Siena and Toast: The Podcast

Our first new episode in over a year! This show is now part of a podcast network. What does that mean? Who even are we? Well in this episode, we give you brief backstories of ourselves as individuals and as a couple (featuring possibly out-of-date terms for LGBTQ folks like us). And we generally just let you know what we've been up to in the past year…featuring a big house centipede! Find out more about Siena and Toast at SienaandToast.com LoveAndAboveCatClub.com Connect with Siena and Toast on Instagram Facebook Twitter and YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Original publish date: May 16, 2007. When MySpace was a thing. It must've been, because we just casually mention it somewhere in this ep! Also, our voices are like two octaves higher. I guess it's one of the things that drops – which is different from droops! – as you age. If you want to skip to the main topic of “Dykes are from Mars, Femmes are from Venus,” go to the 30 minute mark. https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/131-vault-ep-20070516-dykes-mars-femmes-venus  

It only *sounds* like we inhaled helium! Because: as you age, your voice gets lower. 14 yrs ago, this is how we sounded (chipmunks!)

ukulele-playing LGBTQ+ folks: check out UkeCurious on Facebook and Instagram (@ukecurious) the evolving alphabet soup of LGBTQIA+ Toast's emotional reaction to the nouns: girl, woman, ladies, sir, son ‘femmes' are more common than ever these days, no? support for Pride from mainstream culture (business, entertainment) did not used to happen! The Advocate, an LGBT newsmagazine, was only available at a special magazine store Siena's first time in a gay bar: underage and underground the sneak attack of representation = Siena loses in a laugh-attack = Toast's first Indigo Girls concert: omg, so, many, lesbians

Things are opening up as COVID-19 is being beaten back here in the U.S.. We have stories and thoughts about getting back out there. Topics we touch on in this ep: Happy Pride, we're boring lesbians. Downtown districts & one way street games NEW, new-fangled parking meters? Bah, humbug. GaithersburgUkeFest.com - we're participating in their Hawaiian theme on 6/12/21 Post-quarantine & social anxiety self-awareness, self-respect, and other-respect for going at your own pace the opportunity of a century: more support and understanding in establishing new norms in our social lives https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/128-getting-back-out-there-parking-meters-pandemics    

Virtual communication has downsides. In this episode, our chat includes the following thoughts. “productivity” is part of, but not actually everything personal capacity: can you bring your whole self to your social interactions? you’ll have more time if you “waste time” on self-care the strangeness of being the first humans ever, to socialize virtually maybe we’re living in a Black Mirror episode? (Netflix) why Zooms are still taxing, even though you didn’t actually go anywhere or do anything, physically how to ‘come back to yourself’ through physical practices that simply cannot be rushed    

Ahh, the Oregon DMV. It wasn't bad, actually! According to Toast. Siena had a somewhat different take. But one thing's for sure: we both had a blast talking about it afterwards.  Join us for the 'first-world problems' and laughs in this ep that includes: iPhone notifications not working "Real ID" technology in new driver's licenses dick-nose mask wearers low-tech stylus simple kindness during heightened race-based violence Oregon vs. California DL pics coconut flour biscuits, Old MacDonald, and rude hand sanitizer

In this ep: I Know This Much Is True (HBO Max) people's reactions to your dreams self-doubts and inner conflict an appropriate language of violence within spirituality and personal development we all have wounds, and relationships are in many ways all about that reality one-second kindness

In this episode:  people's *real* opinions about having kids ;) Romero Creations artist spotlight video LoveandAboveCatClub.com COVID-19 survivors: podcast listeners' experience and the symptoms they're still suffering with observations on what life feels like after a year of coronavirus quarantine: hair, shopping, errands, etc.  

In this episode, Siena leads us in introducing a labor of love that has some very personalized goodies created especially for very specific people. People who are lovers of cats, and woo, and who welcome support when it comes to self-care. What exactly is this labor of love? It’s Love and Above Cat Club - loveandabovecatclub.com Also in this episode: one thing about social media that’s good the amazing and amusing thing about the times we are living in the evolution of LGB to LGBT to LGBTQ to LGBTQIA to LGBTQ+ to…? why humans crack us up

A rambling conversation about our first road trip together, to film a music video for Hawaiian Airlines back in the early 2000s. The convo goes off-track most of the time, and so it also includes... The best recipes we've ever tried for vegan alfredo sauce and bacon; recipes from Detoxinista.com   Probably don't go hiking up a small mountain in the Southwestern US in wedge heels, with just one row of fig newtons, even for golden hour When was the last time you bought a CD from a store and dealt with that annoying cellphone wrap and jewel case that broke way too easily? If you live long enough, you'll know the joy of realizing that your life experience chronicles meaningful, material progress in human technology. And amazingly, even though it's forward progress, it can still produce 'backwards' experiences, similar to those of generations 75-100 years ago. The weirdness of road trips, if you've been born and raised on an island Our cat has FOMO RomeroCreations.com – makers of classical guitars and 'ukuleles unlike anything else on the market

After a hiatus, we're finally back, with the intention to release 1-2 episodes per month. Until further notice, of course. We're keeping it casual, as this podcast is generally less of a narrow subject-matter-based thing and more of a simple-regular-life-lived-by-a-lesbian-couple thing. In this ep, we just "talk story" (the Hawaiian slang for "chit-chat"), catching you up on some of the stuff that's transpired since our last ep. Christmas music videos we posted on Instagram (@sienaandtoast) Inauguration Day and our reactions to it Toast's emotional therapy: connecting with the America of a century ago through music and words (on Spotify)  Learning to bake bread at home Siena's emotional therapy: woo woo, self-care, and cats - follow @sienaleetajiri on Instagram for the woo! Snow, and how Hawaii-raised lesbians deal with it in Portland, Oregon

We'll be taking a hiatus from the pod; to stay in touch, please follow us on social media: we are @sienaandtoast on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and/or join our email list. This is the final episode in our series about the Preamble to the Constitution of The United States.  Here’s a short list of things we cover. John Adams quote from a letter to his wife Abigail in 1780: "I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and porcelain." "self-interest rightly understood." A huge fallacy to correct these days is the fallacy that [individual self-interest] and [the larger community's interests] are mutually exclusive. They're not. “Good Enough” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2LqWYA015s2uuilLE7hYS3 Apple Music (iTunes): https://music.apple.com/us/album/good-enough/1493576062 The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/120-preamble-series-6of6-blessings-of-liberty Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843

We discuss thoughts that come to mind, when the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution says that one of its goals is to “promote the General Welfare.” This is the second-to-last episode in this series on The Preamble. Here’s a short list of things we cover. positive peace, negative peace CitizenUniversity.us how we spent part of Election Night Ruth Bader Ginsburg: remarks from a Naturalization Ceremony in 2018 – "First, our government has limited power. It can exercise only the authority expressly given to it by the Constitution; and, second, citizens of this country enjoy certain fundamental rights. Those rights are our nation’s hallmark and pride. They are set forth in the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution. They are inalienable, yielding to no government decree. ... As new, well-informed citizens, you will play a vital part in that endeavor [of achieving a more perfect union] by first and foremost voting in elections, serving on juries, and engaging in civic discourse. ... We sing of America sweet land of liberty. Newcomers to our shore, people like you, came here from the earliest days of our nation to today, seeking liberty, freedom from oppression, freedom from want, freedom to be you and me." “With All The Stars” the song that closes this episode, is on Apple Music (iTunes): https://music.apple.com/us/album/with-all-the-stars/1525066865 and at Daniel's website: https://danielho.com The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/119-preamble-series-5of6-promote-the-general-welfare   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843

We regroup and recount a week for the ages: Election Week 2020. A fun, frank look back at the emotional roller coaster. See video of the furry Biden-Harris floor dance by our cat Bear, and pics of Siena's Pumpkin Spice Two-Layer Latte cake with Whipped Frosting, at the blog post: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/quickcast-election-hangover  

A slightly more serious entry in our series on the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution from a spiritual perspective. Here's what we cover in this episode. helping your community is also helping yourself…since you can’t help but live in your community, whatever it is we are all connected, we share this same planet life is, in part, a sequence of opportunities and invitations to experience healing the whole world is medicine “I Won't Shed a Tear” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7qjb66Ge3SdZIlVoCaAO0V Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-wont-shed-a-tear/1493576062 and other streaming and music download marketplaces   The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/118-preamble-series-4of6-the-common-defense   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843

Continuing our series on the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution from a spiritual perspective, here's what we cover in this episode (including asides ;) Please and Thank You for VOTING!!! our imitations of Star Wars sound effects cauliflower pizza crust overly sensitive smoke alarms the crucial importance of practicing intentional peacefulness in public spaces during this time "If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity.” ~ Eckart Tolle thoughts from Shel Silverstein managing our fight/flight/freeze essential oils, tapping, and other ways to help our organism directly this year, especially, it's not Election Day, but Election Week(s) “Tell Me” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1PYSGsuzkaVl0CIty8nae2 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tell-me/1493576062 and other streaming and music download marketplaces The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/117-preamble-series-3of6-domestic-tranquility   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843

Continuing our series on the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution from a spiritual perspective, here's what we cover in this episode (including asides ;) that have nothing to do with the Constitution). Also: VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! and help others to VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! scary movie viewing recommendations from Siena, for Halloween season, in case real life doesn't scare you enough "Justice is what love looks like in public." – Cornel West prison doesn't have to be seen as, or called 'punishment' our cat Bear snoring the idea of 'letting God take care of it' and 'turning the other cheek' vs. the idea of we ourselves being the instruments and vessels of ‘doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly’ Spiritual Law vs. Natural Law the moral obligation and responsibility we have: to live up to, and to fulfill, the ideas of Natural Law (ie: that all people are equal) “That's Why I Keep Keeping On” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/56tos1dnAg5wvJmtREv9yC Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/thats-why-i-keep-keeping-on/1493576062 and other streaming and music download marketplaces   The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/116-preamble-series-2of6-establish-justice   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843

Programming Note: starting next week, we’ll begin releasing episodes on Wednesdays (instead of Tuesdays) NOTE for anyone listening in the future who won't know what "the fly" is that we're talking about. On 10/7/20, during the Vice Presidential debate, a fly landed on Mike Pence's hair and stayed there for 2 minutes and 9 seconds while everyone watching went nuts on social media. Jokes about: flies on s***, on corpses, on being a sign of the devil, and more. It was probably a ‘you had to be there’ moment, but trust us, it was a hoot. Just another absurdity in the year that is/was 2020. a weird source of stress-relief for Siena how the Preamble to the Constitution can help you flatten the COVID curve: reciting the Preamble takes about 20 seconds (the recommended time to scrub with soap, in order to wash your hands effectively) E Pluribus Unum = Out of Many, One the beautiful and amazing diversity of We The People the precious thing we all have in common, which is the desire to live a fulfilled life why “just be yourself” can make you feel worse how tension between things is at the heart of everything “Please Believe” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5ED4LF4jiqQhWZeJwK5FvB Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/please-believe/1466673581 and other streaming and music download marketplaces   The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/115-preamble-1of6-a-more-perfect-union   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843

How the pandemic has changed our relationship to relationships. Topics include:  the thing that makes your life good, or not emotions and experiences that surface after a death friends and family-of-friends, who have passed away from COVID-19 Siena’s friend on Oahu who passed away from COVID-19 feeling newly wealthy: in appreciation, relationships, memories, insights, and depth of feeling and experience and more The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/113-relationships-in-the-age-of-covid   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We continue our discussion based on the book "First, We Make The Beast Beautiful: a new journey through anxiety," by Sarah Wilson. We cover topics like: the benefits of being an anxious type the underlying root cause of anxiety what Sarah Wilson calls the “Something Else,” and that thing that we feel is missing why we develop anxious habits, trying to find the "missing thing" the paradoxical, but healthier, ways to address the “missing feeling” apps we've used and like (or don't like) for help with a meditation practice (Insight Timer vs. Calm vs. Headspace vs. Waking Up) how allowing yourself too many options increases your anxiety why art is such a crucial and helpful technology for dealing with anxiety   The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/111-on-anxiety-2of2   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

Inspired by the times we live in, and the book "First, We Make The Beast Beautiful" by Sarah Wilson. Topics covered include... Siena's weird pet peeve about books Myths about anxious people How anxiety has affected our relationship Anxiety vs. Depression Insomnia   The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/110-on-anxiety-1of2   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

There’s more than one way to watch TV. Siena watches one way. Toast watches in a completely different way. After we tease each other about our differences, we share thoughts and experiences of watching shows like... Hamilton The Revenant Love, Simon Downton Abbey Homeland Penny Dreadful ...and more. We also talk about how TV and film help us be more human and humane. The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/109-tv-shows-and-movies   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

In the early days of the pandemic in America, self-quarantining, social distancing, and lockdowns were portrayed as a "pause." In this episode, we discuss how we are reckoning with the fact that in reality, there never was, nor will there ever be, a "pause," at least when it comes to life. What life looks like and feels like, is in fact, life, not a pausing of it. We've discerned some profound gifts offered to us, through the situation we all find ourselves in. It includes: reckoning more seriously with what is important to us, learning more deeply what makes life worthy of being lived, worthy of showing up for facing the fact that our individual life is so fleeting and fragile, and can be irrevocably lost with little warning apprehending the reality that each of us is just one brief mote in the incredibly mysterious phenomenon of life on Earth and in the universe   The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/108-life-is-not-on-hold   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

Questions asked and answered: When did you first know you were gay/liked girls? Who's the "man" in the relationship? Do you ever look at a man and find him attractive? If you're attracted to a masculine-presenting type person, then why not just be with a man? Was it love at first sight? Do you call your partner your "wife"? Explain the U-Haul thing? Have you ever been a victim of homophobia? Are you all really obsessed with cats?   The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/107-real-lesbian-couple-answers-questions   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

So, we cleaned and rearranged furniture in our house this past weekend and wow – we were reminded of how refreshing, uplifting, and just plain good it can feel to do. Physical things are aspects of spiritual things, and vice versa. In this episode, we have a blast talking about how even reluctant cleaning can produce gratifying and clarifying results for your spirit. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/106-clean-the-house-for-mental-clarity Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

Self-care can feel so overwhelming, like another thing to "get done." And yet we know we need TLC because wow, the stress of these times right? So, how can you simplify self-care so it doesn't become just another source of guilt or self-doubt? The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/104-how-to-simplify-your-self-care   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

Full disclosure: only Indigo Girls fans will understand most of what we're talking about in this ep.  The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/103-for-indigo-girls-fans-only   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

“Live Your Love Story” is our motto, but what exactly are we thinking when we say that? This episode, we focus on the idea that “life is an unfolding story.” Stories and ideas we share in this ep include: unease about the (in)significance of your life You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world for one person. life is not a math problem timeline of the human species "this or something greater still"   The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/102-live-your-love-story-your-part-in-the-story Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

“Live Your Love Story” is our motto, but what exactly are we thinking when we say that? This episode, we focus on the idea that “the point is always love.” Stories and ideas we share in this ep include: how Toast has created fights in our relationship (!) “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” - Stephen Covey training in speaking and writing vs. training in listening listening so that your own feelings are influenced “All human behavior as one two things: either love, or a call for love.” - Marianne Williamson   The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/101-live-your-love-story-the-point-is-always-love Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

This episode is the first in a multi-part series about what we mean when we say “Live Your Love Story.” It’s our motto, but what exactly are we thinking when we say that? We begin to answer that question head-on, in this episode. This episode, we focus on the idea of “life as a romance.” The dictionary definition of romance is “a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.” The ideas we share in this ep include: mechanistic vs. romantic model of life inner workings unique to each human heart practical daily concerns and the romantic life Life as Great Lover and Romancer your relationship with Life has its own intrinsic value it’s not a ‘resource’ from which ‘value’ is extracted The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/100-live-your-love-story-the-romance-of-life Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

In this episode we give a super quick overview of the Cass Identity Model of the coming out process, and then each of us shares our personal experiences of coming out, which continues to this day. Siena was raised Catholic and attended an all-girls Catholic high school. Toast was raised as an Evangelical Christian. By sharing our stories, we hope it helps to encourage and affirm, validate and support you, wherever you are in your process. Because truly, it never ends! The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/99-coming-out-process-and-our-stories We recorded this episode on Sun. Jun. 21, 2020 which marked our 101st day of self-quarantine during the global COVID-19 pandemic, amid a fresh realization in the broad social consciousness, of the presence and wrongness of structural racism in society.   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Fri. June 12, 2020, which marks our 92nd day of self-quarantine during the global COVID-19 pandemic, amid continuing protests in the United States and around the world against systemic racism, oppression, and police brutality. On social media this past week, author and activist Marianne Williamson posted this: “The more the protests are filled with dancing, singing, conscious conversation, serious analysis, creativity, art, peace/love and higher vibration, the more they jam the operating system of the old order. #WokeRebellion” – Marianne Williamson on Twitter (6/11/20) And we agree. So, we’re going to have a conversational version of a dancing, singing, peace and love podcast, to celebrate Pride Month, which is June, if you don’t know. Also, if you don’t know: a crucial part of sustainable conscious activism is retaining your ability to enjoy, and prioritizing time to enjoy things. For one, it renews and replenishes your spirit, allowing you to stay in the fight. And for another, it’s one of the very reasons we fight at all: ideals like equality and justice are beautiful in part because they make enjoyment of life possible. What good are civil rights without the ability to enjoy the life they make possible? Join us now for some enjoyment that celebrates LGBTQ-positive peace, love, and laughs. Let’s talk about some of our favorite, fun-loving LGBTQ-positive Pride Festival memories performing at Long Beach Pride, San Diego Pride, and attending Los Angeles and Portland Pride Festivals Movies like Fried Green Tomatoes, The Half of It, A League of Their Own, Saving Face, and the documentary A Secret Love TV shows or people with TV shows like Anderson Cooper, Rachel Maddow, Ryan Murphy, American Horror Story, Sarah Paulson, Matt Bomer, and Sinner Other celebrities and artists like Hannah Gadsby, Indigo Girls, Tig Notaro, Brandi Carlile, Ellen and Portia, and LGBTQ ally Kathy Griffin   To close out this Pride Month episode, here’s a remarkable look at the fight for LGBTQ marriage equality, compared to another, similar and salient issue. In the late 1950s, more than 90 percent of the country was against marriage between...blacks and whites. It took 40 years before a majority were OK with so-called ‘mixed-race’ marriages. By comparison, public opinion about LGBTQ marriage equality went from a majority opposed to a majority OK with it, within just ten years. What we as a society are now pushing for in 2020, is the revolutionary and rapid advancement of more equality, justice, fairness, and other beautiful things, for more of us: a more perfect Union. And that’s really something to celebrate. Happy Pride Month. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/98-lgbtq-positive-peace-love-and-laughs-a-pride-month-episode     Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Sun. May 31, 2020, which marks our 80th day of self-quarantine during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and also the first week of historic widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. We discuss: your point of view affects how you feel activism looks different for everyone present day events can activate feelings about the past quitting coffee (?!) simple kindness means more during dangerous times what our soul values vs. what we’re pressured to value really living while you’re still alive “practical” vs. “beautiful” practical and beautiful are not mutually exclusive creating beauty is an act of defiance and strength; it’s what love looks like healing gifts from nature: flower essences, lavender oil, deep conscious breathing, water, meditation The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/96-the-life-affirming-rewards-of-awareness ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Mon. May 25, 2020, our 74th day of self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the things we touched on, in this ep cabin fever, thai take-out, and at-home haircuts vodka, and Bear gives the episode the feel of a horror movie just for a sec Siena shares her experience of resisting vs. accepting a thing that just plain ol' needs to happen Toast shares her experience of resisting vs. accepting the limits on what she can get done The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/95-manage-your-energy-through-surrender-and-acceptance ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Mon. May 18, 2020, which was our 67th day of self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a List of Some of the Things We Shared Serendipitous sighting of a wild goose, in-flight and up-close A hate comment we got on Instagram: internal reactions Victims of COVID-19: personal stories Baking a grain-free birthday cake: yellow, three-layer, chocolate frosting Lesbian wedding: attending via Zoom Everybody’s quarantine experience is different (In the previous episode, we asked “What’s been challenging and/or helpful to you, the listener, during this time?” and this was one of the thoughts we got in response.) No matter what your experience is, we send our love to you   The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/94-celebrations-of-love-and-of-life ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

This episode was recorded on Fri. May 8, 2020, which was our 57th day of self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s been challenging and/or helpful to you during this time? That's the first question we ask. A few of the other topics we touch on: The stress of the uncertainty we see and feel, in many directions Psychological contrast between watching TV during dinner vs. not Highly Sensitive Persons’ and Empaths’ challenge with rude sun, and with hats Renaissance of homemaking: baking, cooking, gifts made by hand Papayas, and the new pandemic-protocol for receiving packages in general   The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/93-water-cooler-talk-self-quarantine-edition ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Mon. May 4, 2020, which marks 53 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a light-hearted episode, but know that our hearts are always with you, as we all keep on keeping on, in this new era. Some of the topics we hit on this ep: Toast’s imitation of the sound a frog makes vs. the sound a toad makes Our remarkable human capacity to adapt Hawaii-related mentions: Boy’s Day, toads, and flying cockroaches Siena’s issues around her birthday and her birthday parties Rediscovering the essence of birthday celebrations Car convoy parties, Romeo & Juliet parties, Zoom parties, Video messages Gracious culture vs. Call-out culture Our upcoming in-house cake-baking project   The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/92-celebrating-birthdays-in-the-era-of-covid-19 ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Sun. Apr. 26, 2020, which marks 45 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope this episode finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. An abridged overview of the thoughts we share in this ep: Siena teases her healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe (vegan, grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free), which she plans to share with our email list on around May 1, 2020 Feeling lonely is not automatically a bad thing: just because you feel lonely it doesn’t mean anything’s so wrong. How pain is sometimes just an inherent part of our process of evolution How naming a thing helps us to grapple with it more effectively Some psycho-spiritual causes of feeling lonely Retracing the trail of your thoughts to see how it’s led you to feel a certain thing Journaling as a way to communicate with other entities Koyukon people live in “a world that watches,” so they are never alone. The correlation between the feeling of loneliness and stagnation. Broadening our view of what “connection” means, so it also includes connection to other-than-human entities.   The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/91-loneliness-and-what-to-do-about-it ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Mon. Apr. 20, 2020, which marks 39 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Opening remarks (that don't directly relate to the main topic include): anyone else cleaning house more during our collective stay-at-home efforts? What about sorta freaking yourself out over owl legs? How about just cooking? The main topic of self-care during our collective COVID-19 quarantine era follows. Including: to wear jeans, or to stay in sweats? the phenomenon of enclothed cognition the new structure for your all-day-at-home days. time targets, task targets, and using domestic chores as mental breaks staying in integrity when scheduling FaceTime or Zoom meet-ups; protecting your time. alternatives like Marco Polo or Voxer learning and telling your story; that is: getting clearer on how your personal history has shaped your interpretation of life. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/90-new-levels-of-self-care ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Sun. Apr. 12, 2020, which marks 31 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. After some opening chitchat about who's zooming who, the service and sabotage of smartphones, and a cat lady card game, we turn to the main topic of quiet. One of the pleasant side effects of our various “stay at home” initiatives around the world has been cleaner air and water. Pollution can occur in many mediums: air, water, light, sound, and also – thought and emotion. A lifestyle that nurtures quiet and stillness builds people who are richer in life, stronger in spirit, and therefore, more useful in a crisis. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/89-benefits-of-a-deeper-quieter-life ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Sun. Apr. 6, 2020, which marks 24 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. It starts with chit-chat about the ongoing Toilet Paper Challenge, the joys of attending livestreamed virtual concerts, and moves into deeper topics like our species' need for a sense of community and belonging, the dynamics of in-person social interaction, and tying it all together: how smartphones both help and hinder the heart when it comes to genuine human connection with others, and also with the spirit eternal. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/88-ramblings-about-smartphone-addiction ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We recorded this episode on Sat. March 28, 2020, which marks 16 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Silly: the way different people sleep, cat toys that talk, cats that act like dogs, the Siena and Toast Toilet Paper Challenge: can you dispense your ration of squares in just one tug??? Serious: humanity's mid-life crisis or coming-of-age traumatic event, the power of technology vs. the power of wisdom and the reality of our mortal condition, what makes life meaningful The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/87-be-kind ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

More obviously than ever in our generation, we humans are being invited (forced?) to consciously and seriously engage in the next evolution of our beingness. Who do we want to be? As individuals? As a society? As a species? What strange times, and what a strange episode. Lots of laughing, unintended jokes, and talking about cat toys that talk. Coming to you from self-quarantine in Portland, Oregon. Star Wars, Indigo Girls, and the new #NoPhonesInBathrooms campaign. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/86-spring-energy ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

In this episode, we share our thoughts from the midst of the onset of America’s experience with the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. We recorded this on Sun., Mar. 15, 2020, after a week of the most dramatic shift in the public’s awareness, concern, and action concerning covid-19. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/85-covid-19 Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

Another variety episode (like last week's). All kinds of nature-world topics: flower petals, feeling balooby (what, you don’t know what that is? listen in!), and our wheat and gluten-free pasta alternative from the world of Japanese cuisine. Also an unexpected motif for this episode: verbal tiks. You know what I mean? Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/84-repurposing-rose-petals-balooby-and-soba Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

This episode is a variety episode. All kinds of topics: A raw food that our cat Bear loves (and he’s picky)! Toast gives a sermon/pep-talk about politics. And we share our delight at sighting deer (a novel thing for us, since we were born and raised in Hawaii). Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/83-raw-food-for-cats-deer-sightings-and-politics Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

OK, this ep is sorta rambly. (What do burnt fries have to do with anything? We actually make that one relevant! Sort of.) You'll hear us disagree. But through the rambles and brambles, what we're sharing is how we relate to and deal with the power of inertia, when it comes to changing our own behavior patterns. Siena responds well to one approach. Toast responds better to different one. Diversity! It's healthy in ecosystems, you can have it in relationships, too. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/82-virtuous-or-vicious-cycle Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  

We come from similar backgrounds(both Asian Americans, and both born and raised in Hawaii) but also very *different* backgrounds at the same time. In this episode, we each share our stories. (We start the ep recounting our kinda typical but also kinda quirky Valentine's Day, so if you want to go straight to the main topic, skip ahead to around 7:30.)  Siena is the "city mouse" and Toast is the "country mouse." Our stories involve Evangelical Christianity and Sunday school, a teenage Mom and Dad, running away from home, being the victim of a hate crime, having an employer steal your pay and run, an all-girls Catholic school (that was full of surprises), and campaigning against America's first targeted attack on same-sex partnerships (it came in the form of the State of Hawaii amending its constitution in 1998). Plus more, and...all the lessons learned along the way.  We hope you feel a kind of strength and solidarity, just by hearing our stories. Maybe you can relate, maybe you've had similar thoughts and experiences. Each of us is stronger when we're "in this life, together." This is us, stepping into the "together" part. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/81-our-stories Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, for the first time, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843

We have a pretty wild conversation all about raising our standards in life, health, relationships...all in a healthy and “feel good” way. We talk about what prevents us from raising those standards, the difference between healthy and unhealthy ways of going about it...we even quote the Declaration of Independence and Jesus on it. And of course, we also share examples from our own lives. The ep starts with a "date update" on our date life, so if you want to skip straight to the main topic, go to around (12:45) into it. Also, if you're curious, here are links to the full song "Nobody Else," which we mention and share a clip of at around 20 minutes in. "Nobody Else" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1exumNLQB0PCJOIrbVOpGK "Nobody Else" on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/nobody-else/1493576062 Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/80-the-feel-good-of-raising-your-standards Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, for the first time, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843

Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute In this episode, the point is not just to give you some laughs, but to make you realize if you’re LGBTQ and still able to be a responsible adult who treats others with respect and kindness, you’re already winning. (Please keep being a rock star here, because our world needs your light-filled energy!) Full disclosure: at the start, we first talk about The Terror: Infamy, which is the name of the second season of a horror/ghost story T.V. series that reimagines historical events relating to Asian cultures. This second season, Infamy, follows the story of a Japanese American family during World War II. We saw it on Hulu. The actual direct “gay talk” starts at around 13:20 into this episode, where we discuss stuff like: people thinking you’re actually the opposite sex that you are assuring people you’re using the “correct” public bathroom working in retail and assisting customers in dressing rooms people trying to figure out what your relationship is hair stylists asking if you have a boyfriend people trying to set you up with a guy people’s fantasies and speculations about you   Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Read more at the blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/79-funny-stories-youll-only-hear-from-lesbians-and-lgbtq-folks Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843