LaidOPEN Podcast

Charna Cassell
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  • SEXUALITY
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

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.

  1. 16/12/2025

    Solving Crimes Using Psi Ability with Former Psychic Detective Elizabeth Rea

    In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, host Charna Cassell sits down with Elizabeth Rea, an evidentiary clairvoyant psychic medium and former psychic detective whose work has evolved from solving cold murder cases with federal agents to advising high-net-worth founders and investors behind the scenes. Elizabeth shares how a near-death experience at sixteen cracked open her psychic perception, setting her on a path shaped by trauma, intuition, and non-conventional intelligence. Together, Charna and Elizabeth explore different forms of psy ability, how trauma can act as a doorway to spiritual awakening, and the ethical responsibility that comes with seeing beyond dominant ways of knowing. The conversation also dives into the realities of living with heightened perception, navigating relationships, choosing discernment over disclosure, and why Elizabeth now works exclusively with influential, heart-centered leaders to help them avoid unseen risks and identify opportunities others miss. Grounded, candid, and surprisingly pragmatic, this episode reframes psychic ability as a form of intelligence meant to be used with integrity, precision, and purpose. Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to the LaidOPEN Podcast 00:24 Meet Elizabeth Rea: Clairvoyant Psychic Medium 00:33 Exploring Psychic Abilities and Near-Death Experiences 01:25 The Role of Trauma in Spiritual Awakening 03:23 Elizabeth's Journey and Psychic Development 07:39 Working with Law Enforcement 17:39 From Psychic Detective to Corporate Medium 19:29 Navigating Personal and Professional Life as a Psychic 23:49 The Story We Tell Ourselves 24:22 Near-Death Experience and Bliss 25:47 Precognition and Psychic Abilities 26:32 The Faja Building Murder Case 30:05 The Telepathy Tapes and CIA Infiltration 35:40 Developing Intuition and Psychic Abilities 37:51 Community and Psychic Development 43:27 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    47 min

  2. 02/12/2025

    Ep. 112 The Heart Opening Reality of Kundalini Practice with Amanbir

    In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I open up about my own deepening journey with Kundalini Yoga and sit with one of the teachers who has guided so much of that unfolding. Amanbir is a Kundalini Yoga teacher and trainer who has spent more than two years empowering and training thousands of students across the planet. His teaching blends traditional Kundalini lineage, Chinese medicine, astrology, and nervous system intelligence in a way that cuts through noise and brings you right into the truth of your own experience. We explore what Kundalini practice actually feels like inside a real human body and why it has the power to open your heart in ways that are both tender and undeniable. We talk about how mantra, breath, mudra and repetitive movement shift emotional patterns and help move trauma, especially the inherited stories that live in our cells. We get into the beauty and intensity of transformation, the importance of community and consistent practice, and the courage it takes to let yourself soften and expand at the same time. Amanbir also shares a simple breath practice you can use whenever you feel overwhelmed, disconnected or pulled into old habits. His presence is steady and deeply compassionate, and this conversation offers a grounded entry point into a practice that can change the way you meet yourself. If you have ever wondered what Kundalini can open in you, this episode brings you right to the heart of it. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to LaidOPEN Podcast 00:18 Meet Amanbir: Kundalini Yoga Teacher and Trainer 03:20 Amanbir's Journey into Kundalini Yoga 06:31 The Power and Benefits of Mantra 09:22 Personal Experiences with Mantra and Healing 14:51 Understanding Mudras and Repetitive Movements 16:58 Intense Experiences and Kundalini Yoga 23:11 Processing Ancestral Trauma through Practice 25:35 Navigating Workplace Dynamics with Mindfulness 26:54 The Power of Personal Practice 30:05 Community and Teacher Training 32:09 Astrology and Historical Patterns 35:19 Pluto's Influence and Personal Transformation 43:34 Breath Practice for Inner Calm 47:22 Final Thoughts and Resources

    50 min

  3. 18/11/2025

    The Body Keeps the Score but the Church Keeps the Secrets with Margaret Bronson

    Join host Charna Cassell for a raw and eye opening conversation with Margaret Bronson, founder of Deconstruction Doulas. Margaret grew up inside a high control Christian cult and survived domestic violence, child abuse, excommunication, and the long psychological fallout of authoritarian religion. Now she guides others through the same dismantling of belief systems that once owned them. In this episode, Margaret unpacks how she and her husband developed somatic practices to help survivors heal the trauma stored in the body after years of purity culture, spiritual coercion, and obedience enforced through shame and fear. She breaks down what truly happens inside high control religious communities and why so many people leaving them feel like they're stepping out of a parallel universe. This conversation also dives into the political reality many of us are waking up to. Margaret explains how the same ideology that shaped her childhood is now embedded in Project 2025, Christian Reconstructionism, and the growing Trad Wife movement. She outlines the playbook of modern theocrats and shows how personal trauma and national policy are intertwined when religion is weaponized. If you're feeling a visceral reaction to Project 2025, this episode will help you understand why. Margaret offers grounding tools, embodied healing practices, and a clear-eyed look at what we're facing as the country edges closer to an openly theocratic agenda. Tune in for a fierce, validating, and deeply necessary conversation for anyone untangling from religious trauma or trying to make sense of this political moment. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction and Content Warning 01:20 Meet Margaret Bronson: A Journey of Healing 03:17 Life in a Cult: Margaret's Early Years 04:03 Excommunication and Its Aftermath 06:07 Deconstruction Doulas: Birth of a Support System 06:30 Parental Vulnerability and Cult Recruitment 08:24 The Impact of Cult Ideology 13:43 Breaking Free: Personal and Collective Healing 18:02 Somatic Practices and Reclaiming the Body 19:31 Navigating Sexual Trauma and Rediscovery 25:42 Resources and Support for Survivors 26:35 Generational Trauma and Abuse 27:55 Challenges in Seeking Help 29:49 The Trad Wife Movement 33:17 Christian Reconstructionism and Theocracy 39:21 Embodied Freedom and Healing 46:25 Practical Exercises for Grounding 49:09 Conclusion and Resources

    51 min

  4. 04/11/2025

    How to Raise Kids Without Losing Your Mind (or Yourself) with Dr. Chelsey Hauge-Zaveleta

    In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna talks with Dr. Chelsey Hague-Zavaleta, an expert in applied educational neuroscience and social–emotional learning. Together, they explore what it really means to raise calm, connected kids — and how to do it without losing your mind (or yourself) in the process. They unpack the science of co-regulation, discuss the difference between gentle and authoritative parenting, and share practical tools for managing stress behaviors and creating family balance. Dr. Chelsey offers compassionate insights for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to build calmer, more cooperative relationships with children, and with themselves. Charna also introduces her upcoming group program designed to help parents and individuals deepen their self-regulation and embodiment practices. "When we learn to regulate ourselves, our children learn safety through us." — Dr. Chelsey Hague-Zavaleta Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction and Personal Wish for Parenting 00:53 Introducing Dr. Chelsey and Her Expertise 02:41 Chelsey's Journey and Parenting Course 05:13 Parenting Challenges and Co-Regulation 07:45 Gentle Parenting vs. Authoritative Approach 15:54 Tone and Nonverbal Communication in Parenting 20:54 Handling Parental Preferences and Boundaries 30:17 The Ineffectiveness of Negative Commands 30:51 Positive Framing in Parenting 32:38 Intervening Before Explosions 34:04 Handling Stress Behaviors 35:21 Challenges of Co-Parenting and Transitions 37:57 Adoptive and Foster Parenting 45:09 Embodiment and Raising Self-Aware Children 53:22 The Power of Praise and Positive Reinforcement 56:11 Conclusion and Resources ✨ Subscribe to LaidOPEN for more conversations about intimacy, self-regulation, and the science of connection.

    58 min

  5. 21/10/2025

    Ep. 109 The Unstoppable Ann Randolph: Presence, Play, and the Power to Transform

    In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, host Charna Cassell sits down with award-winning playwright, performer, and teacher Ann Randolph, whose autobiographical solo shows blend comedy, storytelling, and profound transformation. Together they explore their long-held desire to collaborate — a journey guided by synchronicity, presence, and creative courage. Ann shares how her early days working the graveyard shift at a homeless shelter evolved into a celebrated career sharing the stage with icons like Mel Brooks and Alanis Morissette. She opens up about using comedy to approach trauma, the healing power of daily writing, and the importance of embodying your story rather than just telling it. Charna and Ann dive deep into the somatic roots of storytelling, the interplay between vulnerability and creative freedom, and the spiritual practices that sustain both art and healing. Whether you're a writer, performer, or simply someone seeking personal transformation, this conversation invites you to embrace failure, presence, and play as pathways to authentic expression and connection. Show Notes 00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:11 – Charna's Journey to Meeting Ann 03:39 – The Power of Daily Writing 04:18 – Writing for Transformation 05:02 – Ann's Solo Shows and Comedy 09:18 – Victim, Hero, and Perpetrator Dynamics 12:22 – Somatic Practices in Storytelling 18:19 – Collaborations with Alanis Morissette 23:10 – Working with Mel Brooks 27:42 – Support and Validation 28:15 – Mentorship and High Stakes 29:16 – Opening in New York and Personal Loss 31:27 – Turning Grief into Art 41:26 – The Healing Power of Storytelling 45:29 – Spiritual Practices and Personal Growth 47:42 – Current Projects and Offerings 51:53 – Conclusion and Farewell

    53 min

  6. 07/10/2025

    Ep 108 The Secret Life of Dreams with Bonnie Buckner

    This season, dreams are really on my mind. I've been thinking about how they shape our creativity, our healing, and the subtle ways our bodies speak through them. In this episode, I sit down with dreamwork expert Bonnie Buckner, author of The Secret Mind: Unlock the Power of Dreams to Transform Your Life and founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery. Bonnie teaches that dreams aren't just stories from the night—they're a living intelligence, guiding us through symbol, sensation, and emotion. Together, we explore how dreams can open pathways to creativity, empathy, and collective consciousness. We talk about the erotic and the joyful, the ones that confuse or haunt us, and how every dream—no matter how strange—is an invitation to listen more closely to what our deeper selves are trying to say. Bonnie also shares accessible dream practices you can begin tonight to help translate your inner imagery into healing and transformation. If you've ever woken from a dream that lingered in your body all day, this conversation will help you understand why—and how to listen when your dreams start speaking back. Learn more about Bonnie's work at the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery, and explore my offerings in somatics and embodiment at charnacassel.com and passionatelife.org. Show Notes: 00:00 — Reflections on the mystery and intelligence of dreams 00:40 — Meet Bonnie Buckner: author, dreamwork teacher, and founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery 02:36 — What happens when we dream collectively 04:48 — Using dreams for problem-solving and creative inspiration 07:24 — How dreams mirror our emotional and physical well-being 08:41 — The body as the dream's messenger 15:11 — Supporting children's natural dream connection 26:30 — Lucid dreaming and conscious participation in the dream 28:11 — What sex dreams reveal about desire, energy, and embodiment 29:35 — The role of joy and play in dreaming 31:39 — How life transitions, including menopause, shape dream life 33:36 — Exercises to shift emotion through imagery 38:21 — The symbolism of color in dreams 40:21 — Guided imagery as a bridge to healing 49:23 — Why dream journaling matters 50:40 — Closing thoughts and resources

    52 min

  7. 23/09/2025

    Ep 107 Psilocybin and the Future of Healing with Tania de Jong

    Welcome back to LaidOPEN Podcast. In this week's episode, we explore altered states of consciousness, sound, healing, and the legacy of ancestral trauma. My guest is Tania de Jong. She's a singer, sound healer, and social entrepreneur who co-founded Mind Medicine Australia, leading efforts to make psilocybin and MDMA legally available for treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Tania shares her own healing journey as a descendant of Holocaust survivors and the profound impact of psychedelic-assisted therapy in her life. We discuss the importance of set and setting, the benefits of group work, and how finding one's voice can open pathways to expression and integration. She also sheds light on her advocacy in Australia, her work bridging science and spirituality, and her vision for more compassionate global healing practices. This conversation is rich with insight for anyone curious about psychedelics, wellness, and transformation. You can experience her new song or watch the Ram Dass meditation she mentioned in the episode. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to the Late Open Podcast 00:20 Meet Tanya De Young: Singer, Sound Healer, and Social Entrepreneur 00:46 Tanya's Personal Healing Journey 03:52 Discovering Psychedelic Assisted Therapies 05:14 The Profound Impact of Psychedelic Experiences 06:21 Healing Ancestral Trauma 11:34 The Importance of Set and Setting in Psychedelic Therapy 12:40 Mind Medicine Australia's Mission and Training Programs 18:13 The Role of Compassion and Connection in Healing 22:31 Engaging with Indigenous Communities and Future Goals 23:40 Exploring Indigenous Healing Practices 24:08 Mind Medicine Australia Clinic Launch 24:35 The Power of Group Healing 25:15 The Importance of Belonging and Connection 27:25 The Healing Power of Sound and Voice 30:19 Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice 33:29 Promoting Global Unity and Understanding 35:57 Gross National Happiness in Bhutan 37:26 Expanding Healing Practices Internationally 39:59 Personal Spiritual Practices for Grounding 41:03 Practical Exercises for Voice and Connection 43:27 Final Thoughts and Resources

    45 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    Ep. 106 Dreaming Your Life Into Beeing: Healing, Intuition and Animism (Part 2) with Ariella Daly

    Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of sexual assault. In part 2 of this powerful conversation, Charna sits down again with Ariella Daly: dream worker, animist, and beekeeper — to continue exploring how dreams can become profound guides for healing, recovery, and transformation. Ariella shares more of her personal path, weaving together the wisdom of dreams, ritual, and the natural world to show how the subconscious can support deep repair after trauma.  Together, we discuss practical tools for reclaiming your body, rebuilding your relationship with eros and creativity, and reconnecting to nature as a source of restoration. Ariella also offers insights into sensory practices, embodiment techniques, and how to integrate dream work into everyday life so it's not just a nighttime experience but a living practice. We also touch on the magic of collective dreaming — how shared dream spaces can reveal hidden truths, spark collective healing, and open up surprising pathways of growth. If you've ever been curious about how your dreams might be guiding you, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded practices to begin listening more deeply. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome Back and Episode Overview 01:05 Continuing Ariella's Healing Journey 03:20 Rituals and Dream Integration 07:45 Embodiment Practices for Recovery 12:30 Reconnecting with Nature Through Dreams 18:15 Collective Dreaming and Group Insights 26:50 Sensory Exercises, Sensory Remediation and Practical Applications 38:40 Closing Thoughts and Resources

    39 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Charna Cassell
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©2024 Charna Cassell
  • Show Website
    LaidOPEN Podcast

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