tall black man with Autism puts him at daily risk of dangerous interactions with law enforcement. Duante shares the inclusive motives behind the shows he produces at SuitManComedy.com and his future plans for world domination. We delve into mental illness within the comedy community, our very different approaches in coping with with PTSD and additional challenges faced by comedians when they decide to go sober. We also explore the ways in which our public education system fails to identify neurodivergent children of color and the issue of systemic racism in law enforcement. There's so much to unpack in this episode...

There are many loving, supportive and wonderful mothers out there and I'm trying my hardest to be one. Unfortunately, some of us weren't lucky enough to get that kind of mom. If your relationship with your own mother is complicated or non-existent, you are not alone. Mother's Day reminds some of us of unfulfilled childhood needs, perceived inadequacy and societal pressure to celebrate a woman who failed to celebrate us. Maybe you get along great with your mom and find it difficult to understand how your friend would dread visiting theirs. In this episode I share the realization that helped me view the impossible relationship with my own mother with fresh perspective. If you have a difficult relationship with your mom, hopefully you can find peace in this knowledge as well. It's time to stop taking guilt trips down memory lane.

Support this podcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EspPhoenix

For this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy I had a lovely visit with British funny man Benny Shakes all the way over in the UK. Benny Shakes is a wonderfully entertaining comedian who's managed to launch some funny YouTube shows, with the help of fellow comedians, in the midst of a world wide pandemic. Benny shares witty life antidotes and a bit about his passion for gardening and veg. We also dish a bit on the royals, of course and discuss our vaccination experiences. Benny is a truly inspirational guy, who sets a great example of how to handle life's crazy with good humor while helping others laugh along with him. Please check out Benny's YouTube shows: Benny Shakes Things Up and Below the Belt with Benny Shakes, a game show that has able-comedians perform ordinary tasks with handicapping obstacles to show challenges faced by those living with disabilities as we laugh at their fumbling. Remember to like and subscribe to Benny's channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvIcpHs5HKlG-gL0K7KXUg/videos

Sleep, so effortless for some, that they can literally fall asleep in the middle of a conversation. I am not that person. In this episode I delve into my lifelong battle with INSOMNIA and the crazy number of sleep hacks  and supplements I've learned over the years just to get some Zzzz's. I'll share my recent nightmarish sleep study and how you can avoid a similar experience. I reveal the unusual cause of my affliction; no, it is not sleep apnea. Learn sleep hygiene secrets for yourself, how to avoid turning your child into an insomniac and 5 supplements that might be the solution to your sleep woes.

TRIGGER WARNING: References to Child Sexual Abuse