In this episode, I chat with Irene Morning about the healing power of non-monogamous relationships, why nervous system care is REQUIRED for exploring non-monogamy, and how to use pleasure to expand your capacity. Together we explore:

• What are consensual non-monogamy and polyamory relationships

• Why people may be interested in exploring these types of relationships

• The importance of communication skills and understanding your nervous system capacity in relationships

• How to begin exploring non-monagamy so you don't overwhelm your nervous system and actually set yourself up for success

• Combining somatic skills and relational skills to support healthy non-monogamy

• How differentiating between jealousy and envy can lead to more clarity

• Moving at the pace of the 'slowest' person in opening up a relationship

• What the relationship escalator is and why it can be better for your relationship to do it your way, like living separately, instead of following social norms

• Expanding the notion of pleasure with Irene’s framework of four realms of pleasure

• The role of pleasure in healing from trauma and expanding nervous system capacity

• Using pleasure as a guide for making relationship decisions and setting boundaries

• Irene guides us in a five senses somatic body scan that explores pleasure through the senses

Irene Morning, an innovative somatic pleasure coach, intimacy educator, polyamorous human, and author of the bestselling book, The Polyamory Paradox: Finding Your Confidence in Consensual Non-Monogamy. Through her coaching, workshops, writing, and in-person sex-positive events, she guides others in creating relationships that fulfill their unique needs and desires.  Both her work and personal life revolve around the belief that centering our own pleasure is not only healing on an individual level, but also in service of interdependence and collective well being. You can learn more about her work at http://www.irenemorning.com

Get a free download of book: https://www.irenemorning.com/book-launch or buy the paperback version: https://www.amazon.com/Polyamory-Paradox-Confidence-Consensual-Non-Monogamy/dp/B0BKHW1TK5

Follow her on instagram at @irene_morning

Jaclyn Explores is hosted by Jaclyn Shea (she/they) a somatic coach, embodiment facilitator, science communicator, and health researcher. With a Masters in Public Health, trained in Somatic Stress Release, Mind Body Coaching, and Somatic Parts Work, and ten+ years of experience facilitating and conducting research, Jaclyn is passionate about communicating the latest research into somatic practices that help you release stress, process trauma, and live life on purpose. Jaclyn works one-on-one clients through somatic coaching, facilitates a group program called Body Language Lab, and in person and zoom workshops. Jaclyn Explores Podcast episodes come out weekly on Wednesday.

Website: ⁠https://www.jaclynexplains.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaclynexplains/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaclynshea

In this episode I chat with Dr. Hazel-Grace Yates about how conflict can be generative and repair can bring couples closer and increase intimacy. Together we explore:

• How experiences shape the way we relate and communicate to others, especially during times of conflict or change
• The importance of authentic communication in relationships
• How unresolved emotional hurts often block couples from having a good sex life
• Hazel-Grace’s REPAIR framework that helps bridge communication gaps and transform the capacity for intimacy in relationships
• How moving through conflict with tools like the REPAIR process can be beautiful, build self-trust and deepen connection to others
• Ways to help you move through conflict at a slow pace that honors all parties’ bodies and emotions
• Ways to practice vulnerable communication in lower stake situations so you can build your skills for more difficult conversations
• Paraphrasing as an essential communication tool for help both parties feel truly heard and understood
• How awareness in your body and the nervous system can act as a navigation system during conversations
• How to own your experience and recognize the emotions and sensations in your body
• Ways to embody curiosity, empathy, and congruence
• How the REPAIR framework improves relationships and keeps small issues from turning into bigger conflicts

Click here to view a free pdf on the REPAIR process

Dr. Hazel-Grace Yates (they/them): In their 13 years as a sex and relationship coach, Hazel-Grace discovered that many couples who wanted better sex were in fact blocked by unresolved emotional hurts. The quality of their communication was the real roadblock. The skills that helped the couples resolve and heal these communication gaps transformed their capacity for intimacy, in and out of the bedroom.

Their innovative, fun, and educational style of sex and intimacy coaching is born out of their deep commitment to creating a more compassionate, loving and safe world.

As an evolutionary educator, they bring a unique blend of professional know-how, playful curiosity, authentic communication and personal vulnerability to their practice.

Qualifications: Phd in Human Sexuality, Trauma-Informed Somatic Sex Educator, Certified Sex Coach, Sexological Bodywork Practitioner, Certified Circling Facilitator, Shadow EFT Practitioner in Training and a Queer Competency Certification. 

Website: www.drhazelgrace.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drhazelgrace/

In this episode I chat with Dr. Valeria McCarroll about psychedelics and somatics. Together we explore:

• What psychedelics are, how psychedelics work in the brain, and their potential mental health applications

• How MDMA can be used to treat PTSD and why psilocybin helps us see beyond ourselves and ego

• The indigenous roots of psychedelics and the complexities of modern use

• Why intention setting and integration following psychedelic journeys are essential for lasting change and healing

• How to legally, ethically and safely explore psychedelics 

• Somatic practices to use during a psychedelic journey

• Why psychedelics are not a magic pill and what is needed for actual transformation

• What is needed for psychedelics to actually save the world

• How the field of psychedelics perpetuates cultural inequities and what we can do to change that

• Valeria guides us in a grounding and cleansing meditation

Valeria McCarroll has her PhD in Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is a writer, teacher, and guide. Immersed in the field of psychedelic work for over a decade, her interests lie at the intersection of nondual wisdom traditions, somatics, psychedelics, and social and transformative justice. Valeria teaches on psychedelics and somatic psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies and she stewards a body of offerings in her private practice called Somadelics℠. She lives in Northern California with her husband and daughter. When not synthesizing and refining liberative systems for deconstructing the patriarchy, she enjoys playing outdoors and creating beauty. You can find Valeria at ⁠www.valeriamccarroll.com⁠

Jaclyn Explores is hosted by Jaclyn Shea (she/they) a somatic coach, embodiment facilitator, science communicator, and health researcher. With a Masters in Public Health, trained in Somatic Stress Release, Mind Body Coaching, and Somatic Parts Work, and ten+ years of experience facilitating and conducting research, Jaclyn is passionate about communicating the latest research into somatic practices that help you release stress, process trauma, and live life on purpose. Jaclyn works one-on-one clients through somatic coaching, facilitates a group program called Body Language Lab, and in person and zoom workshops. Jaclyn Explores Podcast episodes come out weekly on Wednesday.

Website: https://www.jaclynexplains.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynexplains/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaclynshea

In this episode, I chat with Elan Freydenson about what’s woven into the journey of healing and reconnecting to self. Together we explore:

• How imprints of our childhood experiences and ancestral history shape how we move through the world How parts of us can remain frozen in past trauma and coping strategies
• Modalities to help you evolve from past imprinting, including the Continuum Movement
• Roots of toxic masculinity and cultural messaging that discourage connection, emotional nourishment, and vulnerability
• The power, potential and love that exists alongside our pain and experiential imprints
• How slowing down and listening to subtle sensations opens us to guidance from parts of self, nature and unseen realms
• Suggestions for how to access states of nourishment, pleasure and belonging
• Somatic awareness practice to support experiencing loving presence in your body

Elan Freydenson’s life is dedicated to freeing himself and others from the unintended burden of familial, sociocultural, and ancestral imprinting. He believes it is your innate right to experience being in your body as an easeful, pleasurable and joyous. He has thousands of hours of training including Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Polarity Therapy, Castellino Perinatal and Birth Therapy training. He is a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist and an Authorized Continuum Movement Teacher. He enjoys the rivers, trees and mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. You can learn more about him at https://elan.love/

Jaclyn Explores is hosted by Jaclyn Shea (she/they) a somatic coach, embodiment facilitator, science communicator, and health researcher. With a Masters in Public Health, trained in Somatic Stress Release, Mind Body Coaching, and Somatic Parts Work, and ten+ years of experience facilitating and conducting research, Jaclyn is passionate about communicating the latest research into somatic practices that help you release stress, process trauma, and live life on purpose. Jaclyn works one-on-one clients through somatic coaching, facilitates a group program called Body Language Lab, and in person and zoom workshops. Jaclyn Explores Podcast episodes come out weekly on Wednesday.

Website: ⁠https://www.jaclynexplains.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaclynexplains/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaclynshea

In this episode I explore living seasonally, honoring the natural cycles and wisdom of each season, and aligning our lives and bodies with these natural rhythms. Including:

• The concept of living seasonally
• The metaphors of letting go and rooting down during fall -
• Why we have to release what's no longer serving us to have the resources for what we're ready for
• Why Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be more about trying to have the same lifestyle as summer instead of honoring our need for rest
• Reflection prompts for autumn to help you align with the season

Jaclyn Explores is hosted by Jaclyn Shea (she/they) a somatic coach, embodiment facilitator, science communicator, and health researcher. With a Masters in Public Health, trained in Somatic Stress Release and Mind Body Coaching, and ten+ years of experience facilitating and conducting research, Jaclyn is passionate about communicating the latest research into somatic practices that help you release stress, process trauma, and live life on purpose. Jaclyn works one-on-one clients through somatic coaching, facilitates a group program called Body Language Lab, and in person and zoom workshops. Learn more about Jaclyn's work on her website ⁠⁠⁠www.jaclynexplains.com⁠⁠⁠ and follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jaclynexplains⁠⁠

Follow Jaclyn Explores on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaclynshea

In this episode Jaclyn Shea chats with Rachel Rae Halder, a somatic trauma resolution coach focused on sexual healing. They explore:

• Why sexuality practices like tantra can be triggering and ultimately detrimental for people who've experienced trauma and what to start with instead
• How attempts at 'healing' can be traumatizing and abusive if they're too much, too soon, or too fast
• Rachel's journey with sexual trauma healing from therapy to tantra to somatic trauma resolution
• The trauma to higher achiever to health crash pipeline and Rachel's experience with it
• How religion and purity culture can disconnect us from our bodies, cause trauma, and set us up for abusive relationship dynamics
• Why trying to fix yourself or believing you're broken can undermine efforts to heal
• Why understanding your 'No' is essential to understanding your 'Yes'
• The importance of going slow when healing sexual trauma
• Why small doable steps is more helpful than doing more
• How smut aka erotica novels can be healing for sexual trauma
• Why growing your nervous system capacity is at the core of trauma resolution, especially sexual trauma healing
• The power of validating your self and making yourself right
• Rachel's Slow Burn program for somatic sexual trauma healing and discovering your unique eroticism
• An orienting an grounding practice led by Rachel

Rachel, also known as Rae, is a seasoned somatic trauma resolution practitioner whose work currently focuses on sexual healing, codependency, and sovereignty. She often works with coaches, healers and leaders who’ve done all “the work” and yet still sense there are unseen life-degenerating patterns dictating their reality. Her work goes far beyond the typical somatic experiencing principles and enters into the nature and energetic or mystical realms of the unseen. She currently lives in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the original home of the Tiwa, also known as Taos, New Mexico.

Website: https://www.raehalder.com/

Slow Burn: https://www.raehalder.com/work-with-me/slow-burn/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.rae.halder/

Jaclyn Explores is hosted by Jaclyn Shea (she/they) a somatic coach, embodiment facilitator, science communicator, and health researcher. With a Masters in Public Health, trained in Somatic Stress Release and Mind Body Coaching, and ten+ years of experience facilitating and conducting research, Jaclyn is passionate about communicating the latest research into somatic practices that help you release stress, process trauma, and live life on purpose. Jaclyn works one-on-one clients through somatic coaching, facilitates a group program called Body Language Lab, and in person and zoom workshops. Learn more about Jaclyn's work on her website ⁠⁠www.jaclynexplains.com⁠⁠ and follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jaclynexplains⁠

Follow Jaclyn Explores on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaclynshea

Are you resourced? Somatic resourcing is practices to help your body feel calmer and more present. In this episode I explore:

• Strategies for "resourcing" oneself to stay calm and regulated when dealing with challenging or triggering situations.
• Titration and pendulation - essential components to somatic resources, trauma healing, and doing hard things
• How resourcing helps build our capacity to face challenged
• This allows us to build capacity to face difficulties without becoming overly activated or shutting down
• Why resourcing is needed for us to be with and address social issues, including the climate crisis and racism

Jaclyn Explores is hosted by Jaclyn Shea (she/they) a somatic coach, embodiment facilitator, science communicator, and health researcher. With a Masters in Public Health, trained in Somatic Stress Release and Mind Body Coaching, and ten+ years of experience facilitating and conducting research, Jaclyn is passionate about communicating the latest research into somatic practices that help you release stress, process trauma, and live life on purpose. Jaclyn works one-on-one clients through somatic coaching, facilitates a group program called Body Language Lab, and in person and zoom workshops. Learn more about Jaclyn's work on her website ⁠www.jaclynexplains.com⁠ and follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jaclynexplains⁠

In this episode I talk with Odessa Aviana Perez, a somatic psychotherapist and embodiment and social justice educator. In this episode we explore:

• The concept of right relationship and being in harmony with oneself, others, and nature
• How colonialism and capitalism have influenced our disconnection from right relationship on societal and interpersonal levels
• How attachment patterns and developmental trauma shape our sense of self, safety, needs, and autonomy
• Our critique the wellness industry's focus on feeling good versus integrating hardship and actually grappling with systemic oppression
• Why "only love and light" approaches are bypassing and why we need to be with it all including the messy parts, to truly heal trauma
• How lack of exposure to stressors among those with privilege creates somatic fragility AND why we shouldn't romanticize the resilience of marginalized groups who've endured chronic threat.
• How building somatic resources expands capacity for courage and possibility
• Odessa's Resilient Body dance workshop that helps resilience to be with discomfort
• Why we need lasting real community care versus one-off connection and why interdependence is the way forward
• Episode ends with Odessa guiding a somatic practice for finding alignment and receptivity

Odessa Avianna Perez is a somatic psychotherapist, embodiment and social justice educator with a Masters in Somatic Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies and with over 2 decades of dance and contact improv experience. Her mission is to help folks heal trauma and find belonging and right relationship through deeper embodiment. She offers workshops and retreats throughout California and internationally, weaving relational learning with movement exploration and social justice frameworks. She has a psychotherapy private practice based in Los Angeles aka Kizh/Tongva land. She is the Inclusion and Belonging co-lead for SoulPlay Festivals. Connect with her and learn more about her work via her website www.odysseyhealing.com, and on social media IG: embody_resilience, and tiktok: embody.resilience

Jaclyn Explores is hosted by Jaclyn Shea (she/they) a somatic coach, embodiment facilitator, science communicator, and health researcher. With a Masters in Public Health, trained in Somatic Stress Release and Mind Body Coaching, and ten+ years of experience facilitating and conducting research, Jaclyn is passionate about communicating the latest research into somatic practices that help you release stress, process trauma, and live life on purpose. Jaclyn works one-on-one clients through somatic coaching, facilitates a group program called Body Language Lab, and in person and zoom workshops. Learn more about Jaclyn's work on her website www.jaclynexplains.com and follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jaclynexplains⁠