LaidOPEN Podcast Charna Cassell
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- Health & Fitness
Welcome to the LaidOPEN Podcast hosted by Charna Cassell. Charna is a Trauma-Trained Psychotherapist and Sexuality Coach with over 20 years of experience. Every day, Charna helps clients heal from trauma and access more bodily joy, emotional regulation, vitality, and hope.
Now she’s bringing her expertise to podcasting with interviews from post-trauma thrivers who share creative resources to support living an authentic, passionate, mindful existence.
Together they explore how to have a more pleasure-filled, peaceful life while reducing self-sabotaging behaviors and gaining control over reactive behaviors. Charna’s mission is to help people like you understand the impact of trauma on their nervous system and therefore their relationships with an emphasis on ways to heal.
In every episode, Charna explores how to build our physical and emotional capacity to be with all that moves through us and around us to ultimately feel more liberated on the other side. Join our community as we embark on this transformative journey by reaccessing our connection to aliveness.
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Unlocking Healing Power: Dr. Keesha Ewers on Emotional Trauma, Sexual Energy, and Autoimmune Recovery
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 -
Beducated: The AI Revolution & Sex Education with Mariah Freya
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 -
OPEN Advocacy: Pioneering Legal Rights for Non-Monogamists with Brett Chamberlin
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 -
From Heartbreak to Happily Ever After: Dating Insights with Celeste Moore
Get ready for Valentine's Day with Celeste Moore, a personal image and dating consultant in the latest pre-Valentine's Day episode of LaidOpen Podcast.
In this episode, Celeste offers invaluable guidance for those navigating new beginnings, particularly men who are navigating the complexities of dating post-long-term relationships or marriages. She also explores the importance of communication and authenticity in relationships, strategies for building confidence, and the art of crafting effective digital dating profiles.
Discover how Celeste's experience as a sole parent informs her approach and the invaluable insights she offers for single parents dipping their toes back into the dating pool. From debunking common profile pitfalls to unveiling the top lies men tell online, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration for anyone seeking love in the modern world.
Charna wraps up the episode with a powerful visualization exercise, enhancing focus and attention skills for a more mindful dating experience by pulling one's energies back from the past or future and directing them towards the present moment.
Show Notes
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
00:54 Introducing the Guest: Celeste Moore
02:07 Celeste's Journey to Becoming a Dating Coach
04:05 The Challenges of Working with Men and Women
05:13 The Evolution of Celeste's Career
07:08 The Ideal Client for Celeste
08:59 The Challenges of Dating and Image Consulting
09:38 The Importance of Image in Dating
10:30 The Different Types of Clients Celeste Works With
13:44 The Importance of Adventure in Dating
18:35 The Role of Mock Dates in Celeste's Coaching
24:25 The Challenges of Being a Sole Parent
32:51 Parenting and Dating: A Delicate Balance
34:59 The Importance of Timing in Relationships
35:57 Transferable Skills: From Parenting to Dating
37:23 The Power of Collaboration in Personal Growth
38:21 Breaking Communication Barriers
42:21 Building Confidence and Desirability in Dating
53:45 The Art of Online Dating: Profile Dos and Don'ts
59:09 The Journey to Self-Love and Acceptance
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Mapping Pleasure: Navigating Trauma, Healing, and Sexuality with Freya Graf
In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast Charna is joined by holistic sex educator and Yoni Mapping therapist, Freya Graf to discuss Freya's approach to dismantling shame and taboos around sexuality. She also explains the practice of Yoni Mapping Therapy, a method she uses to help people with vulvas and vaginas understand their bodies, relationships, and the impacts of trauma.
Additionally, Freya opens up about her personal journey with sexuality, offering a unique perspective on holistic sexual practices. The discussion delves into the realm of sex education, focusing on reconnecting individuals with their bodies, enhancing pleasure, and challenging societal narratives surrounding sex.
The conversation culminates with Graf explaining her exercise, The Seven Gates of Female Arousal, and sharing about her online course 'Queen Out', a guide to Yoni self-massage, de-armoring, multiple orgasms, and the release of trauma and tension.
00:38 Guest Introduction: Freya Graff
02:40 Understanding Yoni Mapping
03:44 The Process of Yoni Mapping Therapy
04:40 The Impact of Yoni Mapping on the Nervous System
08:42 The Importance of Sex Education and Body Reconnection
19:58 The Role of Neurofeedback in Healing
25:21 Personal Journey Towards Sexual Healing
31:32 Acknowledging the Courage to Change
32:24 Healing Ancestral Trauma
34:14 Breaking the Cycle: A Personal Journey
35:33 Family Reactions to Unconventional Career Choices
43:50 Finding a Calling in Yoni Mapping
49:14 The Seven Gates of Female Arousal
55:48 Freya's Online Course "Queen Out" use code LAIDOPENPODCAST to get $100 off.
58:28 Conclusion: The Journey Continues
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Navigating Life's Path Using The Wisdom of Human Design with Evelyn Levenson
Join us this week on LaidOPEN Podcast, for an insightful conversation with certified Human Design expert, Evelyn Levenson.
In this episode, Evelyn shares her journey of discovering Human Design and its profound impact on her life. She recounts how understanding herself as a Projector within Human Design redirected her path from a successful yet unfulfilling business career to a deeper exploration of Human Design's transformative possibilities.
She also sheds light on how uncovering her Human Design type propelled her towards a fulfilling pursuit of assisting others in navigating their unique paths.
Throughout the episode, Evelyn and Charna eloquently break down the fundamental principles of Human Design, using it to illuminate how this system serves as a valuable tool for self-discovery, providing a roadmap for individuals to optimize their choices and live fulfilled, authentic lives.