In this powerful episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I sit down with medical researcher, writer, and host of Modern Hysteria, Micah Larsen , to dive deep into her deeply personal and courageous journey through PMDD, menopause, and preeclampsia. With warmth and unflinching honesty, Micah illuminates the painful gaps in our healthcare system and the persistence of medical misogyny—and, more importantly, how we can begin to dismantle those barriers. We explore: The courage it takes to speak openly about t...
Aug 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 104
What do you really want—and how do you even begin to ask for it? In this episode of laidOPEN, I’m joined by somatic sex therapist Susan Morgan Taylor , a healer and teacher who guides people through the often-overlooked terrain of embodied desire. With over 25 years in somatic healing, Susan brings a grounded, intuitive approach to what she calls the Pleasure Keys Process—a set of practices designed to help individuals and couples reconnect with their sensuality, emotional truth, and authentic c...
Jul 28, 2025•58 min•Season 6Ep. 103
Welcome to the first episode of July 2025, where I have a fascinating conversation with Nick Brancato , a relationship systems architect and author of 'Prioritize Us.' Nick shares his unique journey from being a professional poker player to stepping into the world of personal development and relationship coaching. We talk about the significance of aligning priorities within relationships, enhancing communication, and strategies to maintain focus under stress. Nick also introduces his 'Prioritize...
Jul 08, 2025•57 min•Season 6Ep. 102
In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I have an insightful conversation with activist and author Dean Spade about his extensive work in movements for queer and trans liberation, anti-militarism, and the abolition of police and prisons. Dean and I discuss his new book titled ' Love in a Fucked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together ,' covering topics such as mindful practices for managing stress, the evolution of his book over nine years, and personal growth in rela...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 101
In this episode, Charna Cassell discusses the profound topic of silence, featuring an interview with Justin Talbot Zorn and Leigh Marz, authors of ' Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise. ' They delve into experiences and practices from their book that encourage finding clarity and peace amidst external and internal noise. The conversation covers the political and cultural relevance of silence, its role in addressing trauma, and techniques to incorporate it into daily life. The episod...
Mar 25, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 100
In this episode of Laid Open Podcast, I welcome back Dr. Keesha Ewers, a specialist in integrative medicine and functional sexology. We discuss the critical yet often overlooked topic of menopause, highlighting how women's health issues, particularly post-childrearing, are neglected in society and underfunded in research. Dr. Keesha and I provide insights into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), discussing various options like pellets, patches, and creams and emphasizing the importance of bioiden...
Mar 11, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 99
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 fatigue, especially in the contexts of working in prisons and war-torn Ukraine. The two of them share...
Feb 25, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 98
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 movement practice that helps women embody their sensuality and heal past traumas. Throughout the conve...
Feb 11, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 97
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 writing, dealing with physical and emotional pain, and navigating trauma and healing. Jessica explains their...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 96
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 show built to entertain and educate. She also opens up about the ways she uses this alter ego to ad...
Jan 14, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 95
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 support for animals, and the nuances of intuitive abilities. The conversation also touches on respectin...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 5Ep. 94
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 Vibrations, where I educated people about sexual health and became familiar with sexological bodywork and s...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 93
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 of the body as an access point for experiencing and opening up, particularly through yoga and breathin...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 92
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 understanding the true meaning of intimacy and interdependency in relationships to practical exercises for grou...
Nov 12, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 91
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. The episode also highlights the importance of emotional expression, versatility in songwriting, and th...
Oct 22, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 90
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 many face, like avoiding uncomfortable feelings, and offers insights and tools on how to move emotions...
Oct 08, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 89
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 shares insights on the fluid nature of attachment styles, the complexity of jealousy, and her own experienc...
Sep 24, 2024•49 min
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 Tantra and Taoism, focusing on how both use sexual energy for healing and spiritual awakening. We also e...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 87
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 and how it has shaped her professional and advocacy work. She shares insights on the role of a survivo...
Aug 27, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 86
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 Allison's experiences in forensic psychology, her transition to private practice, and her passion for he...
Aug 13, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 85
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 beyond. Together they delve into Christian's transformative journey and his work developing prison progra...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 84
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 Amy discuss their transformational musical about overcoming trauma and finding purpose while detailin...
Jul 16, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 83
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, detailing the emotional and psychological challenges they faced, including childhood PTSD, ADHD, and CPT...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 82
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 importance of self-compassion, safety, and understanding attachment styles. Together, Charna and Dr. Su...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 5Ep. 81
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 teachers, 500,000 delegates) and has trained over 2000 embodiment coaches in over 40 countries. Mark, ...
Jun 04, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 80
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 illuminates the profound connection between unresolved trauma and physical health, including autoimmune disord...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 79
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 how Beducated’s AI sex coach aids users in navigating their expansive library and provides personaliz...
Mar 05, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 78
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 woman, including single people. He also discusses the cultural implications of nonmonogamy, the impact ...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 77
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 and authenticity in relationships, strategies for building confidence, and the art of crafting effecti...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 76
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 opens up about her personal journey with sexuality, offering a unique perspective on holistic sexual prac...
Jan 23, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 75
