LaidOPEN Podcast

What if your trauma isn't something to extract, but something that has shaped you the way weather shapes an ancient tree? In this episode I sit down with Josh Schrei, creator and host of the beloved Emerald Podcast, for one of the most expansive and nourishing conversations I've had on this show. Josh brings the wisdom of animist and mythic traditions to the very modern problem of living in a fractured, overstimulated world, and what emerges is a roadmap for healing that goes far beyond talk therapy. We explore why ritual is actually trauma work, how the cycles of nature are mirrored inside your nervous system, and what the trickster archetype has to do with this particular cultural moment. We get honest about the cost of doom scrolling for sensitive and porous people, the difference between an open heart and a guarded one, and why community and embodied practice rewire us in ways thinking alone never can. The episode closes with a guided dissolution meditation drawn from the ancient Indian concept of pralaya that you won't want to miss. Josh Schrei is the host of The Emerald Podcast and creator of The Mythic Body, a yearlong course in mythic and animist tradition. Find him at themythicbody.com/courses I'm Charna Cassell, a licensed trauma-trained psychotherapist and somatic coach with over 20 years of experience helping people heal from trauma and reclaim pleasure and vitality in their bodies. You can pick up my workbook Pathways to Peace: A Practical Guide to Embodied Healing and Living Somatically on my website, and learn more about me and my course work at charnacassell.com and passionatelife.org or follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @LaidOPENPodcast.

If you've ever wondered if anyone can really develop their psychic abilities? This episode is for you. I sit down with Chase McCarty, the creator of Social RV, an app that gamifies remote viewing, intuition, and all the weird little psychic skills you didn't think you could train. We talk about psi abilities like remote viewing and intuitive perception. Chase shares how he went from a skeptic to someone who built a digital space to help people train their intuition and perceptual capacities in a structured, measurable, and safe way. We talk about what psi really means, not as mysticism but as a capacity that we all have, and how early research — including government remote viewing studies and platforms like the Telepathy Tapes — helped shape modern interest in these abilities. Chase recounts the origins of his own journey and what it felt like to test these practices on himself. Together we explore how the Social RV app works, what it's like to practice remote viewing, and how intuitive perception feels in the body — including physical sensations like bilocation or subconscious symbolism that show up during practice. We also talk about how trauma and hyper‑sensitivity can heighten perceptual attunements, how to distinguish intuition from fear responses, and why gamifying these practices might help normalize and destigmatizepsi‑related experiences in everyday life. This conversation is both grounded and expansive, offering practical ways to explore intuition, sharpen perceptual awareness, and approach psi practice with safety, curiosity, and care. If you've ever wondered about the space between intuition and unconscious intelligence, or how you might train that capacity, this episode meets you there. The episode closes with Chase guiding a 12-minute meditation, designed to help you fine-tune your psychic senses, connect with subtle energies, and tap into your intuition in a tangible way. It's not just a talk, it's a hands-on experience for anyone curious about the unseen. Find Social RV and start training your psi skills at https://www.socialrv.com. Connect with me, Charna: Website: https://www.charnacassell.com Instagram: @laidopenpodcast Threads: @laidopenpodcast Facebook: @laidopenpodcast psychic ability, remote viewing, intuition, Social RV, telepathy, psychic training, develop psi powers, consciousness, mind powers, paranormal, Monroe Institute, psi research, intuitive development, Charna Cassell, Chase McCarty

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I sit down with Mayan astrologer, cacao ceremonialist, and author Christine Olivia Hernandez to talk about ritual, gratitude, discernment, and how to live in alignment with your natural rhythm. Christine shares how Mayan astrology and the Sacred Calendar can help you understand who you are and how your energy is meant to move, rather than forcing yourself into systems that lead to burnout and self doubt. We explore gratitude as an embodied, devotional practice, not a bypass, and how daily ritual can support nervous system regulation during uncertain times. We also have an honest conversation about the abuse of power and sexual energy in spiritual and ceremonial spaces, and why discernment is essential when working with teachers, rituals, and plant medicines. Christine talks about ceremonial cacao as a heart opening ally when sourced and used with integrity. The episode includes an exploration of Mayan astrology, elements, the Tree of Life, ancestral memory, and how challenges often reveal our deepest strengths. We close with a guided practice to support grounding and inner connection. ✨ Use code MAGIC for 10% off ceremonial cacao and all purchases at Cacao Magick Shop. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and special episode announcement 00:26 Meet Christine Olivia Hernandez 02:30 Daily practices and the power of gratitude 03:59 Maltiox and gratitude as a lived exchange 06:25 Navigating personal and collective challenges with gratitude 09:17 Grounding, protection, and energetic hygiene rituals 12:29 The healing power of ceremonial cacao and why sourcing matters 20:25 Understanding the Mayan Sacred Calendar and sacred time 24:28 The abuse of power and sexual energy in spiritual spaces 30:41 Navigating ceremony and teachers with discernment 31:16 Learning through hardship, devotion, and gratitude 32:57 Mayan astrology, elements, and energetic makeup 33:55 Exploring the Tree of Life and inherent strengths 37:28 Stability, astrology, and building a life that fits 41:29 Past lives, synchronicities, and ancestral memory 49:35 Guided practice for grounding and inner connection 53:07 Closing thoughts, resources, and next steps

Manifesting isn't about wanting harder, visualizing longer, or thinking positively enough. In this episode of the LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna Cassell sits down with master manifestor, psychic medium, and intuitive Colette Baron-Reid to unpack why so many people feel stuck despite "doing all the right things" and what actually creates change. Colette shares her unconventional approach to manifestation through meditative drawing, a practice designed to retrain the brain, regulate the nervous system, and bring the body into alignment with what you're calling in. Together, they explore the science behind creativity and brain plasticity, why alignment matters more than intention, and how art can act as a bridge between intuition and reality. The conversation also weaves through Colette's personal spiritual journey, including her path to sobriety, her evolving relationship with a higher power, and the collaborative creation of her latest book. Along the way, Colette offers practical exercises and grounded insights you can use immediately to shift patterns, release emotional blocks, and approach manifestation as a lived practice rather than a fantasy. This episode is for anyone who feels like manifesting hasn't worked for them and is ready to understand why and how to do it differently. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and welcoming Colette Baron-Reid 00:25 Manifestation, brain science, and why intention alone isn't enough 01:42 Colette's work, background, and the origins of her new book 03:12 The intersection of art, neuroscience, and manifestation 08:36 Colette's spiritual journey and the influence of New Thought 09:54 Why art is a powerful tool for manifesting and alignment 11:47 Synchronicity and collaborating with artist Anna Denning 16:00 Alignment, intuition, and lived personal experience 21:02 Gratitude and daily practices that support manifestation 28:31 The role of creativity and drawing in mental health 31:57 Synchronicity, spirituality, and meaning making 32:34 Finding comfort in non denominational spiritual spaces 34:01 Sobriety, 12 step programs, and redefining a higher power 39:55 Intention, energy, and embodied awareness 41:23 Manifestation through inner work and nervous system training 44:39 Everyday synchronicity and reflection 49:13 Finding meaning in challenge and uncertainty 51:05 Practical drawing and emotional release exercises 57:17 Closing thoughts and resources

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, I open up about my own deepening journey with Kundalini Yoga and sit with one of the teachers who has guided so much of that unfolding. Amanbir is a Kundalini Yoga teacher and trainer who has spent more than two years empowering and training thousands of students across the planet. His teaching blends traditional Kundalini lineage, Chinese medicine, astrology, and nervous system intelligence in a way that cuts through noise and brings you right into the truth of your own experience. We explore what Kundalini practice actually feels like inside a real human body and why it has the power to open your heart in ways that are both tender and undeniable. We talk about how mantra, breath, mudra and repetitive movement shift emotional patterns and help move trauma, especially the inherited stories that live in our cells. We get into the beauty and intensity of transformation, the importance of community and consistent practice, and the courage it takes to let yourself soften and expand at the same time. Amanbir also shares a simple breath practice you can use whenever you feel overwhelmed, disconnected or pulled into old habits. His presence is steady and deeply compassionate, and this conversation offers a grounded entry point into a practice that can change the way you meet yourself. If you have ever wondered what Kundalini can open in you, this episode brings you right to the heart of it. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to LaidOPEN Podcast 00:18 Meet Amanbir: Kundalini Yoga Teacher and Trainer 03:20 Amanbir's Journey into Kundalini Yoga 06:31 The Power and Benefits of Mantra 09:22 Personal Experiences with Mantra and Healing 14:51 Understanding Mudras and Repetitive Movements 16:58 Intense Experiences and Kundalini Yoga 23:11 Processing Ancestral Trauma through Practice 25:35 Navigating Workplace Dynamics with Mindfulness 26:54 The Power of Personal Practice 30:05 Community and Teacher Training 32:09 Astrology and Historical Patterns 35:19 Pluto's Influence and Personal Transformation 43:34 Breath Practice for Inner Calm 47:22 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, Charna talks with Dr. Chelsey Hague-Zavaleta, an expert in applied educational neuroscience and social–emotional learning. Together, they explore what it really means to raise calm, connected kids — and how to do it without losing your mind (or yourself) in the process. They unpack the science of co-regulation, discuss the difference between gentle and authoritative parenting, and share practical tools for managing stress behaviors and creating family balance. Dr. Chelsey offers compassionate insights for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to build calmer, more cooperative relationships with children, and with themselves. Charna also introduces her upcoming group program designed to help parents and individuals deepen their self-regulation and embodiment practices. "When we learn to regulate ourselves, our children learn safety through us." — Dr. Chelsey Hague-Zavaleta Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Wish for Parenting 00:53 Introducing Dr. Chelsey and Her Expertise 02:41 Chelsey's Journey and Parenting Course 05:13 Parenting Challenges and Co-Regulation 07:45 Gentle Parenting vs. Authoritative Approach 15:54 Tone and Nonverbal Communication in Parenting 20:54 Handling Parental Preferences and Boundaries 30:17 The Ineffectiveness of Negative Commands 30:51 Positive Framing in Parenting 32:38 Intervening Before Explosions 34:04 Handling Stress Behaviors 35:21 Challenges of Co-Parenting and Transitions 37:57 Adoptive and Foster Parenting 45:09 Embodiment and Raising Self-Aware Children 53:22 The Power of Praise and Positive Reinforcement 56:11 Conclusion and Resources ✨ Subscribe to LaidOPEN for more conversations about intimacy, self-regulation, and the science of connection.

This season, dreams are really on my mind. I've been thinking about how they shape our creativity, our healing, and the subtle ways our bodies speak through them. In this episode, I sit down with dreamwork expert Bonnie Buckner, author of The Secret Mind: Unlock the Power of Dreams to Transform Your Life and founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery. Bonnie teaches that dreams aren't just stories from the night—they're a living intelligence, guiding us through symbol, sensation, and emotion. Together, we explore how dreams can open pathways to creativity, empathy, and collective consciousness. We talk about the erotic and the joyful, the ones that confuse or haunt us, and how every dream—no matter how strange—is an invitation to listen more closely to what our deeper selves are trying to say. Bonnie also shares accessible dream practices you can begin tonight to help translate your inner imagery into healing and transformation. If you've ever woken from a dream that lingered in your body all day, this conversation will help you understand why—and how to listen when your dreams start speaking back. Learn more about Bonnie's work at the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery, and explore my offerings in somatics and embodiment at charnacassel.com and passionatelife.org. Show Notes: 00:00 — Reflections on the mystery and intelligence of dreams 00:40 — Meet Bonnie Buckner: author, dreamwork teacher, and founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery 02:36 — What happens when we dream collectively 04:48 — Using dreams for problem-solving and creative inspiration 07:24 — How dreams mirror our emotional and physical well-being 08:41 — The body as the dream's messenger 15:11 — Supporting children's natural dream connection 26:30 — Lucid dreaming and conscious participation in the dream 28:11 — What sex dreams reveal about desire, energy, and embodiment 29:35 — The role of joy and play in dreaming 31:39 — How life transitions, including menopause, shape dream life 33:36 — Exercises to shift emotion through imagery 38:21 — The symbolism of color in dreams 40:21 — Guided imagery as a bridge to healing 49:23 — Why dream journaling matters 50:40 — Closing thoughts and resources

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of sexual assault. In part 2 of this powerful conversation, Charna sits down again with Ariella Daly: dream worker, animist, and beekeeper — to continue exploring how dreams can become profound guides for healing, recovery, and transformation. Ariella shares more of her personal path, weaving together the wisdom of dreams, ritual, and the natural world to show how the subconscious can support deep repair after trauma. Together, we discuss practical tools for reclaiming your body, rebuilding your relationship with eros and creativity, and reconnecting to nature as a source of restoration. Ariella also offers insights into sensory practices, embodiment techniques, and how to integrate dream work into everyday life so it's not just a nighttime experience but a living practice. We also touch on the magic of collective dreaming — how shared dream spaces can reveal hidden truths, spark collective healing, and open up surprising pathways of growth. If you've ever been curious about how your dreams might be guiding you, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded practices to begin listening more deeply. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome Back and Episode Overview 01:05 Continuing Ariella's Healing Journey 03:20 Rituals and Dream Integration 07:45 Embodiment Practices for Recovery 12:30 Reconnecting with Nature Through Dreams 18:15 Collective Dreaming and Group Insights 26:50 Sensory Exercises, Sensory Remediation and Practical Applications 38:40 Closing Thoughts and Resources

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 taboo topics like incontinence, childbirth, postpartum challenges, and menopause. How narrative and advocacy are essential tools for transforming women's healthcare. Micah's Montana farm: a place of solace, healing, and self-acceptance that has helped her reclaim her body and spirit amid the storms. This episode is equal parts urgent call to action and celebration of resilience—a reminder that better women's healthcare starts with brave conversations and compassionate communities. Note: This episode includes discussions of very heavy themes, including suicide. If you're feeling fragile, you might choose to listen in gentle doses, on a different day, or skip it altogether. But know this: this is an inspiring conversation—and I hope it helps ignite a true women's medical rights movement. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to the LaidOPEN Podcast 00:06 Meet Micah Larson: Advocate for Women's Health 02:10 The Inspiration Behind Modern Hysteria 04:13 Navigating Women's Healthcare Challenges 05:30 Addressing Taboos and Listener Engagement 09:29 Personal Stories and Medical Advocacy 11:46 Understanding Surgical Menopause 16:31 The Struggles of PMDD and Hormone Therapy 20:43 Challenges in the Healthcare System 30:08 The Struggles of Menopause and Misdiagnosis 31:45 The Last Fertility Taboo: Egg Donation 33:58 Women's Healthcare and Systemic Issues 36:35 Personal Stories of Medical Trauma 51:46 The Healing Power of Gardening 57:34 Reflections on Embodied Freedom 01:00:38 Closing Thoughts and Resources

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 Us' test, a powerful framework designed to help couples (and friends and anyone else you want to build a more connected relationship with) understand each other's core life priorities and values. We also explore coping mechanisms during crises, the concept of parallel play, and turn-based communication for resolving conflicts. Join us as we dive into these insights and more, plus we end with a simple mindfulness exercise that can help prioritize our personal resources when we want to accomplish something. Truly useful for all people. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Nick Brancato 02:15 Nick Brancato's Unusual Path to Coaching 03:24 The Impact of Poker on Relationships 05:00 The Concept of Prioritize Us 06:39 Practical Applications and Micro Rituals 12:44 Understanding the Prioritize Us Test 15:15 Real-Life Examples and Success Stories 25:45 Personal Story: Overcoming Crisis 29:58 Creating Shared Moments in Relationships 30:34 Dealing with Cognitive Decline in Loved Ones 32:07 The Importance of Self-Care Rituals 33:15 Breath Work and Content Consumption 36:06 Prioritizing Growth and Understanding in Relationships 46:26 Turn-Based Communication for Difficult Conversations 51:38 Grounding Exercises for Mindfulness 54:47 Conclusion and Resources

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 episode concludes with an invitation to listeners to reflect on their personal relationship with silence. Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to the Concept and Need For Silence 00:22 Personal Experiences with Noise and Silence 03:39 Introducing the Justin Talbot Zorn and Leigh Marz 05:37 Exploring Noise and Silence 07:11 The Impact of Noise on Wellbeing 10:35 Navigating Noise in Relationships 13:18 The Role of Silence in Healing 17:06 Mindfulness and Meditation 23:35 Embodiment and Silence 29:13 Finding Personal Pathways to Silence 31:08 The Essence of Silence 32:13 Scientific Insights on Silence 33:00 Holy Uselessness and Capitalism 36:05 Silence and Healing from Trauma 37:49 An Invitation to Silence 41:10 Self-Acceptance and the True Self 42:37 Sphere of Control and Influence 45:45 Cultural Perspectives on Noise 49:26 Silence as a Tool for Justice 50:40 Practical Exercises for Silence 55:11 Final Reflections and Farewell

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 experience to help us delve into the ways self-awareness, self-compassion, and structured self-care practices are crucial for managing compassion fatigue. The conversation also touches on the psychological impacts of trauma, the importance of maintaining boundaries, and the role of spirituality and humor in coping with intense and challenging work settings. This conversation on managing the impacts of trauma in high-stress careers and situations may come as some comfort for you as the world around us changes. 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Episode Overview 01:39 Discussing Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue 03:02 Personal Experiences and Coping Mechanisms 07:13 Training and Self-Regulation Practices 17:32 Spirituality and Self-Awareness in Trauma Work 23:27 Challenges and Strategies in Prison Environments 32:13 Exploring Somatic Models 32:44 Understanding Emotional Resonance 34:28 Challenges in the Prison System 35:10 Trauma and Re-traumatization 39:26 The Power of Ideas and Hope 47:09 Connection and Well-being 54:01 Self-Care and Boundaries 55:01 Conclusion and Contact Information