Feel This with Frank and Jess

Frank and Jess

Welcome to Feel This: an ongoing conversation where Frank and Jess model Authentic Connection, a novel approach to self awareness and expression within the space of relationship, through the lens of Internal Family Systems and Attachment Theory. Here we speak for what is arising within us moment to moment, sharing healing tools and insights along the way.

  1. 10/20/2024

    #78 Sparks of Aliveness and Rediscovering the Why in Creativity

    In this introspective episode, Frank and Jess explore the delicate balance between personal growth, creative expression, and the challenges of public sharing. Their conversation weaves through themes of authenticity, inner spark, and the importance of boundaries, all while considering the future direction of their podcast. Key points: - Frank shares his uncertainty about continuing the podcast in its current form, expressing a desire for more structure and connection with listeners - Jess reflects on her recent experience of allowing herself to create art at a slower, more authentic pace - Discussion on the challenges of self-promotion and the fear of rejection in sharing one's work - Exploration of the Four of Pentacles tarot card and its relevance to setting boundaries and reassessing one's energy - Insights on the value of pausing to reconnect with one's authentic desires and inner spark - Consideration of new formats for the podcast, including using distilled insights from Frank's therapy sessions as conversation starters Memorable quotes: - Jess: "I could feel how good it felt to my own system to imagine contributing something that was at the pace of reality." - Frank: "I'm really paying attention to these sparks. Like I'm really wanting to follow these sparks of aliveness and where there's my authentic, like, 'Oh, that's something I want to do.'" - Jess: "Growth and stability are two opposites that we're always flowing between... This is like that moment of going into recreating our inner sense of stability." - Frank: "Even getting that pause to get that validation internally is incredibly powerful." This episode showcases Frank and Jess' ability to navigate uncertain territories with honesty and compassion. Their exploration of the Four of Pentacles opens up profound discussions about the importance of boundaries and reconnecting with one's inner wisdom. The conversation highlights the ongoing process of aligning one's work with authentic desires and the courage it takes to reassess and potentially reshape one's creative endeavors. Throughout the episode, Frank and Jess demonstrate how personal questioning can lead to deeper understanding and potential growth. Their willingness to be vulnerable about their creative process and their skillful use of tarot offer listeners a rich tapestry of ideas to contemplate and apply in their own lives.

    1h 21m
  2. 10/06/2024

    Session #77, The Tarot's Whisper: Embracing the Universe as Other

    # Feel This: Episode 77 In this deeply reflective episode, Frank and Jess navigate the complexities of emotional states, the power of connection, and the profound insights offered by tarot. Their conversation weaves through personal struggles, the nature of consciousness, and the transformative potential of engaging with the world around us. Key points: - Frank shares his experience of feeling "dorsal" and emotionally heavy, likening it to his 11-12 year old self - Jess reflects on her recent challenging day and the importance of connection during difficult times - Discussion on the nature of aliveness and consciousness - Exploration of the Lovers tarot card and its implications for relationships and self-understanding - Insights on the power of bestowing respect and "benefit of the doubt" to others, including non-human entities like tarot cards and AI - Reflection on the transformative nature of openness and connection, even in challenging emotional states Memorable quotes: - Frank: "I'm just not well right now... I know that she knows that and understands that, which, so it's a deep relief, but it's really helpful and powerful to make explicit." - Jess: "It is feeling particularly beautiful to me, this card, the lovers that just... two people who are like, I am looking at you through the eyes of care." - Frank: "The more respect and power and personhood we bestow upon that, the more value it has." - Jess: "The more I assume... respect, that like there was something in that when I landed there. That I could feel a releasing." This episode showcases Frank and Jess' ability to navigate difficult emotional terrain with honesty and compassion. Their exploration of the Lovers card opens up profound discussions about the nature of relationship - not just with other people, but with concepts, tools, and the universe itself. The conversation highlights the transformative power of openness and connection, even (or especially) when we're feeling at our lowest. Throughout the episode, Frank and Jess demonstrate how personal struggles can be a gateway to deeper understanding and connection. Their willingness to be vulnerable and their skillful use of tools like tarot offer listeners a rich tapestry of ideas to contemplate and apply in their own lives.

    1h 15m
  3. 09/22/2024

    Session # 76: Tears and Tarot: Navigating Growth and Vulnerability

    In this deeply introspective episode, Frank and Jess explore the interplay between personal growth, vulnerability, and the wisdom found in tarot cards. Their conversation weaves through themes of emotional processing, professional relationships, and the profound insights that can arise from seemingly mundane experiences. - Jess shares her recent experience of emotional vulnerability, including spending "a more than normal amount of time crying yesterday" and making a difficult decision to decline an opportunity to maintain balance in her life. - Frank opens up about his fears and joys in witnessing Jess' personal growth, expressing vulnerability about his worry that Jess might "tire of me and move on to other things" as she continues to grow and thrive. - Discussion of the balance between professional distance and personal connection in their work, with Frank reflecting on the joy he finds in witnessing Jess' transformation: "I get front row seats for the most great show, greatest show on earth." - Exploration of two tarot cards: the Eight of Swords and the Wheel of Fortune. Jess describes the Eight of Swords as being "stuck, but not really stuck," using the metaphor of focusing on a locked door while missing an open window. - Insights on breaking free from self-imposed limitations, with Frank relating the Eight of Swords to a recent chess game where he got caught up in one line of thinking and missed a simpler solution. - Discussion of the Wheel of Fortune card, with Jess explaining it as a reminder to "come back to the center of the wheel" when life feels chaotic, and Frank sharing his perspective on feeling less attached to the ups and downs of life. Memorable quotes: - Jess: "I don't know how most of the world gets by in life, not crying as much as I do. But so much to cry about." - Frank: "I have a deep resonant joy in experiencing the world of the other in a very deep way." - Jess on the Eight of Swords: "The thoughts alone are what are keeping us feeling trapped." - Frank on the Wheel of Fortune: "I don't really see a big difference between the successes and the failures actually. They seem both to be narratives." - Jess: "The inside of the wheel and the outside of the wheel are the same wheel." - Frank, reflecting on the simple joys of life: "I was just in tears of the awe of it, the Grand Canyon ness of the simple, mundane human existence of life, of just being." New to Feel This? We're so happy you're here! We would love to stay connected!  Join Our Mailing List and talk with us directly! Coming soon! A Feel This online community space. Keep an eye and ear out! We were selected in 2023 by Feedspot in their ⁠⁠Top 30 Internal Family Systems Podcasts⁠⁠! The primer episodes below establish the space our conversations take place in. They will enhance your listening experience of our podcast and give you tools to use in your life and relationships. Primer #1 - Modes of Communication Primer #2 - Looking into Internal Family Systems Your Feedback is so meaningful to us.  Please leave us a comment. We would love to hear from you and include your energy and awareness into our creative process.   About this Podcast: Feel This is a series of experiential conversations between Jessica Olberz Singleton and Frank D’Amato exploring trauma, healing and awakening through the lens of relationship. Through the use of Authentic Connection, which focuses on our present moment experience, Frank and Jess share their emotions, inner dialogue and physical experience as a way of connecting more deeply to themselves, each other and the listener. Each episode is created to be an emotional and spiritual journey for all involved. Your hosts: Frank D’Amato is an Internal Family Systems practitioner and the creator of the Authentic Connection model. Jessica Olberz Singleton is an artist, teacher, tarot reader, synthesizer of information, and creator of safe and beautiful spaces.

    1h 15m
  4. 09/08/2024

    #75 Riding the Waves: Balancing Excitement and Stillness in Life's Flow

    # Feel This: Episode 75 In this episode, Frank and Jess dive deep into the realms of presence, excitement, and the natural ebb and flow of energy in our lives. They explore these themes through the lens of a Tarot card - the Six of Cups - which sparks a rich discussion about balance, healing, and the joy of being present in the moment. Key points: - The importance of balancing excitement and stillness in our lives - How to find presence and joy in any circumstance, even in the midst of a busy city - The power of slowing down and being present with what is - Recognizing and appreciating natural cycles of energy in conversations and daily life - The challenges and rewards of personal growth and healing - Embracing change as a fundamental part of our existence Memorable quotes: - Frank: "Awareness is already present. It's already here. You don't have to do it." - Jess: "It's always accessible... if we give it half of a chance or we give it our awareness or attention and notice it." - Frank: "The nice part is the path is the goal. Being on the path of change is, that's it. That's all you want to get to." - Jess: "Look for the places in your life that bring you into the joy of the present moment where you're in your heart, you're in a sense of connection and with others, but also with yourself." Jess and Frank's conversation weaves together personal experiences, therapeutic insights, and metaphysical musings, offering listeners a rich tapestry of ideas to contemplate and apply in their own lives. They remind us that even in the busiest of times, there's always an opportunity to connect with the simple joy of being alive. New to Feel This? We're so happy you're here! We would love to stay connected!  Join Our Mailing List and talk with us directly! Coming soon! A Feel This online community space. Keep an eye and ear out! We were selected in 2023 by Feedspot in their ⁠⁠Top 30 Internal Family Systems Podcasts⁠⁠! The primer episodes below establish the space our conversations take place in. They will enhance your listening experience of our podcast and give you tools to use in your life and relationships. Primer #1 - Modes of Communication Primer #2 - Looking into Internal Family Systems Your Feedback is so meaningful to us.  Please leave us a comment. We would love to hear from you and include your energy and awareness into our creative process.   About this Podcast: Feel This is a series of experiential conversations between Jessica Olberz Singleton and Frank D’Amato exploring trauma, healing and awakening through the lens of relationship. Through the use of Authentic Connection, which focuses on our present moment experience, Frank and Jess share their emotions, inner dialogue and physical experience as a way of connecting more deeply to themselves, each other and the listener. Each episode is created to be an emotional and spiritual journey for all involved. Your hosts: Frank D’Amato is an Internal Family Systems practitioner and the creator of the Authentic Connection model. Jessica Olberz Singleton is an artist, teacher, tarot reader, synthesizer of information, and creator of safe and beautiful spaces.

    1h 25m
  5. 08/25/2024

    Session # 74- Unveiling the Emperor and Empress: A Tarot Journey into Self-Awareness

    In this enlightening episode of "Feel This," Frank and Jess dive deep into the realm of tarot, self-awareness, and the delicate balance between action and receptivity. Frank and Jess explore how tarot can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and gaining new perspectives on life's challenges. They discuss the importance of seeing things as they truly are, the balance between taking action and being receptive, and the value of fully embodying one's authentic self. The conversation touches on themes of personal growth, the limitations of thought-based existence, and the transformative power of presence and awareness. This episode offers listeners a unique blend of practical wisdom and spiritual insight, encouraging a deeper connection with oneself and a more balanced approach to life's complexities. Key points: [00:00:00] Introduction and grounding meditation [00:07:49] Jess shares her experience with technical difficulties and unexpected interruptions [00:10:30] Frank discusses his ongoing internal dialogue about productivity and life balance [00:25:26] Introduction of three tarot cards: Justice, The Emperor, and The Empress [00:29:30] Deep dive into the Justice card and its symbolism of clear seeing [00:34:20] Discussion on the origins and interpretations of tarot [00:44:41] Exploration of The Emperor card and its representation of taking up space [00:48:07] The Empress card and its invitation to grow our capacity for receiving [00:54:00] Connecting the tarot insights back to personal experiences and challenges [00:59:10] Frank's reflections on balance and the importance of presence [01:02:00] Jess highlights the nuanced difference between the Emperor energy and typical "yang" energy [01:05:27] Closing thoughts on embodiment and moving beyond thought-based existence New to Feel This? We're so happy you're here! We would love to stay connected!  Join Our Mailing List and talk with us directly! Coming soon! A Feel This online community space. Keep an eye and ear out! We were selected in 2023 by Feedspot in their ⁠⁠Top 30 Internal Family Systems Podcasts⁠⁠! The primer episodes below establish the space our conversations take place in. They will enhance your listening experience of our podcast and give you tools to use in your life and relationships. Primer #1 - Modes of Communication Primer #2 - Looking into Internal Family Systems Your Feedback is so meaningful to us.  Please leave us a comment. We would love to hear from you and include your energy and awareness into our creative process.   About this Podcast: Feel This is a series of experiential conversations between Jessica Olberz Singleton and Frank D’Amato exploring trauma, healing and awakening through the lens of relationship. Through the use of Authentic Connection, which focuses on our present moment experience, Frank and Jess share their emotions, inner dialogue and physical experience as a way of connecting more deeply to themselves, each other and the listener. Each episode is created to be an emotional and spiritual journey for all involved. Your hosts: Frank D’Amato is an Internal Family Systems practitioner and the creator of the Authentic Connection model. Jessica Olberz Singleton is an artist, teacher, tarot reader, synthesizer of information, and creator of safe and beautiful spaces.

    1h 9m
  6. 08/11/2024

    #73- Embracing Sadness as Self Care

    In this deeply introspective episode, Frank and Jess explore the delicate balance between structure and freedom, giving and receiving, and how these dynamics play out in their personal growth and relationship. 
 Key points: 
 [00:01:27] Frank leads a grounding meditation on self-compassion and care [00:07:49] Jess shares her experiences with balancing structure and freedom in her life [00:13:00] Frank discusses his relationship with sadness and the practice of being present with emotions [00:25:00] Exploration of the giving and receiving dynamic in relationships [00:34:20] Frank opens up about his current emotional state and ongoing guardianship situation [00:41:09] Discussion on the practice of allowing emotions without trying to change them [00:54:02] Frank shares a personal example of holding space for his partner's emotions [01:00:59] Jess reflects on her evolving approach to emotional support and care [01:14:05] Exploration of the concept of "lowering the bar" for emotional sharing [01:20:04] Discussion on the process of releasing "shoulds" and finding authentic desires [01:27:28] Frank shares his practice of taking responsibility for emotional reactions [01:32:40] Closing reflections and invitation for listeners to connect with their own experiences 
 This episode offers a rich exploration of emotional presence, the challenges of personal growth, and the nuances of supportive relationships. Frank and Jess demonstrate vulnerability and insight as they navigate their own emotional landscapes while holding space for each other. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own patterns of emotional response and the potential for growth in embracing all aspects of their experience. New to Feel This? We're so happy you're here! We would love to stay connected! Join Our Mailing List and talk with us directly! Coming soon! A Feel This online community space. Keep an eye and ear out! We were selected in 2023 by Feedspot in their ⁠⁠Top 30 Internal Family Systems Podcasts⁠⁠! The primer episodes below establish the space our conversations take place in. They will enhance your listening experience of our podcast and give you tools to use in your life and relationships. Primer #1 - Modes of Communication Primer #2 - Looking into Internal Family Systems Your Feedback is so meaningful to us. Please leave us a comment. We would love to hear from you and include your energy and awareness into our creative process. About this Podcast: Feel This is a series of experiential conversations between Jessica Olberz Singleton and Frank D’Amato exploring trauma, healing and awakening through the lens of relationship. Through the use of Authentic Connection, which focuses on our present moment experience, Frank and Jess share their emotions, inner dialogue and physical experience as a way of connecting more deeply to themselves, each other and the listener. Each episode is created to be an emotional and spiritual journey for all involved. Your hosts: Frank D’Amato is an Internal Family Systems practitioner and the creator of the Authentic Connection model. Jessica Olberz Singleton is an artist, teacher, tarot reader, synthesizer of information, and creator of safe and beautiful spaces.

    1h 34m
  7. 07/28/2024

    Session #72: The Dance of Parts: Integrating IFS, Tarot, and Authentic Connection

    In this expansive episode, Frank and Jess dive deep into the integration of tarot into their podcast format, exploring themes of inner relationships, self-compassion, and the power of embracing the unknown. Key points: [00:01:14] Frank leads a grounding meditation on gentleness and internal family systems [00:09:07] Jess shares her experience with a nonviolent communication class on transforming the inner critic [00:16:57] Discussion on the recent tarot reading for Frank and its lingering effects [00:25:26] Jess pulls three tarot cards: Two of Cups, Nine of Wands, and The Lovers [00:33:59] Exploration of the Two of Cups and internal relationships [00:47:08] The Nine of Wands and the importance of rest in personal growth [00:51:10] Frank shares the symbolism of his wizard tattoo and its connection to the cards [01:01:32] The Lovers card and its relation to external relationships and self-discovery [01:07:48] Frank's experience of "turning inside out" to listen deeply to Jess [01:14:05] Discussion on the value of reframing language in therapy and personal growth [01:20:54] Frank's reflections on his evolving relationship with tarot in the podcast The episode weaves together themes of internal and external relationships, the power of synchronicity, and the value of embracing uncertainty. Frank and Jess demonstrate how tarot can serve as a powerful tool for self-reflection and deepening their conversations, while also exploring the parallels between tarot wisdom and therapeutic approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS). Listeners are invited to cultivate curiosity about their own inner experiences and to consider how they might integrate these insights into their personal growth journeys. New to Feel This? We're so happy you're here! We would love to stay connected!  Join Our Mailing List and talk with us directly! Coming soon! A Feel This online community space. Keep an eye and ear out! We were selected in 2023 by Feedspot in their ⁠⁠Top 30 Internal Family Systems Podcasts⁠⁠! The primer episodes below establish the space our conversations take place in. They will enhance your listening experience of our podcast and give you tools to use in your life and relationships. Primer #1 - Modes of Communication Primer #2 - Looking into Internal Family Systems Your Feedback is so meaningful to us.  Please leave us a comment. We would love to hear from you and include your energy and awareness into our creative process.   About this Podcast: Feel This is a series of experiential conversations between Jessica Olberz Singleton and Frank D’Amato exploring trauma, healing and awakening through the lens of relationship. Through the use of Authentic Connection, which focuses on our present moment experience, Frank and Jess share their emotions, inner dialogue and physical experience as a way of connecting more deeply to themselves, each other and the listener. Each episode is created to be an emotional and spiritual journey for all involved. Your hosts: Frank D’Amato is an Internal Family Systems practitioner and the creator of the Authentic Connection model. Jessica Olberz Singleton is an artist, teacher, tarot reader, synthesizer of information, and creator of safe and beautiful spaces.

    1h 26m
  8. 07/14/2024

    Session 71: From Flatness to Fullness: Tarot's Wisdom on Recharging and Purposeful Living

    This session offers a fascinating glimpse into how tarot can be used as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Through Frank's reading, we explore his current struggle with feeling flat and the tension between his enjoyment of recreational activities (like chess and biking) and a nagging sense that he should be doing more. The cards reveal a complex interplay between the need to refill one's emotional cup (King of Cups), the practice of developing new skills (Eight of Pentacles), and the mental habits or protective behaviors that might be holding Frank back (Devil and Seven of Wands). The reading also touches on themes of past regrets or perceived failures (Five of Swords) and how they might be influencing Frank's current state. Ultimately, the Page of Pentacles emerges as an anchor, suggesting a return to beginner's mind and the importance of staying present in each moment. [00:00:46] Frank introduces our tarot-focused episode with a mix of excitement and curiosity. [00:01:24] Easing into the experience with Frank's grounding meditation. [00:05:00] Jess explains the tarot process, framing it as a tool for self-discovery rather than fortune-telling. [00:10:20] The reading begins as Jess draws the first cards. [00:12:04] Exploring the Eight of Pentacles and King of Cups - symbols of skill-building and emotional wisdom. [00:13:20] The Devil card emerges, inviting us to examine our mental habits and patterns. [00:14:25] Seven of Wands appears, prompting a look at our defensive postures. [00:15:27] Jess weaves together the narrative of the cards, creating a cohesive story. [00:17:25] Frank shares his initial reactions, connecting the cards to his current experiences. [00:20:50] An additional card joins the spread: the Five of Swords, bringing themes of conflict and resolution. [00:22:54] Frank reveals the focus of his query: feeling flat and conflicted about productivity vs. rest. [00:27:16] Delving deeper into Frank's current state of mind and activities. [00:34:20] Exploring the tension between doing and not doing in Frank's life. [00:37:57] Jess reinterprets the spread with Frank's new information, adding depth to the reading. [00:41:16] Discussing the cyclical nature of Frank's situation and how it relates to the cards. [00:43:18] The Page of Pentacles arrives as an anchor card, offering a fresh perspective. [00:45:25] Frank reflects on the relief of being present and trusting the process. [00:48:37] Wrapping up with final thoughts on the reading experience. [00:50:00] Closing the episode with an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own experiences. New to Feel This? We're so happy you're here! We would love to stay connected!  Join Our Mailing List and talk with us directly! Coming soon! A Feel This online community space. Keep an eye and ear out! We were selected in 2023 by Feedspot in their ⁠⁠Top 30 Internal Family Systems Podcasts⁠⁠! The primer episodes below establish the space our conversations take place in. They will enhance your listening experience of our podcast and give you tools to use in your life and relationships. Primer #1 - Modes of Communication Primer #2 - Looking into Internal Family Systems Your Feedback is so meaningful to us.  Please leave us a comment. We would love to hear from you and include your energy and awareness into our creative process.   About this Podcast: Feel This is a series of experiential conversations between Jessica Olberz Singleton and Frank D’Amato exploring trauma, healing and awakening through the lens of relationship. Through the use of Authentic Connection, which focuses on our present moment experience, Frank and Jess share their emotions, inner dialogue and physical experience as a way of connecting more deeply to themselves, each other and the listener. Each episode is created to be an emotional and spiritual journey for all involved.

    50 min

About

Welcome to Feel This: an ongoing conversation where Frank and Jess model Authentic Connection, a novel approach to self awareness and expression within the space of relationship, through the lens of Internal Family Systems and Attachment Theory. Here we speak for what is arising within us moment to moment, sharing healing tools and insights along the way.