The Sanctuary

Israel Ekanem
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

A safe space to speak from the heart.

  1. Heidi Savell - Polyamory Coach and Therapist

    3d ago

    Heidi Savell - Polyamory Coach and Therapist

    What does it really mean to love more than one person at a time with everyone's knowledge and consent? How do you build relationships that are intentional instead of default? And what's the difference between a boundary, an agreement, and a rule? In this episode of The Sanctuary, Heidi, a therapist, polyamory coach, and the voice behind Steady Polyamory, shares her personal journey into polyamory, which began in a marriage that wasn't working and evolved into a relationship structure she's maintained for over a decade. She opens up about why she loves polyamory beyond the obvious benefits, including the freedom to let relationships unfold authentically and the joy of cheering on a partner's new connection. Heidi breaks down essential frameworks for healthy relationships: regular check-ins, reducing defensiveness in tough conversations, and the empowering distinction between boundaries (decided within yourself) and agreements (mutually created with buy-in). She also tackles the controversial topic of hierarchy, offering a nuanced take on why pretending it doesn't exist is more harmful than acknowledging it. Whether you're poly-curious, already practising, or just fascinated by the psychology of relationships, this episode offers a masterclass in communication, consent, and intentional love. Heidi is a therapist and polyamory coach. Over the past decade she has helped hundreds of people gain clarity and ease in their non-monogamy journey. She helps her clients navigate anxiety, jealousy, and tricky communication so that they can show up with more confidence and ease in their relationships. You can learn more about Heidi and how to work with her at steadypolyamory.com or find her on Instagram at @steadypolyamory

    35 min
  2. Jessica Reeves - Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Axoniq

    Jun 4

    Jessica Reeves - Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Axoniq

    Jessica Reeves is CEO and Board Member of Axoniq, where she leads the company's mission to enable enterprises in complex and regulated industries to integrate AI and distributed systems in a controlled, transparent, scalable way. She brings extensive experience scaling open-source technology companies and building profitable, high-growth businesses in the enterprise software sector. Prior to joining Axoniq, Jessica spent over seven years at Anaconda, the leading enterprise-grade Python data science platform, where she served as Chief Operating Officer and interim Chief Revenue Officer. During her tenure, she played an instrumental role in scaling the company to unicorn status, helping drive over $150 million in annual recurring revenue and achieving a $1.5 billion valuation while maintaining profitability, a notable feat in the VC-backed technology landscape. Before Anaconda, Jessica served as Head of Operations at ClearDATA, a venture-backed healthcare technology company, where she built operational infrastructure to support the company's growth. Her career includes additional leadership roles in startup operations, demonstrating a consistent ability to establish scalable systems and processes that enable rapid, sustainable expansion. Jessica's deep understanding of open-source business models, combined with her proven track record in enterprise sales and operations, positions her to guide Axoniq through its next phase of growth as demand for complex AI orchestration capabilities accelerates across U.S. enterprises.

    14 min
  3. Théatrophone - DJs / Producers

    May 28

    Théatrophone - DJs / Producers

    What happens when two friends in Berlin decide to turn their love for electronic music into a full-fledged production duo? Meet Theatrophone, Nico and Jonathan, the creative minds behind some of the most exciting remixes coming out of Germany right now. In this episode of The Sanctuary, Theatrophone talks about their musical journey: from Nico's late introduction to guitar and Jonathan's childhood piano lessons to their first EP and the moment they realised their music was resonating with people beyond just their friends. They break down their creative process, from starting with a melody to building the drop first, and share why emotion is the non-negotiable ingredient in every track they make. They also discuss the unexpected origin of their name (hint: it's the Spotify of the 18th century), how Berlin's dark and gritty club scene has influenced their sound, and their honest thoughts on AI in music. Plus, they offer invaluable advice for anyone just starting their production journey: don't rush, don't chase trends, and make music that makes you feel something—even if only one person listens. Théatrophone is a Producer-Duo from Berlin in Germany. With their phonic electronic style, they provide to you a versatile show that builds the bridge between deephouse, techhouse and acoustic sounds. Check them out @theatrophone https://theatrophone.onepage.me/

    45 min
  4. Seth Abstract - Poetry Song Creator

    Apr 23

    Seth Abstract - Poetry Song Creator

    Seth Abstract is bringing classic poems to life as modern-day songs. His goal is to make poetry accessible to a larger audience and, hopefully, encourage more people to pick up a poetry book. He is an artist in many fields, from making videos and digital collages to game development and more. His latest project, these poetry songs, is based in AI. As someone with experience in art and computers, Seth finds AI to be a very exciting field to create in right now. He is doing everything he can to find new techniques and ways to use human ingenuity and creativity with these tools. You can find him everywhere, making fun videos and trying out new songs as Seth Abstract on all social and musical platforms. He hopes to see you there. Check him out @seth_songs

    35 min
  5. DLASSARAH - Car dogger / Hotwife

    Apr 23

    DLASSARAH - Car dogger / Hotwife

    A raw and unfiltered conversation with Sarah, a bodybuilder, competitor, and self-described sexual explorer who lives life fully on her own terms. She breaks down her journey into bodybuilding, starting competitively at 50, cutting 40 pounds in under six months, and navigating the discipline, intensity, and structure of prep life. From training routines to stage presence, she shares what it takes to compete and stay consistent. The conversation also moves into her personal life, where she opens up about her stag/vixen marriage, sexual autonomy, and how she found a dynamic that works for her. She speaks candidly about discovering her sexuality early, embracing it without shame, and building confidence in a space where judgment is constant. Sarah also talks about car dogging, what it is, how she got into it, the boundaries she sets, and the realities behind it. She shares practical insights, safety considerations, and the mindset needed to navigate that world. At its core, this episode is about ownership. Owning your body, your desires, your discipline, and your identity without apology.

    35 min
  6. Goddess Venyx - Domme

    Mar 31

    Goddess Venyx - Domme

    Goddess Venyx shares how she got her start in BDSM, why she's drawn to the psychology of dominance and submission, and what it's like to hold space for clients who have been denied their authentic selves for years. She breaks down the difference between kink and fetish, explains why tributes are about more than money, and opens up about her own ADHD and why neurodivergent folks often find a home in the kink community. This episode also offers a masterclass in consent: what it looks like in practice, how it changes depending on the activity (rope vs. hypno vs. medical play), and why even experienced practitioners need to keep learning. Tune in for a candid, compassionate conversation about power, vulnerability, and the freedom of being truly seen. Follow Goddess Venyx: @GoddessVenyx

    35 min
  7. Steve Holt - Jazz Musician

    Mar 24

    Steve Holt - Jazz Musician

    Steve Holt received his first JUNO nomination back in 1984 for The Lion’s Eyes in the Jazz Album of the Year category, and launched an international career performing with artists such as Archie Shepp, Eddie Henderson, Larry Coryell and James Moody. But like many jazz musicians, Holt’s recording career eventually slipped out of the spotlight. His last album appeared in 2002, and for more than two decades he released nothing new. To many listeners, he had simply faded from view. Now, at age 71, Holt has come roaring back with a new album of original music titled Impact — and it has brought him full circle with a 2026 JUNO nomination. The record features a powerhouse quintet of some of Canada’s top jazz players and a set of fresh compositions that reflect the long arc of a life spent in jazz. One moment that has already drawn attention is Holt’s improvised solo piano interpretation of O Canada. Writing in The Aquarian, critic Mike Greenblatt said that "...what Holt does with the anthem is akin to what Hendrix did to the Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock.” It’s an unusual story in Canadian music — a musician still creating vital work after half a century in the art form and receiving a JUNO nomination more than forty years after his first.

    15 min
  8. Sochi Azuh - Storyteller/Podcast Host

    Mar 8

    Sochi Azuh - Storyteller/Podcast Host

    Sochi Azuh is a communications strategist, storytelling coach, and podcast host dedicated to exploring the power of narrative to inspire connection and change. Through his podcast, Lead with Storytelling, he facilitates thoughtful conversations that bridge literature, culture, leadership, and social impact — creating space for ideas that shape how we live and lead. Find out more @sochiazuh

    45 min
See All (171)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A safe space to speak from the heart.

Information

  • Creator
    Israel Ekanem
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Israel Ekanem
  • Show Website
    The Sanctuary