It's Always Brunch with Megan & Shannon Megan & Shannon

We’re doing something different this week and recorded after hours and decided to share where we’re both at in dating and what’s alive for us right now.  Buckle up, buttercup!
We haven’t talked about the dating apps in a while.  Megan gives an update on that (spoiler alert- frustration ensues) and we talk about intentional dating and overall respect.  We’ve both had experiences with people that seem self-absorbed lately so we delve into that further and offer our thoughts on why that may be happening (oh, and the importance of self-awareness because how could we not).  And we talk about breaking trust and the repair that needs to happen to be in a healthy relationship. So, lots of topics- we went on an adventure of sorts. 


Then Shannon gets into what it means to be an empath vs being empathic.  We talk about compassion and the 3 strike rule, how hurtful it is when someone’s actions don’t line up with their words, and healing in a relationship.  Which leads us to talk about what we’re both looking for in a relationship.


Megan asks Shannon for her thoughts on speed in a relationship and feeling at peace in a relationship.  We also get into post relationship reflection- the fun stuff!


We threw in a PSA for men- take the chance and ask her out even if you think she’s out of your league!


And we ended talking about an upcoming speed dating event that we’re helping to run.  Update on that coming soon!


Matthew Hussey’s book:


Love Life- How to Raise Your Standards, Find Your Person, and Live Happily (No Matter What)


https://matthewhussey.com/love-life-book/


 


Follow us https://www.instagram.com/itsalwaysbrunchpod/

Shannon’s Dating & Relationship Coaching https://www.instagram.com/sagecoachingandhealing/ 

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Dark feminine energy (also referred to as black cat energy) is the shadow side of the divine feminine and is marked by such traits as being mysterious, assertive, authentic, powerful, seductive, and confident.  There are benefits to tapping into the dark feminine but there’s plenty of toxic information out there about what it is and how to wield it to get a man to give you whatever you want. So, today we’re talking about how manipulative and unhealthy this dating advice is.  
For real, these are strategies that women are teaching other women to land a man who will treat you like a princess:
·      Don’t debate or have intellectual convo (ummm, I have a brain up in here)
·      Let things be his ideas and not yours (just….NO)
·      Smile and nod while listening (basically sit there and look pretty)
·      Receive instead of giving (sooo, be a taker)
·      Don’t initiate texting, talking, making plans, etc. (essentially make him chase you)
 
We’re completely against playing games but there are ways to model healthy behavior in dating to see how the other person will respond- will they step up and show up. Think about what you’re putting out there and what type of person you’ll attract. 
 
We talk about positive feminine energy responses and behaviors in dating and include some of our own approaches and experiences, of course!

Follow us https://www.instagram.com/itsalwaysbrunchpod/

Shannon’s Dating & Relationship Coaching https://www.instagram.com/sagecoachingandhealing/ 

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: 
Please support the pod by rating and reviewing us!  This helps others to find us more easily, grow our following, and will allow us to do some titillating things!
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It’s time to beCOME CLITerate! Today S&M are talking about cunnilingus although this episode will benefit both men and women.  It’s the sex ed we never got in school but should have.  The inspo for this convo came from Ian Kerner’s book She Comes First which is a MUST read for everyone.  It has been called the essential guidebook to oral sex and the philosophy for pleasuring women.  And we agree!
Kerner has identified three essential stages- Foreplay, Coreplay, and Moreplay.  And oral isn’t part of foreplay like most people would consider it to be.  Foreplay is all about stimulating other parts of the body.  Her body is wonderland and it’s time to start exploring!  And take your time.  There’s no rush here with any of this.  Coreplay is where oral takes center stage. The book includes diagrams and descriptions of different techniques and positions that work best for women.  We talk about the ones that are less than optimal and how we feel about them.  And then moreplay is all about more orgasms. Yes, please!!!  Need we say more?
 
We discuss the importance of incorporating fingers into playtime as well as lots of other tips and goodies including taking the time to get to know someone’s body, connecting with each other, enjoying the pleasure palace, and communication (shocker, right?).
 
So, rev up your engines!
 
EVERYONE NEEDS THIS BOOK!
 
She Comes First by Ian Kerner
 
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/she-comes-first-ian-kerner?variant=32207941861410

Follow us https://www.instagram.com/itsalwaysbrunchpod/

Shannon’s Dating & Relationship Coaching https://www.instagram.com/sagecoachingandhealing/ 

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: 
Please support the pod by rating and reviewing us!  This helps others to find us more easily, grow our following, and will allow us to do some titillating things!
·      Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate, and choose to “Write a Review”
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 And when you follow us, you’ll receive notifications when the next juicy episode drops- yay!

We have a special guest today- yay!  We are excited to have Sharonda Grandberry with us today.  Sharonda is a full figured model, speaker, author award winning stylist, brand ambassador, and CEO of Pink Throne Styles.  Basically, she’s a total badass!
Sharonda shares her healing journey, growing apart from her husband and breaking their trauma bond, therapy, forgiveness, exiting a 20+ year marriage, a big move to Georgia, and living solo.
 
Then we talk about dating!  Sharonda talks about her transition into the dating world of apps and Insta DMs!  She’s not shy about asking men if they’ve worked through their traumas and are healing.  We discuss the stigma around therapy, especially for our generation (Gen X!) and how we’re leading the charge now and taking control of our own healing and helping the generation before and after us.  Sharonda also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for men to open up and be vulnerable with us and how we need to also have patience and grace with them.
 
We talk about emotional connection and the importance of sex.  Mmmm, yes, our sex drives are in overdrive in our 40s!  We are more comfortable in our bodies; we know what we want and we’re not settling for anything less than great sex!  Sharonda floats the idea of the maintenance man to get your needs met (*wink wink*).
 
Oh and there may have been some talk about eggplants- lol!
 
This was such a fun one for all of us to share our stories, relate, and support one another.  Enjoy!!
 
 
All Sharonda’s Links:
 
https://www.pinkthronestyles.com
https://www.sharondagrandberry.com/
https://www.instagram.com/foreverfashion24_8/
https://www.instagram.com/pinkthronestyle/
https://www.facebook.com/pinkthronestyles/
https://www.tiktok.com/@foreverfashion24_8
 https://twitter.com/pinkthronestyle
 
Diary of a Ready Woman: I don't look like what I've been through because my comeback is better than my setback
 https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Ready-Woman-Through-Comeback/dp/0970717512
 
Follow us https://www.instagram.com/itsalwaysbrunchpod/

Shannon’s Dating & Relationship Coaching https://www.instagram.com/sagecoachingandhealing/ 

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: 
Please support the pod by rating and reviewing us!  This helps others to find us more easily, grow our following, and will allow us to do some titillating things!
·      Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate, and choose to “Write a Review”
·      Let us know what you love about the pod!
 And when you follow us, you’ll receive notifications when the next juicy episode drops- yay!

It's our One Year Podiversary-yay!! We've managed to consistently deliver this pod every week for a year and are celebrating our dedication and commitment to sharing and helping all of you!
Our mission is to empower women and support men in truly understanding and knowing themselves and each other while navigating relationships and creating the healthy love life they deeply desire. 
We talk about how and why we started, how we’ve evolved, top episodes, countries, and cities, and what’s next for us!
We also got a bit into the healing process.  More to come on another episode!
Then we crush on each other for a bit- lol! 
** Apologies on Megan’s sound- unknown technical difficulties ☹

Links to our fav episodes:

The Apology Series:
Part 1
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-always-brunch-with-megan-shannon/id1679100522?i=1000623925623
Part 2
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-always-brunch-with-megan-shannon/id1679100522?i=1000624647031
Part 3 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-always-brunch-with-megan-shannon/id1679100522?i=1000625407770

The Checklist
 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2154729/12686824
Let's Talk About Safe Sex, Baby!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2154729/13158118


Follow us https://www.instagram.com/itsalwaysbrunchpod/

Shannon’s Dating & Relationship Coaching https://www.instagram.com/sagecoachingandhealing/ 
Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: 
Please support the pod by rating and reviewing us!  This helps others to find us more easily, grow our following, and will allow us to do some titillating things!
·      Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate, and choose to “Write a Review”
·      Let us know what you love about the pod!
 And when you follow us, you’ll receive notifications when the next juicy episode drops- yay!

S&M start out with a brief recap of the last episode- How to Have Hard Conversations- Part 1 (see link below). 
In Part 2 we get into the importance of the receiver’s comprehension through the use of reflective listening.  Don’t be afraid to ask the other person to summarize what they heard you say.  We’ve all had different life circumstances and experiences that form different realities for each of us which affects how we view the world and ultimately how we receive information.  
 
We get into validation which is a vital component of healthy and successful relationships. Validation is recognizing and affirming the other person.  It says, “I hear you.”  It is a sign of love, compassion, and respect.  When you validate someone, it doesn’t mean you are agreeing with them.  It’s about how THEY feel and think which is absolutely real for them.  Validation helps to build trust and create a safe space to be able to share.  We take you through examples of validating and invalidating responses, and how to respond to the latter. 
 
Then we get into triggers- yaaaayyyy.   Seriously though, triggers are a big one and we all have them.  We all have a past and when we enter into a relationship, we take on the other person’s past as well as their present as you’re building a future together.  Therefore it’s important to understand both your triggers and your partner’s triggers.  And it’s your responsibility to have strategies to manage your own triggers, to share them with your partner, and to work through them.                        
 
What happens if a hard conversation goes sideways?  Don’t continue to spin.  We discuss realizing when you need to take a break to regulate yourself and the importance of coming back to it at an agreed upon time.  It’s also key to do some self-reflection of what did and didn’t work so you don’t spin again when you come back together.
 
And if none of this is working for you, please seek professional help.  Call Shannon 😊


How to Have Hard Conversations- Part 1
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2154729/14816938

Psychology in Seattle with Dr. Kirk Honda: Love Is Blind - Borderline Abuse (Chapter 1) - Season 6 #53 - Therapist Reacts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InOYnbP3ExE

How to Respond When Someone Has Invalidated Your Feelings
https://www.melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au/the-wellbeing-blog/how-to-respond-when-someone-has-invalidated-your-feelings

Book rec:
I Hear You by Michael Sorensen https://michaelssorensen.com/i-hear-you-book/


Follow us https://www.instagram.com/itsalwaysbrunchpod/

Shannon’s Dating & Relationship Coaching https://www.instagram.com/sagecoachingandhealing/ 



Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: 
Please support the pod by rating and reviewing us!  This helps others to find us more easily, grow our following, and will allow us to do some titillating things!
·      Click HERE, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate, and choose to “Write a Review”
·      Let us know what you love about the pod!
 And when you follow us, you’ll receive notifications!