The Wright Conversations

Amy Baldwin is a sex and relationship coach trained in both the Somatica® and Hakomi Method, certified sex educator, lead educator for überlube, as well as co-owner of a mother-daughter owned online pleasure boutique called Pure Pleasure Shop. Amy was voted Sexpert of the Year in both 2022 and 2024 within the pleasure products industry. Amy has a passion for promoting shame-free, pleasure-focused sexuality education while emphasizing the deep emotional and energetic forces behind great sex and intimate connection, offering everything from private sessions to how-to workshops to erotic empowerment retreats. April Lampert is a certified sex educator who has been a sexual pleasure pioneer since 2008, educating people around the globe about sex toys and sexual health and wellness. She is co-owner and Chief Sales and Partnerships Officer of Hot Octopuss, one of the most innovative and inclusive sex toy brands today. April is an industry personality, mentor and was Woman of the Year in the pleasure products industry in 2016, Sexpert of the Year in 2024, and has dedicated her life to the business of sexual pleasure. April uses her fun-loving attitude, worldly experience, and quick wit to help normalize the conversations around sex and inspire more pleasure for everyone. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by The Shameless Sex Ladies, Amy Baldwin and April Lampert to talk about what Shameless Sex means, who the Shameless Sex book is for, and the importance of sharing accurate information around sex. We also talk about how shame shows up in our lives, learning to accept and love ourselves, and normalizing experiencing shame. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [01:46] A bit about Amy. [04:17] A bit about April. [06:42] Shameless Sex. [10:31] The Shameless Sex book. [21:58] Notable interviews. [28:36] April's words of wisdom. [32:07] Amber's words of wisdom. Quotes: "It really does start with you." [17:01] "No one gets to determine who you are as a sexual being or who you should be as a sexual being." [32:25] "Shame can show up in so many ways." [34:19] Connect with Shameless Sex Website: www.shamelesssex.com. Instagram: @shamelesssexpodcast. TikTok: @shamelesssexpodcast. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Shameless Sex. Evvy Vaginal Health Test! Use Code: RACHEL10 for $10 OFF your first test Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Sydney Harris Bio Sydney Harris is a Sexuality Educator, with expertise in psychology and mental health, gender studies, human sexuality, empowerment through education, and animal-assisted therapies and interventions. She runs the social media page, Clitoriscious, and is the host of the Clit Talking Podcast. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Sydney Harris to talk about how she started with non-monogamy, her first non-monogamous experience, and unlearning romantic expectations. We also talk about Sydney's breakup, mental health struggles, and lessons she has learned from her experiences. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [04:15] How to: Non-monogamy. [07:14] Sydney's first time. [10:00] The academic approach. [13:35] The group experience. [26:02] The romantic love condition. [30:03] The breakup. [34:15] Lessons learned. [42:51] Sydney's words of wisdom. Quotes: "Take the time to use the right pronouns." [22:38] "There's a difference between adjusting behaviors or adjusting who we are." [32:39] "Listen to your body and trust what it's telling you." [43:08] Connect with Sydney Harris Website: www.clitoriscious.com. Instagram: @clitoriscious. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Evvy Vaginal Health Test! Use Code: RACHEL10 for $10 OFF your first test Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Lyndsey Harper, MD is a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Medicine. She is also a board-certified OB-GYN that specializes in helping patients with low libido and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Harper is a Fellow of the International Society for Women's Sexual Wellness and has dedicated her career to bringing awareness, education, and resources to both physicians and patients about these very common, but rarely discussed issues. A native Arkansan, Dr. Harper earned a BS in Microbiology from The University of Arkansas, then attended The University Arkansas for Medical Sciences to earn her MD. Dr. Harper completed an OB-GYN residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she worked in a private practice for seven years. She is now an Ob-Gyn Hospitalist at Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas. In addition, Dr. Harper is the founder and CEO of Rosy, a women's health company that connects women to evidence-based resources for decreased sexual desire. Rosy's mission is to alleviate the silence and shame that surrounds women's sexual dysfunction and to provide women with the help they deserve. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lyndsey Harper to talk about the glaring lack of education around vaginal health, how erotica links to health, and granting ourselves permission to explore ourselves. We also talk about encouraging age-appropriate conversations, the natural journey of exploration, and how erotica can be used as a tool to improve their sexual wellbeing and relationships. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [01:32] A bit about Dr. Harper. [06:48] The lack of education around vaginal health. [11:19] The link to erotica. [13:10] What is erotica? [16:45] Why reading erotica evokes feelings of cheating. [19:05] Independent exploration of self. [23:52] How parents could encourage the exploration of self. [31:32] The natural journey of exploration. [37:21] Dr. Harper's words of wisdom. Quotes: "Women's health wasn't built by women. It was built by men, and they are going to build for things that rise to their list of priorities." [10:09] "We're all wired differently." [35:23] "You can use erotica as a tool." [38:37] Connect with Dr. Lyndsey Harper Website: meetrosy.com. Instagram: @lyndseyharpermd. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Rachel's listeners to get a FREE month of a Rosy Silver Membership: Code: RACHELWRIGHT https://meetrosy.com/promo?code=RACHELWRIGHT Evvy Vaginal Health Test! Use Code: RACHEL10 for $10 OFF your first test Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Nick Thompson was a main cast member on Love is Blind Season 2. After his experience on the show, he co-founded the UCAN Foundation, providing mental health and legal services to Reality TV cast members before, during, and after production. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Nick Thompson to talk about his experience being a Reality TV cast member, how real Reality TV is, and how it could be more relatable. We also talk about how the shows must follow a specific narrative, the mistreatment of cast members, and UCAN's work towards making Reality TV production more ethical. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [02:20] A bit about Nick. [04:51] Why Nick got on Reality TV. [08:55] What is sold vs what is real. [12:19] The production of the experiment. [16:41] Making a show more relatable. [20:01] Maintaining a story arc. [26:57] Mistreatment of cast members. [30:13] Nick's advice to prospective cast members. [33:18] Nick's words of wisdom. Quotes: "It's the same level of experiment as the Squid Games." [12:47] "Everyone is going to have a different experience." [26:07] "Until you actually go through it, you don't know." [31:14] Connect with Nick Thompson Website: www.ucanfoundation.org. Instagram: @nthompson513. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources MoveOn.org. Evvy Vaginal Health Test! Use Code: RACHEL10 for $10 OFF your first test Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Queer couple Sasha and Alessia quickly rose to the top of the world's largest erotic platform as the #JellyFilledGirls. Within a year of their debut, they amassed over 50 million views with multiple award nominations for their work. The pair have received worldwide recognition and praise from the LGBTQIA+ community, with supporters spanning across every continent, for their contribution to queer visibility and the authentic representation of what some WLW intimate relationships are like. Their mission is to elevate the standard of adult content by showing viewers that quality, authentic, passionate, and respectful content is more enjoyable to consume than mainstream productions widely catered to the male gaze, all while giving representation to a neglected WLW audience. They pride themselves in the rare creation of adult content made by women, for women. They have since further expanded into other platforms that continue to serve the LGBTQ+ community. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by The Jelly Filled Girls, Alessia and Sasha, to talk about their venture into adult content, creating empowering content, and some of the lessons learned from their content creation. We also talk about the nature of ethical adult content, exploring adult content as a teen, and promoting ethical adult content in sex education. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [01:39] About the Jelly Filled Girls. [02:31] Getting started in adult content. [06:04] Not showing their faces. [07:48] The empowerment of creating content. [10:24] Lessons learned. [14:18] Cultivating internal courage. [17:39] Ethical adult content. [21:09] Consuming ethical adult content. [23:53] The accessibility of adult content. [31:40] What would the ideal age be to access ethical adult content? [36:52] Words of wisdom. Quotes: "What's really going to make a difference on a human level is when you pay for your content." [20:58] "People are always going to find a way to consume porn." [26:47] "Porn is entertainment, not education." [29:36] "Try to do the right thing by consuming your porn responsibly." [37:15] Connect with The Jelly Filled Girls Website: coming soon TikTok: @jellyfilledgirls. Instagram: @thejellyfilledgirls. Threads: @thejellyfilledgirls. OnlyFans: @thejellyfilledgirls. LoyalFans: @thejellyfilledgirls. Twitter: @TheJFG_. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Evvy Vaginal Health Test! Use Code: RACHEL10 for $10 OFF your first test Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

McKenna Reitz is a TEDx speaker who challenges men and women to reframe life's challenges into gifts and opportunities so they can pursue their purpose with clarity and confidence. After losing all her hair due to Alopecia, McKenna uses her journey of having this autoimmune disease to help others overcome the loss in their life by resetting the mindset of their "loss" into growth and opportunities in their lives. Teaching AP Psychology and coaching varsity volleyball for the past 18 years, McKenna resides in Toledo, OH with her husband Greg, and two beautiful daughters, Karsen (10) and Maddox (7). For her expertise, McKenna has been featured in Forbes, Woman's Day, Yahoo! News, U.S. News & World Report, Good Housekeeping, VeryWellFamily, MindBodyGreen, Global Woman Magazine, Thrive Global, Healthy Women, Medium, Love What Matters, and featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Good Morning America, Good Morning Washington, theList, Wake Up With Marci, Ticker News, and Cheddar News. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by McKenna Reitz to talk about holding space for grief and seeing the opportunity in the grief, learning to release the control, and the most common struggles that people experience on this journey. We also talk about the importance of believing in yourself, letting go of comparisonitis, and McKenna shares her words of wisdom for those going through tough times. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [01:15] A bit about McKenna. [05:52] Grieving and seeing the opportunity. [14:48] Learning to release the control. [21:42] The most common struggles. [27:04] Believing in yourself. [31:03] McKenna's words of wisdom. Quotes: "We're so afraid to talk about what we're going through." [22:37] "You need to reach out and ask for help." [31:51] "It's not going to happen overnight. It's going to take some time, but start looking for those silver linings." [32:33] Connect with Website: www.mckennareitz.com. Instagram: @mckennareitz. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Evvy Vaginal Health Test! Use Code: RACHEL10 for $10 OFF your first test Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Starting on the beauty side of the wedding industry, Brittany's first company, Beautini, served as a platform for understanding the intimate needs and personal skincare concerns of women. She learned that many have skincare concerns in intimate areas that affect their confidence in the bedroom and beyond. Now, as the CEO and Founder of Beia, Brittany Lo wants to underscore the idea that skincare and sexual wellness go hand-in-hand. From there, Beia was created as a skincare company that addresses intimate care in an elevated, luxurious way so that you can feel your best self, look your best self, and be your best self. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Brittany Lo to talk about how the beauty/make-up space overlaps with sexual wellness, the nature of sexual confidence, and how to cultivate sexual confidence. We also talk about Beia's products, the confusing messaging around sex, and and the importance of accurate and inclusive sex education. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [00:40] A bit about Brittany. [01:09] Why Brittany started Beia. [04:09] Beauty/Sexual wellness overlap. [06:48] People's feedback. [08:42] How Brittany uses it. [11:23] Defining sexual confidence. [12:17] How to know when you're feeling sexually confident. [13:03] Cultivating sexual confidence. [19:55] Hurdles to sexual confidence. [24:55] The confusing message around sex. [28:55] Talking about our own stuff. Quotes: "Almost 8 out of 10 women say that their #1 insecurity in the bedroom is body image." [04:28] "It's okay not to feel sexually confident all the time." [13:14] Connect with Brittany Lo Website: beiabeauty.com. www.beautinibyblo.com. TikTok: @brittany.lo. Instagram: @brittany.lo. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Jessica Drake is an award-winning American pornographic actress, writer, director, speaker, and sex educator. As a self-identified global humanitarian, it is jessica's time invested in healing, working alongside, and educating the public of which she is most proud. Jessica brings erotic topics to life through intimate demonstrations performed by some of today's top adult stars in her self-directed, written, and produced "Jessica Drake's Guide to Wicked Sex" series. Each edition intentionally addresses a different aspect of human sexuality and has earned recognition from AVN, XBIZ, and The Feminist Porn Awards. While Jessica is certainly a performer at heart, her passion for sex education, advocacy, and inclusion is just as potent. Her work as a public speaker takes her around the world, presenting at expos, retail outlets, and universities such as USC. Here, she speaks about sex, romance, and communication. Jessica also continues to be a paramount voice for sex workers globally; speaking at the Let Us Survive March, a rally for sex worker rights, and serving as a continuous sponsor of CatalystCon, one of the first summits for sex workers. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Jessica drake to talk about some of the myths around the porn industry, the stigma faced in the industry, and how to encourage porn literacy. We also talk about the link between porn and masturbation, why we should be using lube, and Jessica does a word association activity. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [01:07] A bit about Jessica. [06:08] Busting myths about the porn industry. [12:34] The stigma. [15:28] What is porn literacy? [18:21] A word association exercise. [24:37] The link between porn and masturbation. [32:22] Jessica's final thoughts. Quotes: "If people are talking badly about you, that's on them." [13:47] "One of the benefits of porn is, it can often normalize a type of sexual behavior for people." [21:34] "Find what feels good and repeat." [29:16] Connect with jessica drake Website: jessicadrake.com. www.guidetowickedsex.com. Twitter: @thejessicadrake. Instagram: @jessicadrake. OnlyFans: @jessicadrake. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Fleshlight. Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Niki Davis, AKA Miss Bloom, is a sex educator, Speaker, Writer, and Coach. She works with people who have less-common desires. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Bumble, Mind Body Green, The Insider, and PornHub Sexual Wellness Center, and she has been seen and heard with Refinery29, Passion with Dr Laurie, and Intellectual Erection. Niki holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Ryerson University and an MA in Psychology from New York University. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Miss Bloom to talk about what it means to have a fetish, the misconceptions around fetishes, and the fascinating neurological connection to fetishes. We also talk about how to find fetish communities, how to communicate with partners about fetishes, and when fetishes become "unhealthy." Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [01:14] A bit about Miss Bloom. [02:53] Defining fetishes. [05:00] The need to have the fetish item around. [07:04] More common fetishes. [12:44] When fetishes are "unhealthy." [15:44] How to figure out if you have a fetish. [19:02] Finding fetish communities. [21:53] The biggest misconceptions, [23:33] Communicating about fetishes to partners. [27:36] Niki's words of wisdom. Quotes: "You have this critical time, and it's very normal to become hyper-aroused by something that you experience in that time." [10:23] "No matter what you're turned on by, there is a community out there." [20:41] "The act of getting it out there can be truly powerful." [26:46] "Life is too short to keep something in if it can bring your joy." [27:50] Connect with Miss Bloom Website: www.nikidavisf.com. Instagram: @missbloomsexeducator. Twitter: @nikidavisf. LinkedIn: Niki Davis. Patreon: @missbloomsexeducator.. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources FetLife. Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Carrie Jeroslow is an international best-selling author, relationship diversity advocate, intuitive and conscious relationship coach, speaker, host of the Relationship Diversity Podcast, and author of Why Do They Always Break Up With Me? Her podcast explores and celebrates relationship structure diversity, including soloamory, monogamy, and polyamory. She has featured on PBS, NBC, TheListTV, The CW, and Go All In TV, and her work has featured in Forbes, Winston Salem Journal, Thrive Global, Newsweek, and Prevention. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Carrie Jeroslow to talk about navigating conscious uncoupling, how to cultivate compassion, and learning from long-term polyamorous relationships. We also talk about Carrie's coming out experience to her family and kids, why she chose to introduce the relationships to her kids, and making anything work through healing. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [07:10] A bit about Carrie. [09:40] Carrie's conscious uncoupling. [15:00] Should we break up? [16:54] How to approach the conversation. [22:42] Navigating the process of conscious uncoupling. [24:33] How to cultivate compassion. [27:33] Why is self-compassion so difficult? [29:48] Carrie's experience with long-term polyamorous relationships. [35:42] Challenges of long-term polyamorous relationships. [36:56] The coming out experience. [43:10] Why involve the kids? [45:42] Why tell kids about the nature of the relationship? [50:08] Carrie's words of wisdom. Quotes: "Conscious uncoupling is not exclusive to nonmonogamy." [08:30] "Be compassionate with yourself and with your other person." [24:26] "Compassion is allowing yourself to be where you're at." [25:43] "You can't have gratitude until you have self-acceptance." [29:06] "There's a significance in that relationship that I want my kids to be a part of." [46:25] Connect with Carrie Jeroslow Website: www.carriejeroslow.com. Instagram: @carrie_jeroslow_author_coach. TikTok: @carriejeroslow. Twitter: @CarrieJeroslow. LinkedIn: Carrie Jeroslow. YouTube: Carrie Jeroslow. Podcast: Relationship Diversity Podcast. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Why Do They Always Break Up With Me? By Carrie Jeroslow. Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Gianna LaLota is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, based in New York. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy (TBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness. She holds a BA in Psychology from Boston College, and a Master's Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University. She is also a licensed yoga teacher, a certified Reiki Level II practitioner, and is currently completing her certification in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) from The American Institute of Health Care Professionals. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Gianna LaLota to talk about the definitions of mindfulness and self-compassion, the distinction between thoughts and feelings, and bridging the gap between mindfulness and self-compassion. We also talk about how we can cultivate self-compassion in our lives, why we tend to overidentify our emotions, and how to start with loving-kindness meditations. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [01:44] A bit about Gianna. [03:42] Defining mindfulness. [06:08] Mindfulness in practice. [07:52] What it looks like to be non-judgmental. [10:49] Separating thoughts and feelings. [14:37] The benefits of trying to be mindful. [19:00] What it means to overidentify emotions. [20:18] The bridge between mindfulness and self-compassion. [21:28] Defining self-compassion. [23:06] How to cultivate self-compassion. [28:43] Gianna's advice. [31:09] Loving-kindness meditations. Quotes: "Talk therapy is not the only thing that is going to help move someone forward." [02:59] "Mindfulness is a prerequisite for CBT." [07:15] "Curiosity is the antidote to judgment and shame." [10:12] "A feeling can generally be distilled down to one word, whereas a thought is going to be longer, it's going to be a statement." [12:46] "The true self is compassionate." [27:17] "The biggest barrier for people, when it comes to cultivating self-compassion, are these 'positive beliefs' that they have about self-criticism." [28:07] Connect with Gianna LaLota Website: www.nyccognitivetherapy.com. Instagram: @mindfultherapynyc. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Self-Compassion, by Dr. Kristin Neff. Get a 1-day FREE Trial and 40% OFF A Yearly Subscription at Beducated! Use Promo Code: WRIGHTCONVERSATION. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

In this episode of "The Wright Conversations," host Rachel Wright invites Marie Thouin, a dating and relationship coach, to discuss the concept of compersion. They break down what compersion is, its significance in relationships, and how it can be experienced and cultivated. Marie also shares her expertise as a compersion scholar and researcher. Whether you're new to the concept or have been curious about it, this episode offers valuable insights into embracing compersion in your own love life. In this Episode You'll Learn: [00:02:45] Interest in non-monogamy. [00:04:23] Compersion in non-monogamous relationships. [00:10:30] Creating a non-monogamous mindset. [00:15:10] Connection with metamours. [00:18:05] Not liking your metamour. [00:23:36] The social aspect of non-monogamy. [00:26:22] Navigating jealousy and compersion. [00:31:02] Managing expectations in open relationships. In this episode will learn about the concept of compersion in non-monogamous relationships, including its definition and relevance. They will also learn about the range of emotions and actions associated with compersion, as well as its correlation with relationship satisfaction. The episode explores the coexistence of compersion and jealousy, strategies for cultivating compersion, and the importance of understanding and accepting partners' other relationships. Additionally, the benefits of compersion, such as aligning with personal values and building a supportive community, are discussed. The episode also provides resources for further exploration of compersion. Quotes: 00:04:23 - "But typically there is a correlation between the experience of compersion and relationship satisfaction in those relationships." 00:06:44 - "It's just that in the romantic realm, we are socialized to think that's impossible." 00:10:23 - "So first, make sure that your mind is aligned with what you're doing as much as possible." 00:16:19 - "You know, I think that if you feel that someone is a threat, you dehumanize them" 00:23:13 - "the fundamental spirit of compersion is to say it's positive empathy, even when you don't get any direct benefits. But hey, benefits don't hurt. They actually do really enhance that feeling of compersion." 00:28:40 - "Oh, it feels like champagne bubbles in my face, it feels like warmth, it feels like a presence or a sensation in my heart." 00:30:19 - "Compersion is not a mandate. It can often feel like if you're not feeling this kind of embodied compersion, you're not doing non monogamy or polyamory correctly. And that's just not true." Connect with Marie Thouin Website: whatiscompersion.com Instagram: @love_insight_dating LinkedIn: Marie Thouin, PhD Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.

Michael Kushner is one of New York's leading multi-hyphenates, photographer, producer, actor, podcast host, and author. Michael is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association, and has featured in notable performances, including On The Town at Barrington Stage directed by John Rando, Much Ado About Nothing at Barrington Stage directed by Julie Boyd, Sons Of The Prophet at GableStage directed by Joe Adler, and Toxic If Swallowed at Ars Nova directed by Charles Quittner. As a photographer, Michael's work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, The Tony Awards, and in publications in print and online. He is the creator of The Dressing Room Project, a photographic journal of actors prepping for their roles on Broadway. Michael has photographed Idina Menzel, Julie Andrews, and many more notable artists. As a producer, Michael is one of the founding members of Musical Theatre Factory, currently in residency with Playwrights Horizons. He is an Executive Producer on the award winning and EMMY-nominated web series, Indoor Boys, created by Wes Taylor and Alex Wyse. Michael and Wes' short film XaveMePlease, starring Isaac Powell, played Frameline43 Festival in San Francisco and OutFilmFest in CT. He served as Associate Producer on Bernie and Mikey's Trip to the Moon with 59E59 and Strangemen and Co. Michael is proudly on the Advisory Boards of Out of the Box Theatrics and Wingspan Arts. He is also an investor in Be More Chill on Broadway. Every year, Michael participates in Stage and Screen Sleep Out with Covenant House. He has worked with the youth of Covenant House, NY and helped them create the project I Am Worth It,. Michael and the Broadway Podcast Network launched Dear Multi-Hyphenate, exploring how multidisciplinary artists exist in show business. He is also the creator of his one man show, Moo With Me directed by Max Crumm. Michael is now an Expert Contributor to Backstage. Michael graduated with distinction from Ithaca College with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today's episode, I'm joined by Michael Kushner to talk about being a multi-hyphenate, the sexless actor expectation, and sex and sexuality in the studio. We also talk about Michael's most incredible shoots, establishing trust and comfort, and get Michael's advice to aspiring multi-hyphenates. Let's delve in! In this Episode You'll Learn: [01:47] A bit about Michael. [02:52] What is a multi-hyphenate? [08:02] Introducing Rachel. [10:37] Sexless actors. [13:55] Sex and sexuality in the studio. [17:19] Creating comfort in photoshoots. [19:27] What it takes to trust someone. [23:32] Michael's favorite shoots. [30:02] Michael's advice to aspiring multi-hyphenates. Quotes: "We exist as many things, all at once." [12:32] "Communication and conversation in photoshoots is really important." [18:22] "A headshot doesn't belong on your mom's fridge." [22:36] "Multi-hyphenating is different to multitalented, multifaceted, and multitasking." [30:39] Connect with Michael Kushner Website: www.michaelkushnerphotography.com. www.michaelkushneronline.com. Instagram: @themichaelkushner. TikTok: @themichaelkushner. Podcast: Dear Multi-Hyphenate. Connect with Rachel Wright Website: https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram: @thewright_rachel Twitter: @thewrightrachel Resources How to Be a Multi-Hyphenate in the Theatre Business. Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20 WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK! Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel Get your Zumio Discount! Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don't forget to subscribe.