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, situated near Stonehenge in England, shares insights from his extensive travels and training, including his work with trauma-affected communities in Ukraine. The conversation spans various topics, such as the global rise of social isolation, the impact of technology on mental health, the essential role of humor in trauma work, and the importance of cultural context in embodiment practices.

Mark also shares his personal journey with embodiment, driven by his hyper-intellectual background and a traumatic childhood. The episode concludes with a practical centering exercise and reflections on embodied freedom, emphasizing the importance of awareness and choice in overcoming habitual behaviors.

00:00 Introduction and Reunion

02:10 Mark's Current Endeavors and Thoughts on Society

03:23 Impact of COVID and Technology on Mental Health

08:46 Mark's Work in Ukraine

21:37 The Role of Humor in Trauma Training

26:31 Navigating Cultural Sensitivities

29:08 Managing Vicarious Trauma

31:40 Personal Practices for Well-being

33:43 The Power of Social Media

35:16 Connecting with Mentors

45:30 Embodied Freedom and Choice

47:15 Conclusion and Resources

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 disorders and sexual vitality. The discussion delves deep into the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), highlighting the impact of trauma on long-term health and well-being.

Dr. Keesha also discusses the concept of 'libido' as life force vitality and emphasizes the importance of healing and digesting trauma for reclaiming one's full vitality and sexual freedom. The episode encourages personal reflection and offers insights on how to embark on a healing journey with an exercise from Dr. Keesha that teaches how to embrace your inner 'eagle' and live a more embodied and liberated life.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to LaidOPEN Podcast with Dr. Keesha Ewers

01:06 Embarking on a Journey of Healing and Transformation

01:23 Dr. Keesha's Personal Battle with Autoimmune Disease

04:55 Discovering the Power of Ayurveda and Yoga

07:34 The Profound Connection Between Trauma and Health

13:57 Exploring the ACE Study and Its Implications

21:56 Navigating Trauma and Its Impact on Health

25:34 Personal Stories of Overcoming and Healing

27:21 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundary Setting

32:39 Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Shame

34:12 The Power of Plant Medicine in Healing

35:01 Navigating Life's Developmental Milestones and Achieving Unity Consciousness

35:43 Understanding the Human Condition: From Victim to Perpetrator

36:42 The Journey to Self-Compassion and Liberation

42:26 Exploring Sexual Liberation and Vitality

52:17 The Importance of Play and Embracing Different Perspectives

59:40 Concluding Thoughts on Community, Healing, and Empowerment

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 personalized sex education resources. She also shares the challenges and experiments involved in developing their AI-powered tool.

She also speaks on the challenges of balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship to the transformative power of embracing one's sexuality, this conversation explores the intersections of personal growth, intimacy, and empowerment.

We end this episode with Mariah sharing a mindful shower practice. Join us as we delve into the importance of self-discovery, boundary-setting, and cultivating a sex-positive mindset at any stage of life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

01:48 Exploring Sexuality and Motherhood

06:25 The Impact of Parenthood on Business

12:55 The Journey of Sexual Empowerment

31:04 The Role of AI in Sex Education

40:09 The Vision for BBeducated

50:20 Closing Thoughts and Farewell