Beyond We vs. Them: Staying Curious in a Polarized World

In a world addicted to sides, speed, and certainty, what happens when we slow down and get intimate with the discomfort instead?In this episode, I explore how we-versus-them dynamics — from COVID debates to political leaders, from war to gender and identity — mirror the same parts of ourselves we often reject. With a trauma-informed, body-led lens, I invite you to move beyond dehumanization and into deeper presence, where complexity and curiosity can coexist.This isn’t about agreeing. It’s about staying human. It’s about feeling your feet on the ground when the world feels divided. It’s about relating — even when it’s hard.If you’ve ever longed for a culture that chooses connection over polarization, and presence over performance — this one’s for you.Inside this episode:- How we internalize ‘us vs. them’ thinking — and how to interrupt it- Why nervous system awareness matters in political and relational conflict- What embodiment has to do with culture change- How to hold nuance without collapsing into silence or blame- A call to stay relational — even in disagreementLet this episode be a breath. A reckoning. A return..🔗 Stay Connected: You can follow my journey and explore more about intimacy and sexuality at www.intimate-breath.com or on Instagram⁠ and Facebook⁠: @intimatebreath.📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.

You keep showing up. You want to connect. But somehow, it keeps happening: you’re the one left out. Not chosen. Not seen. Not touched. Again.In this solo episode, I dive into one of the hardest patterns I witness in group spaces — and know personally: the rejection loop. A painful cycle that has nothing to do with how attractive, interesting, or "good" you are — and everything to do with what your body has learned to expect.If you've ever told yourself _“maybe I’m just not lovable”_ — or shaped your whole way of being around _trying not to be rejected_ — this one's for you.We'll talk about:- What rejection has to do with shame and survival fear- How trauma, attachment, and the nervous system silently broadcast your past - The many sneaky ways the rejection loop expresses itself (you’ll likely recognize yourself) - And: what to do if you’re tired of trying to be “enough” just to be includedI’m sharing this not just as someone who’s studied this for years — but as someone who’s lived it. There’s a way through. And it doesn’t start with fixing your appearance, your energy, or your social skills.It starts with no longer believing that being rejected means there’s something wrong with you.Listen in. Let's befriend it. Let’s untangle the loop — together..🔗 Stay Connected: You can follow my journey and explore more about intimacy and sexuality at www.intimate-breath.com or on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠: @intimatebreath.📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.

Turns out, casual sex isn’t always that casual… and what triggers us might just teach us how to love better.In this lively and layered conversation, Reid Mihalko and I explore some of the more uncomfortable (and wildly insightful) corners of relating. We talk about casual sex, deep care, and the surprising wisdom in the complaints our lovers throw our way.Reid offers real-life tools and playful insights on how to navigate complexity in relationships — not for the sake of drama, but for the sake of depth, growth, and leaving the campsite better than you found it.We also dive into:What makes casual sex not so casualHow to learn from how people react to youWhy being "too much" might actually be your magicWhat to do when things get complicated (and they always do)Bring your curiosity, your complexity, and your honesty.Links of Reid that were mentioned in the episode:More on his accountability process: ⁠https://reidaboutsex.com/informing-you-about-my-accountability-process/⁠To find out about the 'Casual Sex Protocol': https://courses.reidaboutsex.com/what-are-the-casual-sex-protocols .🔗 Stay ConnectedFind upcoming workshops and offerings at ⁠intimate-breath.com⁠Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @intimatebreath📢 We’d love to hear from you! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend. Your support helps us grow and keep creating meaningful conversations on intimacy, embodiment, and connection.Thanks for listening,Lore

In this episode of Intimate Breath, I welcome my sister back for a real conversation about the intriguing world of play parties and intimacy. After our first recording together, we reunite to explore the nuances of these adult spaces—where connection, consent, and vulnerability take center stage.With my sister offering an outsider’s perspective, we unpack common misconceptions about play parties and contrast them with more traditional ideas of intimacy and sxxuality. From the power of intention to the importance of safety and clear communication, we dive into what it really means to consciously explore intimacy in a group setting.We talk about the role of the nervous system in these experiences—why slowing down is essential and how safety can open the door to real connection. I share parts of my personal journey and how these intentional spaces have supported healing, helping people track their emotional responses and reshape their intimate narratives.We also explore common fears and assumptions for newcomers, and share practical insights for anyone curious about stepping into this world.Whether you’re play-party-curious or just seeking a deeper understanding of your own desires, this episode invites you into reflection, curiosity, and connection.🎧 Highlights2:15 — Reflections on our first podcast experience 5:45 — Play parties vs. org/es: what’s the difference? 10:30 — Safety, intention & the role of the nervous system 20:00 — My personal healing through play 25:10 — Fears, assumptions & tips for newcomers 30:45 — Practical Tips for Newcomers🔗 Stay ConnectedFind upcoming workshops and offerings at intimate-breath.comFollow on Instagram & Facebook: @intimatebreath📢 We’d love to hear from you! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend. Your support helps us grow and keep creating meaningful conversations on intimacy, embodiment, and connection.

What do sex and death have in common? According to David Cates, quite a lot. In this episode, we dive into the deep end—exploring how slowing down changes everything, from intimacy to the tender process of dying. David, a lifelong seeker and teacher of embodiment, shares his thoughts on what it means to truly let go.David Cates is known for his pioneering work in intimacy, embodied connection, and somatic practices like Belly2Belly. With decades of experience, he’s been a guide for many seeking deeper presence, richer relationships, and a more grounded approach to love and sexuality. Now in his 70s, he embraces his role as an elder, reflecting on the cycles of life, the wisdom of slowing down, and the opportunities for growth in our most vulnerable moments.In this conversation we explore the raw parallels between orgasm and death, the liberation of dropping masks, and the surprising gifts that loss can bring. David also shares how his curiosity about the dying process has shaped his perspective on living fully and loving deeply.This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself, others, and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. Whether you're drawn to topics of intimacy, mortality, or the quiet magic of slowing down, this conversation might leave you touched, inspired, and curious..🔗 Stay Connected: You can follow my journey and explore more about intimacy and sexuality at https://www.intimate-breath.com or on Instagram or Facebook: @intimatebreath.📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.

This time, I’m sitting down with Veronica and Ernesto, a vibrant couple who bring their rich, tangled personal story to the table. Hailing from Mexico, they share what it’s been like to carve out a life in Sweden—grappling with stark cultural differences, building lasting friendships, and finding connection in a new land, even when it’s felt shaky.With over 20 years since they started dating and 15 years of marriage behind them, they open up about a recent twist: choosing to explore an open relationship. In a grounded, real, and sometimes playful way, they unpack the ups and downs of shifting roles—stepping into the space of a ‘third’ rather than the ‘only,’ and noticing how familiar patterns still creep in, even beyond just the two of them.What makes their perspective so compelling? They’ve been part of my Liberation Journey, joining me in spaces like the Desire Playground, where vulnerability and depth have shown them they’re not alone in their messy experiences. Ernesto reflects on how witnessing others bring their desires forward has hit him hard, while Veronica pinpoints what set this path apart: the intentional, co-created culture we built over six months as a group.They offer a raw, insightful look at love, identity, and belonging—across borders and within relationships, flaws and all..For info on the Liberation Journey program mentioned: https://www.intimate-breath.com/theliberationjourneybelgium Instagram/Facebook: @intimatebreathhttps://www.intimate-breath.com/📷 Janie Petersen📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others or writing us. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.

Join us for an intimate conversation with Lavinia, an architect who's turning into a sexuality and conscious kink facilitator, as we explore the transformative journey from trauma to empowerment. In this episode, we dive into our shared experience of childhood sexual abuse and how it has shaped our paths towards healing and personal growth. Lavinia opens up about her personal story of reclaiming her power after being abused at age 12. We discuss the confusion, shame, and isolation that followed, and how group healing experiences have been transformative in her recovery process. As we explore our parallel journeys, we reflect on the power of finding connection through shared wounds and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding childhood trauma. We discuss: - The surprising connection between chronic migraines and emotional suppression - How conscious kink practices have become a tool for processing anger and expanding capacity for pleasure - The power of finding your voice to say "no" in recreated scenarios - The realization that our bodies are actually strong and capable of defending themselves Lavinia shares a powerful moment from a Sacred Desire Playground where she finally found her voice, describing it as "a huge burden lifted off my shoulders." We also touch on her journey with chronic pain and how impact play has surprisingly increased her ability to manage physical discomfort. This conversation gets real about the messiness of healing, the power of group support, and how embracing our darkness can lead to unexpected liberation. . To connect with Lavinia and learn more about her work: Website: scarsandroses.com Instagram: @scars.and.roses Facebook: Scars and Roses . For info on the Liberation Journey program mentioned: https://www.intimate-breath.com/theliberationjourneybelgium Instagram/Facebook: @intimatebreath 📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others or writing us. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.

In this episode, I'm joined by Hans, a coach and facilitator from Belgium, who specializes in organizational and leadership coaching, as well as personal development through breathwork and bodywork. Hans shares his personal journey of seeking to experience sensuality not just in intimate settings, but as a vibrant part of his everyday life. He discusses how this quest has led him to explore and integrate various "ingredients" into his life, which have transformed his approach to living sensually. He shares his insights on: - The power of expressing desires and being received without judgment - Overcoming manipulation tactics and taking responsibility for one's needs - The link between his episodes of depression and his relationship to desires - The profound impact of group healing experiences Hans opens up about his struggle with getting the feedback that others feel intimidated by him and how this affected his relationships. We discuss the vicious cycle of defensive strategies and the realization of breaking free from them. Join us as Hans reflects on his experiences assisting and participating in the Liberation Journey, sharing insights on how these engagements have helped him redefine his understanding of sensuality and personal freedom. This episode is a deep dive into the subtle, yet powerful shifts that occur when we bring conscious awareness to our everyday interactions and the way we perceive our desires. . To connect with Hans and learn more about his work: Website: https://www.hanshoegaerts.be/ or https://www.padma.be/ . For info on the Liberation Journey program mentioned: https://www.intimate-breath.com/theliberationjourneybelgium Instagram/Facebook: @intimatebreath Here is the episode referred to in the episode with Andy Buru about power dynamics and rejection. . 📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to sit down with Samuel Svärd, a breathwork facilitator whose approach deeply resonates with me and enriched my own practice. Samuel has been guiding people through transformative breathwork sessions since 2020, and together we speak into the often overlooked power of breath. Listen as we explore the intimate link between breath, pleasure, and orgasms. We share personal insights and experiences on how integrating breathwork into intimate moments can awaken the body and lead to profound states of being. The breath, a simple yet potent tool, often surprises those who are new to its effects, and we discuss why it deserves more attention in our daily and erotic lives. 🎙️ Special Feature: Don't miss the end of the episode, where Samuel leads us through an introductory breathwork session, giving you a firsthand shorter experience of what breathwork can be like. This guided session is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their sensory experiences and dive deeper into what their body can feel. 🔗 Stay Connected: Follow Samuel on Instagram: @samsvard to keep up with his journey and upcoming sessions. 📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters. You can also follow my journey and explore more about intimacy and sexuality at Intimate Breath or on Instagram and Facebook: @intimatebreath.

In this enlightening episode, join me as I chat with Tricia, the Safe Slut, also known as Cassie Black in her role as an adult artist, who champions sex positivity through her diverse work ranging from sex education to creating content for OnlyFans and participating in both mainstream and artistic adult films. Our conversation dives into the deeply personal and universally relevant topic of living with genital herpes—a condition we both share—and how it influences our lives and dating experiences. Tricia shares her insightful and empowering perspective on why conversations about safer sex aren't just necessary; they're downright sexy. We tackle the common excuses people use to avoid sexual health responsibilities, explore the difference between being oversexualized versus celebrating our sexuality, and discuss the realities of working in the porn industry while still conveying a message of self-empowerment. One of the most powerful takeaways from our discussion was her affirming statement: "I have herpes and I am hot," a testament to embracing and owning one's sexuality despite societal stigma. Don't miss this candid, vulnerable, and educational episode that challenges perceptions and invites a more open dialogue about sex, health, and self-acceptance. . (Note: The following link leads to a site that includes adult content. Please proceed only if you are over the age of 18.) To find more about Tricia's work: https://linktr.ee/Safe.slut Find Tricia on social media @safeslut. . The Liberation Journey is starting in August, with its pillars being three in-person weekends. Access more inner freedom, feel more grounded in your erotic essence and discover the deeper gift of conscious relating. Read more: https://www.intimate-breath.com/theliberationjourney Find me on Instagram or Facebook: @intimatebreath