LaidOPEN Podcast

Today I welcome two previous guests from earlier this season to share their unique experiences and expertise on the topic of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. Mark Walsh , an embodiment coach, trauma trainer & host of The Embodiment Podcast , and  Christian Branscombe , a restorative justice facilitator and coach. Together we dive into the intricacies of vicarious trauma and compassion fati...

This week I welcome Natalie Silva of God's Eye Oils and Made of Stars prayer circle group . She and I discuss the power of self-love, community, vulnerability, and the integration of prayer in daily life. Natalie also shares how her relationship with former LaidOPEN Podcast guest, Erica Wright, has been integral to her healing journey. The episode highlights Natalie's involvement in S Factor, a mo...

One of the best things about my podcast is all of the wonderful people doing incredible things that it's brought into my life. People like this week's guest, Jessica Graham  who's returning to speak with me about their latest creation. Jessica is an author, actor and trauma resolution guide.  Together we discuss Jessica's latest book, ' Being (Sick) Enough ,' and talk about their journey of writin...

This week I want to acknowledge the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles, which also happens to be home to this week's guest, actress, drag king and comedian, Ruby Marez . Ruby shares her incredible journey of using humor and play to heal trauma. She opens up about her clowning and drag king persona Ramón . We talk about how embodying this alter ego has transformed her life and inspired a stage...

Happy New Years Eve! In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I'm joined by  Jessica Lindsey , a trauma-informed energy healer, animal communicator, and clairvoyant pet psychic. Jessica shares her journey of discovering her ability to communicate with animals and plants and offers tools to attune to these beings. We explore topics including different species' forms of communication, end-of-life su...

In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I have an in-depth conversation with my friend Joseph Kramer, Ph. D about my journey into psychotherapy and sex education. Joseph is a sexologist and ex-Jesuit is the founder of Body Electric School for Massage as well as Sexological Bodywork and a past guest of LaidOPEN Podcast . He guided a conversation where I shared my experiences working at Good Vibrat...

In this week's episode, I explore a healthier version of intimacy when interviewing  Zach Beach , a coach, poet, and yoga teacher who deeply explores the concept of love through various practices.  His journey from a career in engineering to finding his purpose in love was influenced by the unconditional adoration he received from his parents, especially his mother. Zach emphasizes the importance...

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I chat with the incredibly insightful Erica Wright , a codependency counselor who spends an hour with me breaking down complex relationship dynamics and sharing wisdom on healing and self-love.  Erica delves into her journey, discussing the roots of codependency within societal frameworks and the transformative role of spirituality and sobriety. From understand...

In this episode, I welcome Atlanta-based musician Kennedy Ryon . We discuss Kennedy's journey in the music industry, her experiences with self-doubt, the significance of accepting imperfections, and her creative process.   Kennedy shares insights from working on the soundtrack for the Amazon show 'Expats,' the challenges of managing artistic blocks, and the healing powers of music and creativity....

In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, I welcome my friend and guest Rachel Kaplan. Rachel hosts the " Healing Feeling Shit Show " podcast and is the author of " Feel, Heal, and Let That Sh*t Go: Your Guide to Emotional Resilience and Lasting Self-Love ," which explores the process and importance of reconnecting with and expressing emotions.  The discussion delves into the emotional challenges m...

This episode of Laid Open Podcast features guest Dr. Joli Hamilton, Ph. D. , a research psychologist, relationship coach and founder of 'The Year of Opening.' Together, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of non-monogamous relationships, the importance of creating custom relationship dynamics, and the primal value of jealousy… because jealousy isn't always a bad thing.  Dr. Joli also share...

On this week's episode, I'm excited to have the hosts of The Sex Reimagined Podcast joining me, Dr. Willow Brown, a Chinese medicine doctor and Taoist sexologist, and Leah Piper, a Tantra sex expert. Together, we delve into the intricacies of shame-free, pleasure-forward sexuality by discussing the integration of Tantra and Taoist practices. Dr. Willow and Leah explain the differences between Tant...

This week I welcome, Alreen Haeggquist, a women's rights advocate, lawyer, and author of, "Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma." Alreen discusses her journey to founding her own law firm, which specializes in cases of sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination, with a focus on trauma-informed care.  The conversation explores Alreen's personal story of surviving sexual abuse within her family a...

This week we welcome Licensed Therapist, Transformation Coach, and international speaker, Allison Guilbault from Notes From Your Therapist on the LaidOPEN Podcast. Allison and I explore the journey she took on her unique career path from working with the FBI and Rikers Island inmates to her current role as a therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and sex/intimacy in New Jersey.  We discuss All...

In this incredibly moving episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna engages in a powerful discussion with Christian Branscombe, who, after being sentenced to life in prison for murder, transformed his life through meditation, reading, and community healing initiatives. This profound experience led him to become an advocate for transformative justice and healing initiatives in the prison system and beyon...

Join us on LaidOPEN Podcast as we dive into the world of transformational theatre and healing practices with my sometimes co-host Amy MacClain and her creative partner Molly Kittle. Discover the magic of the collaborative work that's resulted in their highly anticipated mid-life musical " After The Rainbow ," which will be debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer. Together Molly and A...

Please welcome, Mathew Boudreaux, also known as Mx Domestic to his millions of crafting fans from around the globe. During the pandemic, Mathew's crafting projects left them with a wide following. However, the interaction they were sometimes having speaking their truth led to conflict on their social media channels. Mathew muses on this while also sharing their transformative healing journey, deta...

In this episode of the Laid Open Podcast we welcome Dr. Susan Campbell PhD , an esteemed psychologist and relationship coach who delves deep into the essence of understanding and managing what triggers us in intimate relationships. Dr. Susan provides practical steps for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication to foster healthier relationships. Plus, she emphasizes the imp...

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, host Charna Cassell welcomes guest Mark Walsh an embodiment coach and host of The Embodiment Podcast , to discuss their shared history and Mark's extensive work in the field of embodiment and trauma education. He's also the author of Embodiment , Working with the Body in Training and Coaching , and Embodied Meditation . He led The Embodiment Conference (1000 te...

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 illumina...

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...

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 wo...

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 an...

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 open...

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...