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