Afleveringen

  • The time has come for me to heed my own intuition and embrace impermanence. I want to leave you with a few parting gifts so please listen and sit with me one last time.

    Meet Tamara Powell

    Tamara Powell, LMHC is a licensed therapist, university psychology instructor, and soul mentor for non-conformists. She is also a reiki master teacher known for integrating science and mysticism.

    With specializations designed to quell existential angst and provoke the highest potential in each individual to achieve their true soul purpose, Tamara is passionate about holding sacred space for misfits and mystics.
    If you’re interested in working with her, you can learn more about her services here.

    Sound Editing provided by Pete Bailey: http://petebailey.net/audio/

  • Do you have a negative voice in your head that kicks you when you’re already down? Then this episode is definitely for you. Meet Elizabeth Cush! We do a deep dive on self-compassion: what it looks like, what it takes, problem solving our self-talk and finding some loving truths for ourselves.

    In this podversation:

    Do you have a negative voice in your head that kicks you when you’re already down? Then this episode is definitely for you. Meet Elizabeth Cush! We do a deep dive on self-compassion: what it looks like, what it takes, problem solving our self-talk and finding some loving truths for ourselves. She also shares with us the amazing Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook so you can start practicing some fierce self-compassion anytime!

    2:35: Learning about Elizabeth 4:10 - Relabeling anxiety to be more culturally acceptable 6:20 - Why is self-compassion so important? 10:20 - This is what crapping all over ourselves when we miss the mark gets us 13:35 - Actually being KIND to yourself! 15:38 - The familial element 19:30 - Finding your loving truths when it all feels like lies 23:35 - We might be afraid to heal 28:08 - Being fierce in your self-compassion 34:20 - Woman Worriers Meet Elizabeth Cush

    Elizabeth Cush, LCPC is a therapist, podcaster, business owner and blogger in Annapolis, MD where she hosts Woman Worriers, a podcast for anxious women. In her private practice, Progression Counseling, she helps women who feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed out find more connection with themselves and others, allowing them to live their lives with more ease, intention, and purpose. Elizabeth has been a featured guest on the Women In Depth podcast, The Practice Of Being Seen podcast and Selling The Couch podcast. She’s also an expert contributor for Good Therapy, a guest contributor to the Happily Imperfect Blog on Psych Central and has been quoted in articles for The List, Teen Vogue, Tonic, Best Life, Bustle Thriveworks, UpJourney and The Paper Gown. She’s worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and is a certified clinical trauma professional. Elizabeth incorporates mindfulness and meditation into her psychotherapy work.

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  • Researchers estimate that approximately 1/5th of the world's population could be classified as being an HSP - highly sensitive person. Don't let the language fool you though; as Patricia Young shares, HSP's have superpowers and there is great strength in flipping the negative narrative around feeling deeply.

    2:25 - How did you find this work? 4:15 - HSP’s and limiting explanations 8:50 - Differential Suscepta-WHAT? 13:10 - Deep reflecters 16:05 - We’re all just saturated sponges 18:43 - Feeling on a cellular level 20:53 - We’re EXTRA extra(sensory) 25:40 - Does sensitivity mean we’re automatically prone to codependency? 32:55 - What people thinks make us weak are actually what makes us so powerful 36:52 - HSP’s in relationships 41:42 - HSP love and support suggestions Meet Patricia Young Patricia Young, LCSW is a therapist who specializes in working with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) online in CA. Patricia also hosts the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive, which is about embracing our strengths and modeling vulnerability and authenticity in order to help people to live fuller, richer and more meaningful lives. Patricia helps clients to turn their perceived shortcomings into superpowers. Patricia is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate all the gifts we have to offer. Patricia is creating some small online specialty groups for HSPs.
  • This week we’re talking with Devi Maisha and WARNING (!!!), there is a LOT of explicit language in this episode. We talk about juicy orgasms, tantra-based holistic lifestyles, parenting, poly and more. If you have little ones around, wait ‘til they’re in bed to hop in the bath, grab your drink of choice, turn on this episode, and get ready to feel sexy and whole. If you want more, don’t miss her upcoming program: Orgasmic Alchemy for Women starting May 6th!

    3:25 - How did you begin walking this path? 6:27 - Are we just a bunch of fuckin’ hedonists?! 9:45 - Our pain is not the final frontier 12:15 - Do something we’re all doing anyway and TRANSFORM 14:07 - Thinking of sex as sacred 17:10 - Others as additions to - not reasons for - fucking 24:50 - The synchronicity of having our needs met and who we are as energetic beings 27:37 - What would our lives look like if we saw everything we did as an act of worship? 30:00 - Tantric
 parenting? 35:26 - Wholeness and kink 40:20 - Be poly in your monogamy!! 45:05 - Sometimes we just need to GET OFF 48:25 - Orgasmic Alchemy for Women Meet Devi Maisha Devi Maisha is a sensual healer and erotic witch who specializes in showing men and women how to take their sex lives higher, release their trauma, create better relationships, and transform their lives into abundance and ecstasy. She is a former certified personal trainer and nutrition coach who combines her knowledge and study in the areas of psychology, tantra, and sacred sexuality with her training in energy work to facilitate inner healing and better sex for her clients. Maisha has studied Chakra Healing and LifeForce Energy Healing with Deborah King, Active Tantra through The Grand Trine Tantra System, Relationship Dynamics with JujuMama LLC and Shamanic and Indigenous Sacred Sexuality with Riziki Zafira. She is currently a student of the Institute of Authentic Tantra where she will go through a year-long Tibetan Buddhist Tantra training program, and become a Certified Sexologist through the American College of Sexology.
  • Oh my goodness, where to start about this week’s episode?! We’re talking with the effervescent and endlessly riveting Jessa Zimmerman who you may remember her from episode . Well, she’s just dropped her AMAZING new book for couples who have a good relationship but are avoiding sex called Sex without stress; a couple’s guide to overcoming disappointment, avoidance, and pressure.” Jessa shares a snapshot of her 9 step process with us.

    In this podversation: 1:23 - Let’s learn about Jessa 3:08 - Why this book? 5:28 - The catalyst of grief and the two sides of sex 8:46 - Excuses, excuses, excuses. 11:29 - Let’s talk about sex baby. 13:20 - The traps of desire discrepancy 16:50 - The butterflies 17:25 - Enjoy the ride ;) 20:02 - Being right here 22:14 - The alchemy of “No.” 24:47 - BE A LITTLE SELFISH! 28:47 - Advanced eroticism 31:53 - Taking pleasure personally 33:57 - Exploration, play, and gentle acceptance in the bedroom. Meet Jessa Zimmerman

    Jessa Zimmerman is a licensed sex therapist and couples’ counselor. She specializes in helping couples who have a good relationship but who are avoiding sex because it’s become stressful, negative, disappointing, or pressured. She educates, coaches, and supports people as they go through her 9-phase experiential process that allows them real world practice in changing their relationship and their sex life. She does this work through in person therapy in her office in Seattle, online therapy for Washington residents, her Better Sex podcast, and her soon to be published book aimed at helping couples who are avoiding sex.

  • We're talking about surprise DNA results in this week’s episode of Sacred Psychology! Meet Jody, a therapist leading the in finding healing for individuals who come face to face with complicated origin stories if you will. Hear her personal journey through her own lineage lies and how she was able to make lemonade out of some sour fruit.

    In this podversation: 2:35 - Getting to know Jody 3:57 - EMDR - what the heck is it?! 6:17 - 23andme rocked her world
 and not in the way she expected. 13:09 - He lives 40 minutes away?! 15:33 - Meeting her dad 17:20 - So, fill me in Dad. How could this happen 19:55 - Saying goodbye, saying hello. 22:20 - Grief, EMDR, and getting to know The New ‘Me’. 24:25 - Making lemonade 28:40 - The spectrum of NPEs 30:06 - The podcast: Sex, Lies and The Truth 34:20 - Don’t whole-d back. 39:25 - Your mess becomes your message 41:41 - Family matters
 Meet Jodi Klugman-Rabb

    Jodi is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who discovered she was an NPE after taking a Commerical dna test. Discovering her father was not her biological father rocked her sense of identity and inspired her to use the experience to help others navigate the grief and family dynamics.

    She hosts her own podcast on the subject (Sex, Lies & The Truth) and writes a blog on Psychology Today to help others find their voice in the NPE topic (Finding Family: A Modern Guide to Family with Parental Identity Discovery and Non-Paternal Events)

  • On this week’s episode we’re meeting Heather Vickery! She is so many amazing things: a business and success coach, a fellow podcaster, a mom, an advocate, an ally, and a master boundary-setter.

    We take a look at some tricky topics like divorcing in friendship, coming out to our kids, and how we said hello to our sexuality even when it was scary.

    In this podversation: 3:20: Getting to know Heather 4:57: The Un-Conversations - what are they and why do we need to have them? 7:19: “I’m gonna do it scared.” 8:05: Eating frogs 9:20: There are no wrong choices 10:50: How Heather realized she couldn’t continue living a heternormative life 14:44 Respecting others journey even when it’s not easy 17:54: Don’t live life with THOSE kinds of regrets 19:58: What do you tell the afraid people? 24:52: Solidarity my sisters and brothers! 25:24: Boundaries and balance 29:03: That’s my superpower 31:50: How to own the room! 37:50: The rainbow spectrum and language 40:37: But what about the children?!
  • This week I’ve teamed up with Dr. Stacey Shelby, the enigmatic author of "Tracking the Wild Woman Archetype: A Guide to Becoming a Whole, In-Divisible Woman" to talk about sacred sexuality and how women in society can reacquaint themselves with their Wild Woman.

    We dish DEEP on how self-identity takes a major shift later in life and how making space for what some might consider “hippy BS” could teach your heart to orgasm too.

    In this podversation: 3:50: Making learning more accessible to women of all backgrounds 5:45: Her book: Tracking the Wild Woman Archetype: A Guide to Becoming a Whole Indivisible Woman 6:00: What is the Wild Woman Archetype? 9:09: Grounding our Wild Woman into our physical bodies and what that means 10:38: Can we as women fully connect with our Wild Woman in today’s society? 12:45: Embracing the tension of the search for the Wild Woman within us 13:49: Important shit! 16:02: How to navigate our autonomy and our connection to something bigger 20:15: The quintessential paradox of love 21:32: Sacred Sexuality and Conscious Relationships of the Wild Woman Archetype 27:40: Not loving by default 31:16: Making space for the best sex 34:44: All sex as sacred and finding ecstasy in the heart and genitals 37:05: The importance of the profane 38:37: Challenges of polyamory and conscious non-monogamy 42:53: Possessiveness vs. Jealousy 45:51: Chasing the high vs. sinking into the soul 49:26: The common denominator of successful relationships 50:57: “If we’re wanting to live a soulful, purposeful, rich life follow love. Soul will always follow love.” Meet Dr. Stacey Shelby:

    Stacey Shelby, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and depth psychotherapist. She is also a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) in Canada, a certified clinical dream tender, and she has studied in Indigenous medicines and yoga traditions.

    She holds a masters and Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Jungian and Archetypal Studies. Dr. Shelby has a thriving clinical practice in Squamish, British Columbia, where she works with adults in various stages of personal transformation in person and via internet.

    She is gifted at working with the symbolic language of the soul and she is dedicated to honoring the soul as it presents in the lived experience of daily life.

    Connect with her further at: DrStaceyShelby.com

  • In this podversation:

    I teamed back up with the incomparable LCDR Jamie Sorenson whom you might remember from Season 3 Episode 1- Why You Tried to Kill Yourself, to answer some really common relationship questions collected from listeners.

    Two mental health practitioners for the price of one! And since we don't always agree, you're getting a pluralistic perspective on issues many are afraid to ask about.

    2:52 - How do I know if someone is into me? 7:03 - What do I do about my partners jealousy? 13:04 - I want to have kids she does not. Can the relationship work? 19:10 - We just started dating and she already wants to spend less time together. What does that mean? 23:49 - How do we stop fighting over religion? 33:33 - Do you believe in soulmates? 38:58 - Am I ever going to meet someone? 43:54 - Do you have premonitions about a partner? Like the song 
"I knew I loved you before I met you." 45:29 - What level of privacy is OK in relationships? 50:23 - I feel like I can't do things spontaneously like have a friend over or go out. I feel like I have to ask permission first and when do have people over or go out, I feel like I have to tip-toe around telling him this is what I'm planning. If we don't talk about it before hand he grumbles and then I feel like I have to tip-toe even more. How can I better approach this? 56:30 - "How to know when a partner’s request for photographic "material" becomes concerning. Is it ever normal, or is it a definite sign of sexual addiction?" 1:07:20 - "How do you best handle intimacy after taking a loving look at and un-packing trauma, when your ideas around it transform and change?" 1:13:09 - "My wife wants an open relationship and I want to complete fidelity. Should we get a divorce?" 1:24:30 - "I am poly curious (did I just make that up?), and husband says hell no and now I feel ashamed for even suggesting it. What now?" 1:25:50 - "Navigating your partner's jealousy and possessiveness as someone with a lot of muchness, who likes to share herself with others and have the freedom to share and receive unlabeled affection and intimacy with many people, not just one." Additional Resources Mentioned: “The Jealousy Workbook: Exercises and Insights for Managing Open Relationships” by Kathy Labriola “Mating in Captivity” by Esther Perel “The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships” by Dr. John Gottman & Joan DeClaire "When God Winks at You: How God Speaks Directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence" by Squire Rushnell “The Flight from Intimacy: Healing Your Relationship of Counter-Dependency – the Other Side of Co-Dependency” by Drs. Janae & Barry Weinhold "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill “Love in Abundance: a Counselor’s Advice on Open Relationships” by Kathy Labriola “Rewriting the Rules: an Integrative Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships” by Meg Barker Meet LCDR Jamie Sorenson

    Jamie is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is currently serving as the embedded Mental Health Provider at Command Submarine Squadron 11 out in San Diego CA, providing mental health treatment, education, consultation and much more to all the of sailors and submariners attached to that division.

    Her awards include the Navy-Marine Corp Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, & the Navy Achievement Medal with one gold star. She also was also honored as the Psychiatric Advanced Practice Mental Health Nurse of the Year in 2013 by San Diego Psychiatric Nursing Society.

    She wrote & published the book “Why You Tried to Kill Yourself” in 2017. Her newest book, "Single, Pitiful and Unlovable...Yeah Right!" is available on Amazon.

    As if that weren’t enough, Jamie has completed over 80 whole/half marathons! She’s an avid traveler and animal lover.

  • Tracing the red thread all the way into social justice issues to break the supposed curse of menstruation with feminist holistic nutritionist, Amanda Laird

    In this podversation: How Amanda got into the field of reproductive health and menstruation more specifically Tracing the red thread all the way into social justice Toronto's inaugural Menstrual Hygiene Day and some of the shocking pushback The far reaching implications and effects of not having access to menstrual supplies Nevada's seeking to abolish sales tax on menstrual products Where does the shame and stigma around menstruation even start? Why are menstrual supplies not included in required list of public restroom supplies Sex education needs to go beyond "Don't get pregnant" and "Don't get AIDS." Explaining some of the changes like mood swings in a normal menstrual cycle Breaking the curse of menstruation in part through agency Culture's devaluing of body literacy (the gyno ghetto) Should our first go-to for menstrual issues be hormonal birth control pills etc.? Post Birth Control Syndrome "Sweetening the Pill or How We Got Hooked on the Pill" by Holly Grigg-Spall Exploring nutrition for hormonal health, especially anything that causes inflammation The role stress plays in menstrual issues Going beyond the cisgender binary "Is it your period that makes you a woman??" Meet Amanda Laird

    Amanda Laird is a feminist holistic nutritionist specializing in menstrual health. She helps people understand their menstrual cycles and have better periods without defaulting to hormonal birth control.

    Amanda is also the host of the Heavy Flow Podcast and author of Heavy Flow: Breaking the Curse of Menstruation, which comes out really soon so you’re gonna want to get on the list for pre-orders.

    She says her mission is to break the supposed curse of menstruation so you can:

    ‱ Have a shame-free, painless period

    ‱ Understand your menstrual cycle and have agency over your own body

    ‱ Make truly informed decisions about sex, birth control and your health

    Connect with Amanda further: www.amandalaird.ca www.instagram.com/amandalaird

  • When was the last time you weren't trying to fix something about yourself? Life coach and yoga teacher, Elena Sonnino shares how to unearth and attune to inner strength and wisdom – what she calls, the sunrise in your pocket.

    In this podversation: Everything you need is already within you How a diagnosis in 1997 with Hodgkin's Lymphoma provided a wake up call Coming to meet her husband at the marathon Elena was told she would never run Get out of your own way The common inner conflict between trusting your intuition and those in authority or with expertise Why do women struggle with asking and receiving help? Inner strength does not mean we cannot receive from others Your values help inform your discernment process There is no failure; there's only feedback Is there a sweet spot between goal setting and flow? Learn to attach a feeling to your goal without attachment of the how or outcome Practice determination without expectation Law of attraction and self-fulfilling prophecy The power of writing a new narrative to promote long-lasting change Your body is a conduit for the life you want to live Elena's blog post - See your body as the hero in your hero's journey When was the last time you weren't trying to fix something about yourself? Over-analysis paralysis Elena's definition of inner strength and how we can learn to embody it Growth is not a destination; it's a journey 3 questions to become more curious and begin a dialogue with your inner strength and wisdom: What do you want me to know? What wants to emerge? What energy do I need today? Meet Elena Sonnino:

    Elena Sonnino is a sought-after guide for living fully in the now to step into the spotlight of your life. As a life coach, speaker, and yoga teacher, her work is an invitation to unearth and attune to inner strength and wisdom – what she calls, the sunrise in your pocket.

    She inspires individuals and groups to remove self-imposed obstacles and explore the NOW with curiosity and gratitude so that they can step into the spotlight of their life.

    Learn more about Elena at ElenaSonnino.com or tune in to her Sunrise in Your Pocket podcast online or on iTunes.

  • "If all you do is read a book, your shit is still gonna show up at happy hour!" Learn the sneaky half-truths that can often keep us from TRUE self-care from John Hopkins professor and executive leadership coach, Sharon Podobnik-Peterson.

    In this podversation: Why Sharon describes herself as "values driven and multi-passionate" How her journey in the field of education has shifted over the years The sneaky half-truths that can often keep us from true self-care True self-care is so much more than bubble baths It's not self-care if it's not moving you towards something (e.g., self-love, better leadership etc.) Don't wrap your stress up in glitter. #sugarcoatedshit #shitastic The reason female relationships tend not to be as healthy as their male counterparts The power in asking those you care about, "How can I love on you right now?" Key differences between spiritual entertainment and spiritual enlightenment If all you do is read a book, your shit is still gonna show up at happy hour! #shitonalist & #stopdescribingyourshit Most people have several awakenings in life (i.e., revalari - Latin word for revelation) Living a eulogy life vs. a resume life

    Tips for getting started with effective and practical self-care

    Therapist first to figure out your past shit Then a coach to figure out what's going on now (i.e., current shit) Only after those first two, add in helpful supplements like books, meditation, journaling etc. Rinse and repeat as needed #nosugarcoatedsolutions Meet Sharon Podobnik-Peterson:

    Sharon is an executive leadership coach, adjunct professor of education at Johns Hopkins, and the founder of Go Love Yourself - THE #1 PERSONAL GROWTH SUBSCRIPTION BOX FOR WOMEN.

    Special Offer For Sacred Psychology Listeners:

    Enter promo code SACRED to receive 10% of ALL your purchases!

  • "The Enneagram doesn't put you in a box; it shows you the box you're already in and the way out." - Havilah Siegmann shares why and how this tool can change your life!

    In this podversation: Interested in the Sanctuary I mentioned in the intro? Click here. The Enneagram is NOT a religious tool but can be awesome for spiritual growth too. Some of Havilah's experiences as a Type 4/ the Romantic or the Individualist on the Enneagram How the Enneagram provides insight on both the nature and nurture aspects of "personality" "The Enneagram doesn't put you in a box; it shows you the box you're already in and the way out." The danger in over-simplifying the Enneagram and not pushing through to the transformational piece An introduction/ overview to all 9 types Be careful not to type/ diagnose your loved ones What are tritypes and how do they work? Pay closest attention to where you go in stress and why Should you start with an assessment to figure out your type? Additional Resources: My favorite Enneagram assessment - the RHETI ($12) An overview of all 9 types on the Enneagram My favorite Enneagram books: The Path Between Us (for relationships) The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types Already know your type? Subscribe to the Daily EnneaThought Meet Havilah Seigmann

    As a raised in Evangelical-land girl, Havilah was full of faith and questions, and always reading. A former music teacher, Havilah now uses her teaching skills not only to lead others into deeper explorations of themselves, but also to break up fights and teach her three children how not to throw things at each other. She loves to gather people around her table, make beautiful things, and to explore new places with her family.

    Havilah started The Transformation Collaborative, an online place to share inspiration and encouragement. She creates and produces the Little Faith Podcast, a podcast about how to be good humans for ourselves and our littles while living in the middle of doubt.

    You can connect with her on Instagram @transformation_collaborative and @littlefaithpodcast, on Twitter @havilahjoys and on Facebook @transformationcollaborative and @littlefaithpodcast.

  • Joe has a unique story. He had been addicted to drugs at the age of 13 and was selling cocaine by the time he was 21. He had a life of ups and downs, but it wasn't until after having a massive panic attack at age 38 that he found meditation and was able to escape the pain that had been leaving him an unfulfilled life and embrace a life with more fulfillment than ever before. And now with a certificate in Spiritual Psychology, he's helping others do the same.

    Unlock the power that has been holding YOU back!

    In this podversation: How crucial the first few months of recovery are It's not just one moment, it's a series of moments that wakes us up to needed change What led Joe to pretend to be suicidal when he hit bottom "Until I knew why I was using drugs in the first place, I couldn't actually heal." The role shame and loneliness often play in addiction and recovery Why authenticity is so crucial to a healthy life Becoming mindful of the power and dangers of whatever follows the words "I am _____." Some of the problematic areas of 12 step, disease models of addiction and recovery Toxic masculinity culture and some of the difficulties for men becoming vulnerable The number one trait all genders find attractive How a panic attack changed everything The power of meditation and mindfulness in recovery and wellness in general "The way you deal with the issue IS the issue." What Joe's Spiraddict Warrior program is all about "Being sober and being happy are two different things." "You don't need to feel pain in order to heal." Meet Joe Mintzer:

    Joe Mintzer has been working on his inner self for some time and is in the process of creating a new type of recovery for those who are looking for a new community after the initial stages of growth.

    He holds a certificate in Spiritual Psychology which he uses in his one on one coaching for survivors/addicts moving forward after the first 3-6 months of recovery.

    Through his own trial and error process of his life he has learned that there is more than one path to sobriety and his mission is to tell his story in hopes of helping others heal through forgiving their past indiscretions and loving themselves with living in the present.

    Connect with him further on Instagram or his website.

  • She was just 19 when she woke up debilitatingly ill at age 19 and it took 17 years to find a proper diagnosis. Now Joanna Charnas says, "My body may be out of control but I am in control of how I take care of it." Learn tips and tools for living well with chronic illness or how to best care for someone who is from a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who truly gets it.

    In this podversation: The day Joanna woke up debilitatingly ill at age 19 which became a 17-year struggle to get properly diagnosed Finding relief through meditation and other mindfulness and holistic health and wellness practices The importance of maintaining an existential perspective rooted in gratitude Learning to temper optimism with reality to best support clients and loved ones who are ill Being willing to ask for help when needed Check in on your strong friends Why Joanna likes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy We're all in the closet about something Why it's hard for people, especially women, to assert themselves and ask for needs to be met Owning your illness and not making others responsible for our needs "My body may be out of control but I am in control of how I take care of it." "Your pain and suffering are real, but with time, effort, and perseverance, you can still have much happiness in your life." "Attitude is the king, queen, and sun god rolled into one. It's the most important thing we bring to the challenges [we face]." Meet Joanna Charnas:

    Joanna Charnas has been a clinical social worker for thirty years and holds specialties in group therapy and chronic illness.

    She blogged on the HuffPost Blog for two and a half years, and had been published on several other international websites, including Popsugar.com before authoring two books herself: Living Well with Chronic Illness, and 100 Tips and Tools for Managing Chronic Illness.

    Connect with her further at: https://www.joannacharnas.com/

  • "We gender when we don't need to." Exploring what it is like to be gender queer with LGBTQ educator Mason Aid including in faith, business & mental health.

    Imagine if a core part of you was invisible to 99% of the world's population... In this podversation: What life was like before Mason came out as 'gender queer' including 7 in-patient hospitalizations Learning important terminology for sexual and gender diversity Why there's currently a reclamation of the word 'queer' 'Dyke' but not lesbian ...yes, it's possible Exploring the love and the pain in being queer in the church "God was my beard" Taking care to use gender inclusive language in business and on social media Why does terminology even matter? Why are there so many labels these days? How microaggressions can contribute to self-esteem issues and even self-harm "Give yourself as much time to get out of the pit as it took you to get into it." Mason's experiences with Bipolar disorder and seeking to break stigma surrounding mental health "I was kicked out of the church and handed over to Satan" How Mason came back around to a strong faith in God and community. "I didn't through my faith away. The church threw me away." Exploring the role wretch theology plays in self-punishment for queer Christians Tips for showing respect to those who may be on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum Why you're leaving money on the table if your business isn't using gender inclusive language (e.g., partner, couple, parents) Meet Mason Aid

    Mason is an LGBTQ educator and business owner who loves talking about gay stuff and having the awkward conversations we tend to shy away from. They love coffee, taking walks with their family and reading.

    Connect with them further:

    Web:www.themasonaid.com or Podcast: All the Letters

  • "Moms stop blaming your kids for why you're not showing up for yourself" and other truth bombs from education expert and spiritual mindset coach, Anne Livingston.

    ...And she tries to help me try and love the words self care and self love again.

    In this podversation: How and why Anne jumped ship from her original job in education and then network marketing to coaching and back Anne's experience with shame around network marketing The power of alignment in business Exploring the inner critic and where it begins The role operant conditioning plays in core beliefs around parenting etc. What are you modeling for your child about self care and self worth? Breaking the cycle for your lineage When your child is acting out, it's often because they can't communicate with you The three core needs every child has: love, acceptance, and validation How are you nourishing yourself - body, mind, and soul? We need to let chaos happen. Moms stop blaming your kids for why you're not showing up for yourself. The brain loves to prove itself right; be careful with self-fulfilling prophecies and your excuses Your kids are always mirroring back to you what's going on within you 3 Easy Self Care Tips for Parents: Have some sort of morning routine which includes moving your body in some way Meditate Create a list of 10 things that bring you joy that don't require money or other people Some moms need their children as much as they think their kids need them which can be codependent. The power in asking yourself why you wanted children & healing any stories attached Anne helps me try and love the words self care and self love again. What does conscious parenting look like? Understanding your child has his or her own autonomy You are not here to teach your child. Your child is here to teach you. Your child is not here to make you feel a certain way. Compersion: being happy for someone else's happiness even if it's not because of or involving you Meet Anne Livingston:

    Anne Livingston is a Spiritual Mindset Coach who teaches women the importance of self-love through self-care, in order to show up authentically in the world.

    She is currently living a nomadic life, traveling the country with her 2 cats while she teaches, coaches, writes, and explores.

    Connect with Anne further at: www.annelivingstoncoaching.com

  • Can someone be addicted to sex? Exploring the hot button and much debated issue of problematic sexual behavior and why we need a different approach, especially in the U.S.!

    In this podversation: Do labels like "sex addiction" matter? Can someone be addicted to sex? AASECT's position on sex addiction If sex addictions exist, they are likely over-diagnosed. The power in asking what is this person's relationship to the behavior rather than looking at the behavior alone Why shame is such a big factor in compulsive sexual behavior How so many have a fundamental lack of understanding of healthy sexuality You can't pain these pictures with a broad brush; it has to be individualized. Why porn often feels easier than having sex/ being intimate with a partner Why so many individuals may actually want their partners to be labeled as an "addict" Some of the pros and cons of an addiction model as well as 12 step programs for it Why Dr. Weeks advocates for more of a harm reduction model What is erotic conflict?

    An erotic conflict is experienced by a person who is engaging in (or even fantasizing about) a sexual behavior that conflicts with his or her moral values or religious values. For example, a person who is attracted to sex with the same sex might experience an erotic conflict because their religious beliefs tell them that same sex attraction is wrong. Their behavior conflicts with their religious beliefs. A person who is using escorts might be experiencing an erotic conflict because breaking the law is against their personal moral values. A man who is watching pornography occasionally, a few times a month, might feel as though he has a sexual addiction or pornography addiction because his religious beliefs tell him that lust and pornography are bad. Therefore, he equates any use of pornography with addiction.

    - Dr. Jennifer Weeks

    Religious believers may actually have higher incidences of problematic sexual behavior The complexity trauma adds to individuals with erotic conflict or problematic sexual behavior Why Dr. Weeks and I both have empathy for sex offenders Could sexual imprinting play a role in our sexual scripts, erotic conflicts, and problematic sexual behavior? Educate Empower Kids How pornography may contribute to erectile dysfunction Why the U.S.'s poor sexual education programs are creating long lasting sexual issues Starving ourselves into problematic sexual behaviors (due to lack of intimacy) "Sex 'addiction' is NOT about sex; it's an intimacy disorder" Meet Dr. Jennifer Weeks

    Dr. Jennifer Weeks is the founder and director of Sexual Addiction Treatment Services, an out-patient treatment program for out of control sexual behavior.

    She has over twelve years experience treating all aspects of addiction, trauma and addiction, sexual addiction, and sex offenders. Jennifer is a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist- Supervisor, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a Ph.D. in Psychology.

    Dr. Weeks is the author of the blog, Dr. Jen’s Recovery Readings as well as the prevention book, The New Age of Sex Education: How to Talk to Your Teen about Cybersex and Pornography in the Digital Age.

    In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Weeks provides continuing education training for therapists and lectures at addiction conferences throughout the US.

    Connect with her further at: www.sexualaddictiontreatmentservices.com

  • Her story sounds like a Lifetime movie: abuse, rape, homelessness, exotic dancing, drugs, grief and loss, and a suicide attempt. But that's when EVERYTHING shifted. Hear how a spiritual awakening brought Jessica Valor the purpose and the passion she knew she was meant for.

    In this podversation: Jessica's rough start in life (e.g., childhood abuse, rape as a teenager) How she found herself homeless and couch surfing for about a year Jessica's introduction to the world of exotic dancing and cocaine Her wake up call and return to education Exploring deep wounds which may or may not be associated with stripping Listening to your soul longings for more The story of Mikey, a platonic soul mate, whose love and later death affected Jessica deeply Spiritual partnerships and their power to transform us "He witnessed my wholeness when I could not" "Friendship is the insurance that everything's always going to be okay" How a suicide attempt and near death experience changed EVERYTHING "Never go through grief alone" Jessica's process towards spiritual integration and reopening to her psychic gifts "Journey of Souls" by Michael Newton "Wherever you go is where you are" - embracing the archetype of healer "Healing is interchangeable with evolution." Meet Jessica:

    Jessica Valor is an inspirational speaker, healer and mentor who delivers her programs to thousands of women and men entrepreneurs every year on the topics of conscious leadership, intuitive intelligence and personal development. Jessica is a clear and powerful conduit for high-level spirits.

    She awakened to the strengths of her clairvoyant, healing gifts in 2011 after her own "near-death experience" where she visited heaven, met with a council of ascended masters and returned to life to help the world heal and move through ascension.

    She works with change leaders all over the world offering a transformational and transcendental experience through her speaking, mentoring and energy healing academy. She has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs and spiritual seekers who are committed to their purpose and vision by helping them embody their power and understand their gifts.

    Jessica lives in Atlanta, GA with her fur baby, Monji who she adores. When not inspiring thousands of leaders she is found as a domestic Goddess cooking, creating rituals, practicing yoga and of course singing and dancing to her favorite songs. She loves helping her clients rise to their highest potentials and building the foundation of #teamlove to help those in need.

    Connect with her further at: http://www.jessicavalor.com/ or at Love Your Life podcast

  • Exploring the ins and outs of loving or working with male survivors of sexual abuse, trauma, or violence with Dr. Debra Warner who understands both sides extremely well.

    In this podversation: How Debra came to choose forensic psychology as a specialization Why Debra wrote the book: "His History, Her Story: A Survival Guide for Spouses of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Trauma" Facing the stigma of race/ ethnicity for people of color and therapy The power of simply listening to a man who is willing to open up or disclose, however how small "Men can't talk until they have a plan." The important distinction between trauma and abuse "Abuse happens but not everyone will manifest symptoms the same way." Why does society treat male victims of sexual abuse more harshly? Common unhelpful coping mechanisms in men who have been sexually abused or assaulted Why male victims of sexual abuse or assault aren't usually believed if and when they do disclose What is trauma bonding and why is it harmful? Quit trying to rescue or fix the man in your life. The damage inflicted when children are taught that their bodies aren't their own and the various ways this can happen When you are a walking trigger for your man's issues The power in learning to separate the trauma from the man Wrestling with the decision to stay or go Meet Dr. Debra Warner

    Dr. Debra Warner is a forensic psychologist currently serving as Professor for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's Psy.D. program.

    She's well known for her work with the Department of Homeland Security, the LA Police Department, the Department of Defense, the Department of Corrections, and more.

    Since 2015 she has been a regular co-host of the weekly syndicated radio show Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) on Blog Talk Radio with Bill Murray. Dr. Warner’s clinical practice focuses on male survivor issues of abuse, violence and trauma.

    And her new book, "His History, Her Story: A Survival Guide for Spouses of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Trauma," is a must read for clinicians and survivors alike. It provides a comprehensive guide to navigating sexual abuse and trauma in men.