Uncomfortable.

In this episode of Uncomfortable, I chat with Kim, host of the podcast Hush! We talk about sex, being pretty vanilla, our fantasies and what holds us back from experiencing them.  About Kim Kim is the host of Hush! a podcast that talks about sex, dating and relationships. Like myself, Kim is a bit of a vanilla who is curious about sex and the different lifestyles out there. She has interviewed sex workers, dating app founders, porn stars, couples in the swinging lifestyle and more. In this episode Kim and I chat about the curiosity we have around sex and discuss some of the things that hold us back from trying out new sexy lifestyles. We also talk about how talking about sex can be so hard!! If you enjoyed our conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources: Check out Hush! the podcast: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Check out the website www.thehushpodcast.com You can follow Hush! over on social media: Instagram: @hushpodcast69Twitter: @hushpodcast69Facebook: @hushpodcast69    

In this episode of Uncomfortable, I chat with Bailee Noella. Bailee just released a book of poetry, Bathtub in Flames. She explains how her poetry was a way to help her heal the trauma she suffered due to sexual abuse. *Trigger Warning* - Bailee and I do touch on the sexual abuse that she went through as a child. If you suffered abuse, you may wish to skip this episode. If you need support, please scroll down for some resources.   About Bailee Bailee Noella is a poet who writes for personal catharsis and to help others feel less alone. Drawing inspiration from poets like Charles Bukowski and Alex Dimitrov, Bailee seeks to remove the stigma from mental illness through her work. It is for this same reason that she founded the streetwear brand cyno apparel, which features designs that raise awareness of mental health issues. Bailee also works as an editor, book marketer, freelance writer, and fashion stylist. When she’s not writing or coordinating outfits, you may find Bailee buying things she doesn’t need, researching skin care, or doodling on napkins.   If you enjoyed our conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Purchase Bailee's book of poetry "Bathtub in Flames" on Amazon: Bathtub in Flames on Amazon.com Bathtub in Flames on Amazon.ca You can follow Bailee over on social media: Instagram: @baileenoellaTwitter: @baileenoella Make sure to check out her apparel brand Cyno Apparel: www.cynoapparel.com Other Resources: If you have suffered from sexual abuse and need help, I would recommend working with a professional. Here is just a small list of resources that might help. CAHM - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health document on trauma with a list of Counselling and Support Services  Government of Canada - Sexual Abuse Counselling: A Guide for Parents and Children  American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: Childhood Sexual Abuse  

In this episode of Uncomfortable, I chat with Tarot Reader + Pop Culture Witch Lindsay Braynen. Lindsay educates me on how witchcraft has influenced pop culture and vice versa; how it’s largely a feminist movement; and how colonialism tried to destroy the spiritual practices of black and indigenous cultures.   About Lindsay: Lindsay [she/her] is the Card-Reader + Star-Gazer behind DarkLake Tarot, where she combines her intuition, love of storytelling, and esoteric studies to encourage her clients to ‘Rediscover The Divine On Your Own Terms’ via tarot + astrology readings.  As a pop-culture witch she also alchemizes those studies with her interest in the persevering and transformative powers of Fandom, which she explores in her podcast ‘Hey Magical Girl!’. An immigrant from The Bahamas, Lindsay recognizes that she operates on the stolen territories of Turtle Island known as ‘Vancouver, Canada’, and devotes all her practices to the decolonization and liberation of Black Diasporic + Indigenous Peoples.   Resources: You can follow Lindsay over on her website + social media: www.darklaketarot.com Tune into her podcast at: www.heymagicgirl.com Social Media: Dark Lake Tarot: Instagram: @DarkLakeTarotFacebook: @DarkLakeTarotTwitter: @DarkLakeTarot Hey Magical Girl: Twitter: @HeyMagicalGirl   Other Resources: The Missing Witches Podcast

Can you sync your cycle with your business? Yes you can! In this episode of Uncomfortable, I chat with Alyx Coble-Frakes, co-founder of The Agenda. Early in Alyx’s health coaching career it became obvious to her that her desire to do certain tasks varied based on where she was at in her menstrual cycle.    About Alyx Alyx is the co-founder of The Agenda. Early in Alyx’s health coaching career it became obvious to her that her desire to do certain tasks varied based on where she was at in her menstrual cycle. Detailed observation revealed that sales calls that happened when she was ovulating had higher conversion rates. Both Alyx and her co-founder Sunny realized that when people have a deeper understanding of their natural hormonal fluctuations they can use them to their advantage and see amazing results in their lives and in their business. The Agenda. was born! After a successful kickstarter campaign, they designed and launched a physical planner. However what came up most frequently was the desire for an app. A year later they launched another kickstarter and are currently hard at work on The Agenda. app.   Resources: You can follow Alyx and The Agenda. over on their website + social media: www.theagendaperiod.com   Social Media: Instagram: @theagendaperiodTwitter: @TheAgendaPeriodFacebook @theagendaperiod   Other Resources: Books: Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Tony Weschler, MPH The Fifth Vital Sign: Master Your Cycle and Optimize Your Fertility by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods by Lara Briden, ND Websites: The Menstrual Health Hub Red School Kate Codrington Red Tent Directory  

How hard is it to rebuild your community after immigrating to another country? In this episode of Uncomfortable, I chat with Mo! Sibyl is a Nigerian-born, US-educated, Korean speaking, struggling intellectual. Mo! moved to the US nine years ago to pursue the next steps in her education and career. In this episode, she shares a few of the lessons that she learned when she immigrated. Mo! also hosts The More Sibyl Podcast. A podcast about culture and cultural nomads designed for Blacks and Asians and those who love them! Resources: You can follow Mo! over on her website + social media: mosibyl.com Make sure to subscribe to The More Sibyl Podcast over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Instagram: @mosibyl and @themoresibylpodcast   Toastmasters: www.toastmasters.org

What is trauma exactly? And how do we cope with it? In this episode of Uncomfortable, I chat with Joyous D. Williams, a mental health professional, art therapist, and coach. We discuss trauma, the different ways to cope, and dealing with family estrangement.    About Joyous Joyous D. Williams is a Mental Health Professional serving the greater Cleveland, Ohio area. She is a nationally board-certified Art Therapist, specializing in brain-based, trauma-informed care. She’s also a coach studied in “Transformative Presence” and has lived experience changing the very fabric of her own life. Personally, Joy is also a Growth-Oriented Mama of 1, a Life Partner, a Dog Mom to 3 unruly beasts and a voracious reader. Please note that there is some adult language in this episode so pop on those headphones!   If you enjoyed our conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources You can follow Joyous over on her website + social media: everywomxn.com Joy’s mailing list/Free Coaching Download: coach.everywomxn.com  Instagram: @recreatingdawn and @traumaclearingbadass.   Other Resources: Article about ACEs – https://developingchild.harvard.edu/media-coverage/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean/      CDC ACEs website – https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/about.html   Loveland Foundation – https://thelovelandfoundation.org/   Open Path Psychotherapy Collective – https://openpathcollective.org/   Coping Skill Printable Resource – http://www.indigodaya.com/resources/     If you are dealing with trauma and need help immediately then know that you can always call the Crisis Canada Hotline at 1.833.456.4566. They have amazing trained volunteers available 24/7. For more information visit their website www.crisisservicescanada.ca.   If you are having suicidal thoughts then please contact 1–800-SUICIDE.The LifeLine Canada Foundation also has a list of Canadian, USA and international crisis centres.   Click here for a list for a list of Suicide Crisis Hotlines in other countries.

How can you stay true to yourself, so you can call in the right relationship? In this episode of Uncomfortable, Deb chats with Self Care & Self Love Advocate Andrea Hill on calling yourself out on your own bullshit. Andrea explains how working on YOU by calling yourself out on your own bullshit, will allow you to feel more empowered, helping you to find a relationship that aligns with your true self. About Our Guest: Andrea Hill is a bullshit disturber, blindspot revealer, and love seeking missile. She guides you in doing the work required to have the love you desire. You might recognize Andrea from the very first podcast episode where I chatted with her and Jill Prescott about love, sex and relationships – and what a great conversation it was. In this episode Andrea and I talk about calling yourself out on your own bullshit.   Please note that there is some adult language in this episode so pop on those headphones! If you enjoyed our conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! You can also watch the video of our interview over on YouTube by clicking here. Resources: You can follow Andrea over on her website + social media: www.andreahill.love Find our more about Andrea’s “I Call Bullshit” program by clicking here. Instagram: @_andreahill_

What is the difference between an "exclusive companion" and "sex work"? In what ways to do those who work in the sex industry keep themselves as safe as possible?  In this episode of Uncomfortable, Deb chats with Amy Taylor, model and exclusive companion who answers the above questions. Amy also talks about her experience of dealing with haters on and offline and explains the pros and cons of legalizing the sex industry. About Amy: Amy Taylor is the an exclusive companion based in the United States.  She is an MBA, a commercial pilot, a several-time cover model on Playboy, Maxim, FHM, L’Officiel, and inside Esquire, GQ, and Sports Illustrated.  When she's not in front of the camera, she’s enjoying the sunny skies flying, keeping fit at her gym in Los Angeles, or at the beach playing with her dog.     Please note that there is some adult language in this episode so pop on those headphones! If you enjoyed our conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources: You can follow Amy over on her website + social media: www.amytaylor.com Instagram: @AmyTaylorLA Twitter: @amytaylor1 Facebook: @AmyTaylorinLA   If you are a sex worker looking for help out of an abusive environment, please contact www.SWOPUSA.org (in the USA) Or one of the organizations listed here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sex_worker_organizations

What does “Gender Identity” mean? And how could the decision to go through gender affirming surgery impact a relationship? In this episode of Uncomfortable, Deb chats with Vancouver’s favourite queer podcasters Sara & Chloe about Sara’s decision to go through gender affirming surgery. Sara talks us through their decision and why the surgery is important to them. And Chloe tells us how she felt when Sara shared this decision with her.     About Chloe & Sarah: Chloe is a queer, disabled feminist. She has worked in the non-profit sector for most of her adult life. In her free time, she produces and co-hosts the independent podcast Warriors, Bards N’ Brews with her spouse, Sara. The podcast was born of their mutual love of Xena: Warrior Princess and queer media in general (and their inability to stop talking about it). She is also a cohost of Feminist Killjoys: A Music Podcast  with Sara. She also enjoys photography, being a cat mom, and craft beer.   Sara is a grad school escapee who still studies pop culture and gender theory for fun. When not at work in the nonprofit sector and being a part-time beer wrangler, they cohost Warriors Bards ‘n Brews (A Xena Podcast) with their wife and homicidal housecat, and also cohost Feminist Killjoys: A Music Podcast. They also spend a lot of time yelling about queer things on the internet.      Resources: Make sure to check out Sara & Chloe’s podcasts: Warriors, Bards ‘n’ Brews Feminist Killjoys Follow them over on social media: Instagram @wwb_podcast and @fkjpodTwitter @wwb_podcast and @killjoyspod Other Resources: Trans Care BC  

How can parents help prevent sexual abuse happening to their kids? In this episode, Deb chats with Sexual Health Educator, Amy Lang. Amy helps educate parents and professionals about sexual abuse prevention by preparing them to have conversations about sex with children from a young age.  About Amy A sexual health educator for over 20 years, Amy Lang, MA helps parents of all beliefs talk with kids of any age about the birds and the bees. She also works with youth serving organizations and provides childhood sexuality and sexual abuse prevention training. Amy’s lively, engaging and down-to-earth style makes these uncomfortable topics easier to handle. Her professional clients include the US Air Force Youth and Family Services, Boys and Girls Clubs and numerous early childhood conferences and organizations. Amy’s talks, books, online solution center and podcast helps parents learn how to talk to their kids about this important and awkward part of life. Amy is still married to her first husband and they are getting the hang of parenting their teenage son. She lives in Seattle, WA. You can learn more about Amy and her work at BirdsAndBeesAndKids.com If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Find out more about Amy and her work by checking out her website, podcast and following her on social media: Website: www.birdsandbeesandkids.com Podcast: Just Say This!Phone in to ask a question: 1-206-926-1522 Facebook: @birdsbeeskids Twitter: @birdsandbees Books we mentioned: C is for Consent by Eleanor Morrison It’s My Body: A Book to Teach Young Children How to Resist Uncomfortable Touch by Lory Freeman I Can Play it Safe by Alison Feigh Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Porn-proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kirsten A. Jenson It’s So Amazing! A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies and Families by Robie H. Harris Other resources: MeetCircle.com – Parental Control for Devices ProtectYoungMinds.org Rainn.org StopItNow.org SavvyParentsSafeKids.com

The trauma of racial bullying can continue affecting people of colour for a long time. Jade Pattenden, who was born in Scotland and then moved to Canada at a young age, has used advice and techniques that she read in self-help books to overcome the trauma of bullying and even find empathy towards those who bullied her. In this episode, we chat with Jade about moving forward after bullying and discovering that what you were bullied for can be your biggest asset. About Jade Jade is the host of  “I’m an Adult, Now What?”, a podcast aimed at anyone who’s trying to find their way as an adult. She works in Vancouver as an actor, background actor and model. Jade is biracial immigrant who spent the first half of her life in Scotland, before moving to Canada. Through trial and error she has slowly been navigating adulthood and feels it’s important to process childhood traumas in order to move forward into a healthy adulthood. As always, there is some strong language in this episode so make sure to pop on those headphones. If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources: Find out more about Jade by checking out her website, podcast and following her on social media: Website: www.jadepattenden.com Podcast: I’m an adult, now what? Instagram: @jadepattenden Twitter: @jadepattenden Books we mentioned: Heal Your Body by Louise Hay

Stevie never expected to have a sexual awakening in her mid-forties, especially one that involved men in their 20’s. After coming out of a passionless marriage, she decided to try online dating in hopes for a conventional relationship with someone around her age. However, things didn’t quite go as planned and before she knew it, she had a whole bunch of young men knocking at her door.  About Stevie 44-year old Stevie came out of a long passionless marriage and decided to start dating. She set up a profile on the dating app Bumble, went on a few dates with guys around her age but wasn’t feeling it, so she paused the app and kept on living the single life. Little did she know that her young son had got into her phone and changed the age range of her suitors on the dating app to 20-30-year old’s and this launched her right into a sexual awakening! Heads up that there is definitely some adult content and language in this episode, so make sure to pop on those headphones!! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources Check out the Bumble App if you are looking to get back into dating! On Bumble women make the first move! Check out their article on How to stay safe on Bumble. Here are some great articles if you want to have lots of fun casual sex: The Unspoken Rules of Casual Sex – GQ Magazine What I learned from 10-years of 1-night stands – Shape.com A Guide to Safer 1-Night Stands – Clue

In this episode of Uncomfortable, Debbie chats with Wellness & Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer Jetty Nieuwenhuis about overcoming bulimia and self-doubt. About Jetty Jetty Nieuwenhuis is a wellness + nutrition coach and personal trainer who helps her clients get to the route of their self-doubt. Jetty had bulimia for over 20 years. After a long journey battling the illness, she began helping others who needed support. She has also suffered from Lyme Disease and is now a volunteer with the Lyme Disease Association of Alberta. I hope you enjoy this very empowering conversation but as always, there is some adult language, so make sure to pop your headphones on! You can also watch this episode over on our YouTube channel by clicking here.  If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources Find out more about Jetty over on her website and social media: www.trujetty.com Instagram: @trujetty Facebook: @trujetty Other Resources: Lisa A. Romano – Life Coach & Author

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, most of us find ourselves stuck at home in self-isolation and practicing social distancing. For some, working from home is normal, for others they’ve lost their jobs and are having to find ways of coping. In this episode of Uncomfortable, Debbie chats with numerous people in different situations to find out how they are coping with this unsettling situation.   About Our Guests Lisa Driver is a Spiritual Teacher, Author and mother of 2 very young ones living in Medicine Hat, AB. With her husband still having to head out to work, and no daycare available, Lisa finds herself having to juggle entertaining her kids while supporting her clients online. Thankfully due to her work and practice, Lisa has managed to balance find a good balance. She has also become a pillar of support for her community. You can find out more about Lisa and her work at www.lisadriver1111.com. Clea and Andy are two working professionals living in North Vancouver, BC. On a normal day, they would wake up and make their daily commute to the office. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they find themselves navigating working from home in their small 1-bedroom apartment. Back on Oct 18th, 2019, Jaymie Johnson embarked on a trip of a lifetime. She had planned an open-ended trip to Europe, mainly France. She came back to Canada unexpectedly on March 16th and is currently self-quarantined for two weeks in an AirBnB in Vancouver. She doesn’t have her own place and can’t risk compromising her family and friends. Peggy Liu is a freelance writer and past podcast guest! Peggy currently lives at home with her family including her parents and siblings. Daily life has become challenging as they all navigate being in the same space 24/7. Daniel Chai is a Vancouver based actor and writer who finds himself out of work due to COVID-19. With all this time on his hands, he is finding creative ways to engage with his friends and community. Lou Meggatio is a self-employed professional who is pretty used to working from home alongside her husband Adrian. Between them, they have three kids one of which is a teen who thinks that Christmas has come early because he doesn’t have to go to school or find a job! Make sure to follow Lou over on TikTok! You can also find out more about Lou at www.mandalaessentials.com Joella Cabalu is an independent filmmaker from Vancouver, BC and currently lives in a house with her partner and 2 housemates. With the requirement from the Canadian Government to stay inside, Joella is tempted to set goals and focus on new projects but wonders if this instead should be a time for self-reflection. I hope you enjoy this very empowering conversation but as always, there is some adult language, so make sure to pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Self-Isolation Tips Here is a list of tips and things to do while in social isolation: Call family + friends either using your phone, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Skype or Zoom. Try to stick to a routine, even if it’s a little different from your normal routine. Have a party using Google Hangouts or Zoom with your friends. Go for a walk with family or roommates or on your own if you need space. Host an online trivia night with your friends. Sign up for an online course and learn something new. Take an online fitness or yoga class. Give yourself permission to rest – you don’t have to be productive! Acknowledge that this is difficult – take it one day at a time. Wash your hands!! If you are feeling sick then please follow the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 If you are struggling to cope and don't have anyone to reach out to then here are some resources that may help: Crisis Canada Hotline at 1.833.456.4566. They have amazing trained volunteers available 24/7. For more information visit their website www.crisisservicescanada.ca. If you are having suicidal thoughts then please contact 1-800-SUICIDE. The LifeLine Canada Foundation also has a list of Canadian, USA and international crisis centres. Click here for a list of Suicide Crisis Hotlines in other countries.

Are you in a relationship that is "comfortable" but deep down something doesn't feel right? Do you want to leave your spouse but have been terrified to have the "conversation"? Then this episode is for you. In this episode of Uncomfortable, Debbie chats with Dr. Courtney Paré. Courtney, a licensed naturopathic doctor who went through a divorce in 2018. This made her realize how important relationships are to our wellbeing. She then began incorporating relationship coaching into her work. About Courtney After 6 years in private practice as a naturopathic doctor specializing in mental health and trauma work, Courtney witnessed the incredible power our core beliefs have over our health, happiness, and dreams, and that in shifting our beliefs we can shift our world. She began incorporating relationship coaching into the work with her patients after noticing that at the crux of many people’s struggles was the relationship they had with themselves, an intimate partner, or their family of origin. Courtney empowers motivated individuals to own their worth and desires, and deeply connect with themselves and others through living vulnerably and authentically. I hope you enjoy this very empowering conversation but as always, there is some adult language, so make sure to pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! You can catch the video of our conversation click here to head over to our YouTube channel!   Resources Find out more about Courtney and her work over on her website and social media: www.naturalhealthresourcesrichmond.com Instagram: @dr_courtney_pare Facebook: @drcourtneypare Other Resources: The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work by Dr. Terri Neil The Influential Women Podcast by Melanie Tonia-Evans

In this episode of Uncomfortable, Debbie chats with Eva Sweeney, creator of Cripping Up Sex with Eva. Eva is a genderqueer disabled female who works primarily as a sex educator and freelance writer. Eva started doing this work when she was a teen and realized that there was no information on how to integrate her sexuality with her disability.  About Eva Through her platform Cripping Up Sex With Eva, Eva Sweeney gives classes about sex and disability, topics that are not talked about nearly enough in our society. As a queer teen with cerebral palsy, Eva could not find adequate information about integrating her sexuality with her disability–so she created the information herself. She now has over 15 years of experience giving workshops all over the country about sex and disability. Through Cripping Up Sex With Eva, she continues to do workshops both in-person and online and she has an online store with pre-recorded classes. Additionally, she has two blogs: Cripping Up Reviews, where she reviews sex toys through an accessible lens, and Crip Q’s where she answers anonymous questions about sex and disability. As always we hope you enjoy this conversation but given the subject, there is some adult content, so make sure to pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! If you want to watch the video of our conversation click here to head over to our YouTube channel! Resources Find our more about Eva and her work over on her website and social media: www.crippingupsexwitheva.com Instagram: @crippingupsex Facebook: @crippingupsexwitheva Twitter: @crippingupsex Pinterest Other Resources: Podcast: Doing It! with Hannah Witton YouTube: Squirmy & Grubs Online Stores: We-Vibe Hot Octopuss

Imposter Syndrome is something that so many of us deal with. Not feeling “good enough” can stop us from pursuing a certain career, standing up for what we believe in, or even doing something fun like erotic dancing! In this episode, Debbie chats with Erica Courdae, Certified Coach and Entrepreneur. Erica’s work primarily focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She explains her take on Imposter Syndrome and speaks to how the lack of diversity in the media contributes to that deeply rooted feeling of “not being good enough”.  About Erica Erica Courdae has dedicated her life to expanding how others interact with the world through powerful conversations. As an entrepreneur + certified coach her work is frequently focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), imperfect allyship, and imposter syndrome. This work has taken her across the country onto stages and into communities as a key speaker and educator. Erica also has a podcast that features open conversation and dialogue on the topics of her work and more, Pause on the Play. Her support and leadership facilitates engaged conversations within 6 figure communities, international podcasts, and live events to connect people and create change. As always we hope you enjoy this conversation but there is plenty of adult language, so make sure to pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources Find our more about Erica and her work over on her website and social media: www.ericacourdae.com Instagram: @ericacourdae Facebook: @ericacourdae And don’t miss Erica’s upcoming Ideal Client Workshop where she will help you dig deep and figure out your values! Subscribe to Erica & India’s podcast Pause on the Play! Other Resources: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Do you consider your birthplace to be part of your identity? What happens when you move away from that place? Do you lose part of who you are? Or are you recreating your identity? What does it mean to be a settler in Canada? In this episode, Debbie chats with Victoria Spooner, radio show host, musician and fellow Brit who moved to Canada 7.5 years ago. Victoria struggles with homesickness and trying to figure out her identity. About Victoria Victoria Spooner is a communications professional, musician and broadcaster from South London, currently living in Vancouver on unceded, Coast Salish territory. Victoria hosts The Storytelling Show, She-Boom! and Last Orders on Vancouver Co-op Radio. She also makes radio, audio docs, podcasts, songs and the best cup of tea you’ve ever tasted. Victoria and Debbie explore homesickness and how it is connected to one's sense of identity. As always we hope you enjoy this conversation but there is plenty of adult language, so make sure to pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources Find our more about Victoria over on her social media profiles: Twitter @urban_sorceress Instagram @urbansorceress Mix Cloud: www.mixcloud.com/victoriaspooner/   Podcasts: Red Man Laughing with Ryan McMahon The Adam Buxton Podcast

We all learned about the birds and the bees at some point – at school, on YouTube, from our friends, or *cringe* from THAT TALK with our parents. But maybe talking sex with your parents or kids doesn’t have to be that weird? In this episode, Debbie chats with Kim Cook, sex educator, nurse, and author of Teen World Confidential, about how parents (and their kids) can normalize conversations about sex, relationships, masturbation, identity, and more! National Sex Education day is on February 2. Take up the challenge and spend 10 minutes talking to your kids about sex. About Kim Kim Cook, the author of Teen World Confidential: Five Minute Topics to Open Conversation about Sex and Relationships, is a Certified Health Education Specialist and a former elementary school nurse. As an educator, she supports parents to have healthy and productive conversations about sex and relationships with their kids. Understanding that parents often need support to get the conversations started, she has initiated the National Sex Education Day campaign, which encourages parents to spend just ten minutes engaging in age-appropriate conversations with their children on February 2nd. This is a fun and educational conversation. However, if you don't want to talk about sex with your kids just yet, then you might want to pop your headphones on!  Resources Find our more about Kim over on her websites and social media: www.teenworldconfidential.com www.nationalsexeducationday.com Twitter @twconfidential Instagram @twconfidential Books: Teen World Confidential: Five Minute Topics to Open Conversation About Sex and Relationships by Kim T. Cook Condom Nation: The U.S. Government’s Sex Education Campaign from World War I to the Internet by Alexandra M. Lord Podcasts: 6-Minute Sex Ed with Kim Cavill Sex Positive Families with Melissa Carnagey Websites: Amaze.org Planned Parenthood Family Planning UK Centre for Disease Control (USA) PFLAG.org Check out the resources page on Kim’s website for a list of resources as well as some great videos!! 

In this episode of Uncomfortable, Debbie chats with Toni King-Rose, an advocator for Transgender Rights within funeral and death care services and offers peer support for Trans people working in the death care industry.  About Toni: Toni is a 20-year-old, male-identifying, openly transgender funeral student currently going through an accredited Canadian mortuary Program. He works part-time at an independent retirement living complex as a housekeeper and friend and volunteers with Dying With Dignity Canada. Toni believes that it’s never too early in life to start talking about your own death and about the deaths of others.  And how all genders need to be involved in the conversations. I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always, do note that there is some adult content, so when listening, it’s best to pop on those headphones!   Resources Make sure to follow Toni over on his social media sites: Twitter @transdeathcare Instagram @transdeathcare WillowEOL – www.willoweol.comCheck out their interview with Debbie here. BC Funeral Association Trans Doe Task Force GLAAD – GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. Trans Pulse Canada – a community-based survey of the health and well-being of trans and non-binary people in Canada.  

In this episode of Uncomfortable, Debbie chats with Merideth Bisiker, a Certified Money Coach. We talk about money, taxes, and what to think about when you are an entrepreneur. About Meredith For the past 25 years, Merideth Bisiker has been working in banking, finance and accounting…and loves it! As Payroll Compliance Practitioner (Canadian Payroll Association), she is currently pursuing the Chartered Personal Accountant designation. Merideth is passionate about the stories that “the numbers” tell her clients and provides up-to-date information that allows them to make confident decisions. And as a Certified Money Coach (CMC)®, she’s able to support her clients as they implement changes in their businesses that feel equally exciting and daunting. She especially enjoys working with creatives who aren’t keen on numbers and reports, and who want a simple yet effective “translation” of the numbers.  In this episode we talk about…. ”money”….you guessed it! We do specifically talk about business owners & Entrepreneurs and why the money conversation can be very uncomfortable! I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always, do note that there is some adult content, so when listening, it’s best to pop on those headphones!   Resources Find out more about Merideth and the work that she does over on her website: www.pacificrockaccounting.com You can contact Merideth at info@pacificrockaccounting.com if you have any questions or if you are interested in working with her! Other resources: Canada Revenue AgencyClick here to find out more about the Canada Revenue Agency Liason Officer Service. Your Mental Wealth website by Ted and Brad Klonz Business Development of Canada Community Futures Britsh Columbia Futurpreneur CanadaClick here to view the Futurpreneur Business Plan Writer

In this episode of Uncomfortable, Debbie chats with Erica and Sana from the Systers With A Why podcast. The sisters share their experience growing up in a single-parent household and why they don’t feel the need to look for their father. Systers With A Why is a podcast where two sisters, Erica and Sana, casually chat about the “Why’s” of life while questioning themselves and others. You can find it on all of your favourite podcast players! In this episode, we chat about absent parents. Both Sana and Erica were raised by their mom as their dad left when they were very young. They’ve never felt a connection to him and never felt the need to find him. Now with kids of their own, they wonder if children should try to find and reconnect with a parent who left. I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always, do note that there is some adult content, so when listening, it’s best to pop on those headphones! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources Make sure to subscribe to their podcast: Systers With A Why on Libsyn You can follow Systers With A Why on social media: Instagram @systerswithawhyTwitter @systerswithawhy

In this episode of Uncomfortable, Debbie chats with Chastity Davis, a mixed heritage woman of First Nations and European descent. We chat about reconciliation and what it means both politically and individually.  About Chastity Chastity Davis is a mixed heritage woman of First Nations and European descent. A proud member of the Tla’amin Nation, located in Powell River just off the beautiful Sunshine Coast of BC. Chastity strives to keep her sacred First Nations culture, traditions, and values incorporated into her modern-day life. She has dedicated my life to facilitate the building of bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. In this episode, we talk about truth & reconciliation, what it means both politically and individually. I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always, do note that there is some adult content, so when listening, it’s best to pop on those headphones! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources Make sure to head over to Chastity’s website to find our more about her work: www.chastitydavis.com You can follow Chastity on social media: Instagram @chastity_davisTwitter @CDavisConsult Other articles/reports: The Indian Act – WikipediaUnited Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous PeoplesNational Centre for Truth & ReconciliationTruth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action Indigenous Podcasts: Unreserved with Rosanna Deerchild, CBC PodcastAll My Relations with Matika Wilbur & Adrienne KeeneRed Man Laughing with Ryan McMahonMétis in Space with Molly Swain & Chelsea Vowel   

In this episode of Uncomfortable, we chat with Madeleine Shaw, co-founder of Lunapads. Lunapads is a Vancouver based business that manufactures reusable menstrual products. We discuss period products, myths, shame, period poverty and, so much more! About Our Guest: Madeleine Shaw, the co-founder of Lunapads. Lunapads create reusable alternatives to disposable pads & tampons featuring modern washable cloth pads, magical leak-free period undies, and menstrual cups. Madeleine is not only one part of the driving force behind this powerful ethical brand, she is also the Founder and Creative Director of G Day for Girls, a global social movement where Girls and their Champions can come together to welcome, witness and receive Girls as they enter the next phase of their life journey. I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always, do note that there is some adult content so when listening, it’s best to pop on those headphones! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Find out more about Lunapads by visiting www.lunapads.ca You can follow Lunapads on social media: Instagram @lunapads Twitter @lunapadsFacebook @LunapadsPinterest @lunapads To find out more about GDay visit www.gday.world   Other cool links and articles we touched on in the podcast: Seeking Ceremony – creating ceremony around special events and life milestones. Afripads – leading manufacture and largest commercial supplier across Africa of reusable pads. The Period Promise Campaign – Period Promise campaign by United Way to reduce the isolation created by period poverty, in our own neighbourhoods. The Period Purse – The Period Purse strives to achieve menstrual equity by providing marginalized menstruators with access to free menstrual products, and to reduce the stigma surrounding periods through public education and advocacy. Article: If Men Could Menstruate by Gloria Steinem Free Bleeding Post from Lunapad’s social media.

In this episode of Uncomfortable, we talk to De’Nicea Hilton, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Holistic Period & Fertility Strategist. We chat about “Period Bypassing” a term coined by De’Nicea during her work with women around menstrual cycles.  About De'Nicea: Imagine a place where girls, teens and women walk around completely aware of themselves, Being Whole, and so comfortable fully expressing their Authentic Selves. They’re exuding confidence and loving who they are. And to think…it all started with learning about their menstrual cycle.  De’Nicea Hilton is the host of Period Bypassing, where the practice is to Educate, Embrace and Embody Holistic Menstrual Health.  Through her experience as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Holistic Period & Fertility Strategist, De’Nicea noticed girls, teens and women were living with unpleasant menstrual cycles, confused about themselves, unaware of their bodies and living fragmented – the effects of Period Bypassing™. However, this shifted when they learned about their menstrual cycle.  Transcending Period Bypassing™, the Flow-Asis is filled with all sorts of opportunities to learn Holistic Menstrual Health in group mentorship or be personally guided one-to-one in syncing with and harmonizing your cycle for Menstrual Cycle Conditions and Fertility Challenges.  De’Nicea teaches a multi-faceted perspective of the menstrual cycle that shatters the belief of what’s been accepted as “normal” for what is healthy. In the Flow-Asis, De’Nicea opens their eyes to creating a life FOR her rather than accepting things being done TO her by using the Menstrual Cycle as her guide – detecting cues and listening to messages of what her Mind, Body and Spirit are saying she needs. While women have been searching all over for the answers to her questions about her Cycle, Fertility and overall Health, De’Nicea helps her see that the answers have been within her the whole time. She just needs to know how to access and interpret it. Resources: Feel free to connect with De’Nicea over on her website and social media: www.deniceahilton.com www.periodbypassing.com Instagram @deniceahiltonTwitter @DeNiceaHiltonFacebook @DeNiceaHilton Check out the Period Bypassing Podcast: http://periodbypassing.libsyn.com/ Article: Women who stop taking the Pill can find their partners less attractive - The Telegraph.  

This episode comes to you live from the Climate Strike in Vancouver. Debbie is joined by marching buddies Jessica Roberts-Farina and Peggy Liu as well as over 100,000 others from Vancouver as they strike and march for Climate Action. About Peggy: Peggy Liu is a writer, story-teller, self-proclaimed bibliophile, and mediocre advice-giver. When she isn’t digging her way to the bottom of a peanut butter jar or walking around Vancouver with her camera, she’s analyzing and over-analyzing relationship dynamics, cognitive and behavioural patterns, as well as her life choices. She recently completed her undergrad in English Literature at UBC, where she was a mental health columnist for the student newspaper, The Ubyssey. You can find her Mind Your Mind articles on The Ubyssey blog. She’s currently working on her first book, to be finished when she can stop overthinking her ideas! About Jessica:   Jessica Roberts-Farina is a communications and marketing professional born and raised in Vancouver. Her journey into tracking her cervical fluid began in May after experiencing a complete breakdown of her health and a decision to take control of her health and wellbeing. When not tracking her menstrual cycles, Jess spends her time dancing, birding, and trying to be best friends with all the dogs in her neighbourhood.   Resources: The Vancouver Climate Strike was organized by Sustainabiliteens Vancouver and Climate Strike Canada. This strike, along with others that took place around the world were in response to Greta Thunberg's call to action. Sixteen children from across the world are petitioning the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child to hold five of the world’s leading economic powers accountable for inaction on the climate crisis. #ChildrenVsClimateCrisis Find out more: www.childrenvsclimatecrisis.org.   What can you do? In this episode, Jess, Peggy and I discuss small actions that we can personally take to reduce our carbon footprint and plastic consumption. Here are some of our suggestions: Reduce meat consumption; Shop at clothing swaps (also known as swishing parties); Become part of a community kitchen. Here is a link to resources from the City of Vancouver's website; Reduce your use of plastics by switching to reusable containers, water bottles, mugs, steel straws, beeswax wraps, etc.  Where possible, take transit, bike or walk instead of driving; Speak to your bank regarding your investments. Where are your dollars going? What are they funding? Consider switching to a Credit Union or Bank that invests in green energy and environmental initiatives.  What steps do you take? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

In this episode we chat with Cate from the Swinging Down Under podcast! Cate, and her partner Darrell are the hosts of the non-monogamous podcast Swinging Down Under. They started their journey in 2014 and wanted to pay it forward by chronicling our journey from monogamy into Non-Monogamy. In their podcast they share their own stories mixed in with interviews from other non-monogamous, sex positive or curious couples, educators and more. In this episode of Uncomfortable, we chat with Cate specifically about masturbation. We talk techniques, orgasm and discuss why it’s still considered taboo despite its many health benefits!!   About Cate Cate is the co-host of Swinging Down Under with her partner Darrell. They have been together for a little over 10 years now, and started their relationship as a monogamous couple. In 2014 they started the Swinging Lifestyle Podcast and since then they’ve had so much fun helping curious couples and singles navigate their way around the consensual non-monogamous lifestyle.  They are avid travellers and enjoy experiencing life together, you’ll either find them at a wine bar, indoor rock climbing, scuba diving or cooking at home with friends. They are childfree by choice and currently live in Asia (Singapore).  In their podcast they talk about their global ‘swinging around the world’ sexual adventures, share and rate events they attend (or host) and talk about everything from what condoms and lube they’re using right now through to double penetration, pussy health and that time that Cate fell off the sex swing.   In this episode, Cate and Debbie discuss masturbation! We hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always there is some adult language so when listening, it’s recommended that you pop your headphones on!   Resources Podcast + Website: Podcast: Swinging Down UnderWebsite: www.swingingdownunder.com Social Media: Twitter: @swingingdownunderInstagram: @swingingdownunderFacebook: @swingingdownunder Resources + things we mentioned in the episode: Articles: Was It Good For Me? by Liz Goldwyn for airmail.news The Sexual Art of Using Your Fingers by lovepanky.com Solo Sex by cosmopolitan.com Research & Facts: 2011 Medical Study – Prevalence, Frequency, and Associations of Masturbation With Partnered Sexual Behaviors Among US Adolescents 9 Surprising Facts About Female Masturbation by health.com Female Masturbation: Facts, Benefits and Risks by practo.com   Cate’s Toy Recommendations: Pipedream Silicone Mini Wand Satisfyer Pro   Got any resources on masturbation that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! Thanks!

In this episode we chat to Nadia La Russa. Nadia describes herself as a "spiritually traditional" wife, meaning that she lives by the bible's definition of being a wife: " Wives must submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord". (Colossians 3:18). Nadia explains what this means and how it works for her relationship and that choosing this type of relationship doesn’t mean that she isn’t a feminist.   About Nadia Nadia La Russa is a successful serial entrepreneur. She owns several companies in Thunder Bay, Ontario, all of which are leaders in their respective markets. Nadia has received several awards for her work in this community, including the 2014 Nova “Top 20 Under 40” and the Northern Ontario Business Women’s 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year. She is a mother of 5, volunteer birth doula and wife to one incredibly patient man. As a woman of faith, Nadia calls herself a “spiritually traditional” wife, meaning that she allows her husband to be head of the household. In the bible, this is referred to as being “submissive” but Nadia doesn’t feel that term really represents their relationship. Of course, I was anxious to know more! I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always there is some adult language so when listening, it's recommended that you pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources Feel free to connect with Nadia over on her website & social media: Follow Nadia on Instagram @nadia_la_russaFollow Nadia on Twitter @NadiaLaRussa Find out more about Nadia by visiting www.nadialarussa.com

In this episode we talk to Jason Van Orden. Jason is a successful entrepreneur who openly talks about his struggles with ADHD & anxiety. Jason speaks to how these mental health disorders affect his business and the tools that he uses to cope.  About Our Guest: Jason helps thought leaders to reach a larger audience with their ideas, create new income streams from their expertise, and build business models that align with their values and goals. As a consultant, trainer, and strategist, he draws from more than fourteen years of researching top Internet influencers and experimenting with his own personal experience. His experience includes creating multiple successful brands, launching over 60 online courses, teaching more than 10,000 entrepreneurs, generating 6 million dollars in online course sales, and 8 million downloads of his podcast. His mission is to help visionaries with impactful ideas to connect with the people they serve best and the problems they can most uniquely solve.   In this episode, Jason shares his struggles with anxiety and ADHD. He talks about how they affect his work as an entrepreneur and what tools he uses to help cope.  I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always there is some adult language so when listening, it’s recommended that you pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources Feel free to connect with Jason over on his website: www.jasonvanorden.com And social media channels: Facebook @jasonwvanordenInstagram @jasonvoTwitter @jasonvo Resources we mentioned in the episode: ADHD Rewired PodcastThe Anxiety Coaches Podcast Internal Family Systems Self Compassion by Kristin Neff Ph.D. Brené Brown's Website

In this episode we chat with Lisa & Paula from TrufElle about igniting your sensuality. TrufElle is a movement that provides the tools through chocolates, resources, network connections and events to facilitate the awakening of your inner desires and sexuality.   About our Guests: TrufElle is a movement that provides the tools through chocolates, resources, net-work connections and events to facilitate the awakening of your inner desires and sexuality. Lisa met her husband while still in high school. After 25 years she was well aware that she needed to find ways to keep the passion exciting in her marriage. She started to experiment with cannabis and chocolate as aphrodisiacs. And the results…..well I leave that to Lisa to talk about in the episode! Paula was fortunate enough to be the guinea pig that helped Lisa perfect her delicious TrufElle chocolates. After experiencing the benefits of TrufElle these two ladies also became inspired to learn more about and share in the discussions of sensuality.   I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always there is some adult language so when listening, it’s recommended that you pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Feel free to connect with TrufElle over on social media: Instagram @desiretrufelleFacebook @desiretrufelle Find out more about TrufElle and check out their upcoming events by visiting www.trufelle.com. Dr. Petra Zebroff, Ph.D. The Arousal Types ProjectClick here to take the Arousal Test  

In this episode we chat to four millennials who currently struggle or who have struggled with their career. Millennials get a bad rap for not settling in one career or trying to do too many things at once. Is it a millennial thing? Are we just indecisive? Do we just have FOMO? Or do we just take on too much because have one steady job is no longer realistic?   About Our Guests: Jessica Roberts-Farina Jessica Roberts-Farina is a communications and marketing professional born and raised in Vancouver. Her journey into tracking her cervical fluid began in May after experiencing a complete breakdown of her health and a decision to take control of her health and wellbeing. When not tracking her menstrual cycles, Jess spends her time dancing, birding, and trying to be best friends with all the dogs in her neighbourhood.   Sabrina Miso Born and raised in Rome, Sabrina moved from Italy to Vancouver with a one-way ticket in 2013. A lifelong learner and a multi-potentialite, she loves telling stories with words and images and connecting people around what matters. She is a freelance content strategist, a community builder, and a self-taught photographer with a passion for society&culture, urban planning, social innovation, and sustainability. As a freelance consultant, she is committed to working with mission-driven organizations and local businesses that align with her values for making the world a better place and for building inspired communities. With her work as a photographer, she wants to celebrate creativity and humanity, support local businesses that do good for the planet and for the community, and capture the beauty that is all around us. Her website: sabrinamiso.com Her photography website: sabrinamisocreative.mypixieset.com   Philip Volna Philip is a Ukrainian digital content strategist, self-help consultant, and entrepreneur. He is also the author and founder of the website lifetomake.com. From a very young age Philip felt very lost and suffered from depression. At around the age of 14 he felt pressure to figure out what career path to take but didn’t know what he really wanted to do. At such a young age he noticed his family and other families struggling from paycheque to paycheque and he knew that he didn’t want the same. Torry Torry is a young professional working in Victoria, BC. She hosts a podcast called Ready to be Petty, which discusses reality tv, celebrity gossip, pop culture, and stories that have happened in her life (all things petty, after all). In a world that often deems women’s interests as superficial and fangirl culture as unintelligent, Torry is attempting to be real and honest about her passions and interests, in hopes that you will join her. She is ready to make your morning commute a lot more fun. You can listen on your favourite podcast app and follow her podcasting journey via social media here: https://linktr.ee/rtbppodcast.   Resources Feel free to connect with our guests over on their websites & social media profiles: Jessica Roberts-Farina Connect with Jess over on her Linkedin   Sabrina Miso Website: www.sabrinamiso.com Follow Sabrina on Twitter @SabrinaMiso Follow Sabrina on Instagram @SabrinaMiso   Philip Volna Website: www.lifetomake.com Follow Philip on Twitter @PhilipVolna Follow Philip on Facebook @Philip.Volna   Torry Podcast: Ready to be Petty on Apple Podcasts Follow Ready to be Petty on Facebook @rtbppodcast Follow Ready to be Petty on Twitter @rtbppodcast

In this episode we talk to Rebecca Ching about shame & vulnerability. Rebecca is a therapist, speaker, writer, leadership consultant and workshop facilitator. We chat about how shame is ground zero to most uncomfortable topics and what we can do to move through shame. About Rebecca: Rebecca Ching is a therapist, speaker, writer, leadership consultant and workshop facilitator. She is the CEO and founder of Potentia Family Therapy, Inc. – which is a brick and mortar integrated mental health practice based in San Diego California. She is also starting a new venture working with business leaders where she helps them navigate the intersection of mindset and mental health in their communities via her Integrated Leadership Collective – based on systems theory, the research of Brené Brown, PhD, and Internal Family Systems. Prior to working as a therapist, she worked in Washington, DC for a United States Senator, in NYC as an advertising account executive and in Zurich, Switzerland as an Area Director for an international youth organization. All of her previous professional experience fuels her work clinical and consultation work today. She lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and their two children where they enjoy cooking, going to farmers markets, all things ocean and outdoor sports.  I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always there is some adult language so when listening, it’s recommended that you pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Find out more about Rebecca: Websites: www.rebeccaching.comwww.potentiatherapy.com Social Media Follow Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccachingmftFollow Rebecca on Facebook @rebeccachingmftFollow Rebecca on Twitter @rbassching Follow Potentia Therapy on Instagram @potentiatherapyFollow Potentia Therapy on Facebook @PotentiaTherapy Other links: Tim Ferris Podcast with Brené Brown    Crisis Canada Hotline at 1.833.456.4566. They have amazing trained volunteers available 24/7. For more information visit their website www.crisisservicescanada.ca. If you are having suicidal thoughts then please contact 1-800-SUICIDE. The LifeLine Canada Foundation also has a list of Canadian, USA and international crisis centres. Click here for a list for a list of Suicide Crisis Hotlines in other countries.   Got any resources on shame & vulnerability that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! Thanks!

In this episode we talk to content writer and blogger Philip Volna who at a very young age, felt lost and uncertain about his future. When Philip was just 14 years old, he struggled with depression as he felt that he needed to have his career path all figured out.    About Philip: Philip is a Ukrainian digital content strategist, self-help consultant, and entrepreneur. He is also the author and founder of the website lifetomake.com. From a very young age Philip felt very lost and suffered from depression. At around the age of 14 he felt pressure to figure out what career path to take but didn’t know what he really wanted to do. At such a young age he noticed his family and other families struggling from paycheque to paycheque and he knew that he didn't want the same.    I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always, do note that there is some adult language so when listening, it’s best to pop on those headphones! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources Feel free to connect with Philip over on his website & social media profiles: www.lifetomake.com Follow Philip on Twitter @PhilipVolnaFollow Philip on Facebook @Philip.Volna

In this episode we talk to Lorie Corcuera who back in 2012 called off her wedding. It wasn’t until her partner asked her to marry him, she realized that the relationship wasn’t right for her. Calling off her wedding, and choosing herself over pleasing everyone else, gave her the strength to leave her job, create a successful business and become a coach and a mentor.    About Lorie: Lorie Corcuera is the Co-Founder and CEO at SPARK Creations & Company Inc., a training and development organization that inspires people and companies to create meaningful cultures and workplaces. Over the past 20 years, Lorie has cultivated her people and culture development, community relations, and leadership coaching experience as both a strategic and progressive senior human resources leader and business consultant in the technology, interactive entertainment, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, professional services, and non-profit space. Lorie has a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Administration from the University of British Columbia, is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) with The Coaches Training Institute (CTI), is a Certified Emergenetics Associate with Emergenetics International, an active mentor for Futurpreneur Canada, Dress for Success Vancouver, HR Tech Group, Young Women in Business and Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, and Co-Founder of the social enterprise Enspire Foundation. Lorie is passionate about elevating the life experience at work and cultivating a community that is igniting and enriching our human spirit. To learn more, go to sparkcreationsinc.com.   I hope that you enjoy our conversation but as always there is some adult language so when listening, it’s recommended that you pop your headphones on! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Feel free to connect with Lorie over on social media: Follow Lorie on Instagram @loriec8Follow Lorie on Twitter @loriecorcuera Follow Spark Creations on Instagram @sparkcreationsFollow Spark Creations on Twitter @startyourspark Find out more about Spark Creations by visiting www.sparkcreationsinc.com

In this episode we talk to Julia Kovacs who explains the history and intentions behind Tantra and Tantric Sex. Julia is an intimacy coach who's mission is to change the paradigms of the public’s perception of sex. About Julia Julia is dedicated to empowering everyone to live life orgasmically. She accomplishes this by working with men and women individually, and in groups, to overcome their past conditioning related to intimacy. The goal is to teach people how to live an orgasmic life each moment of their waking hour connected to this potent often unharnessed life force energy. Julia works to change the paradigms of the public’s perception of sex, evolving from shameful junk sex to sacred gourmet sex through creating a bridge between various traditions.    As an intimacy coach, she will give you hands on training, as well as counseling and gently guide you through your own or couple’s sexual blocks to open the door to your  bliss and live in this human body to its best potential.  If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Feel free to connect with Julia over on her websites & social media profiles: www.juliakovacs.com www.soulsexy.life   Join the SoulSexy.Life Facebook group by clicking here.    Check out Julia & Trufelle's upcoming event on June 14, 2019 - Explore your Yoniverse   Other Resources: Orgasmic Meditation: www.onetaste.us   Books: Future Sex: A new kind of free love by Emily Witt Calling in “The One”: 7 Weeks to Attract the Love of Your Life by Katherine Woodward Thomas   Got any resources on tantra, orgasmic meditation and/or sex that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! 

In this episode of Uncomfortable, we chat to Heidi who has been a sex worker for 10 years. Heidi shares details of her life as a sex worker and sugar baby and explains how she has found empowerment, boundary setting and financial independence through the many lessons sex working has provided. About Heidi: Heidi is a 30 year old queer woman and has been a sex worker on/off for the last 10 years. Originally she was drawn to the double life that sex work provided, and found it a useful tool to quit the 9-5 work she had a hard time committing to. Now she uses it as a way to support herself while she grows her photography business. Heidi is lucky to have found empowerment, boundary setting and financial independence through the many lessons sex working has provided. She is currently writing a chapbook of her experiences.    Resources: Read more about the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA): https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1693 Read more about the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA): https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1865  Got any resources on sex work that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page!   

In this episode I talk to Shannon MacFarlane. Shannon remembers suffering from endometriosis from as young as 12 years old. Since then she has been diagnosed with three other chronic illnesses. Shannon is also a mother who’s son also suffers from a chronic illness. Shannon shares her journey and what her day-to-day life is like living with illnesses that others struggle to understand.  About Shannon: Shannon lives, loves, and plays in Tacoma, WA, USA, with her husband, son, and kitties. As much as she wouldn’t wish chronic illness on anyone, she’s grateful for the opportunity to rebuild her life around what feels good from day to day and learn to really listen to her body. In this episode, Shannon shares her day-to-day life and explains how chronic illness can be detriment as well as a blessing. If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources Feel free to connect with Shannon over on her website and Facebook: Website: www.slobberedlens.comFacebook: @slobberedlens This Is Not What I Ordered is a podcast about living with chronic illness. The host, Lauren Selfridge, lives with a chronic illness herself and is a psychotherapist – she brings compassion and insight to her interviews with others. https://laurenselfridge.com/   The Mighty publishes many first-person experiences and resources of many kinds of illness (and different abilities). https://themighty.com/   Got any resources on chronic illness that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page!   

In this episode we explore ethical non-monogamy. I was lucky enough to chat with Tori and Soul of the Torrid Souls podcast. Tori and Soul are a same sex, bi-sexual, ethical non-monogamous couple. They have been together for many years but just recently got married. This was an incredibly fun convo that was highly educational! About Tori & Soul: Tori and Soul are a passionately married couple.  Like many of you they navigate all the normal things of life like family and work.  Perhaps, not so like you, is that they are a same-sex female couple who are both bisexual and are exploring the sexually social and adventurous swinging lifestyle. They happen to have a podcast.  Because they love people and love to try new and different things, they use their experiences to help ignite curiosity and encourage others to open their minds just a wee bit wider.    The Torrid Souls podcast is for couples who are deeply in love with each other and want to explore more ways of being sexually open by using ethical non-monogamy to enhance their relationship. Couples who are curiously considering the swinging lifestyle as well as those completely comfortable in it, can enjoy hearing how they navigate being sexy with each other and sometimes with others.    The intention of their podcast is to inspire other couples to open up to their own torrid soul, to get to know themselves even more, feel more passion, and live a sexier more connected life.  Since joining the lifestyle they say that they are even better together.   This was a really fun conversation to have! I hope that you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Feel free to connect with Tori & Soul over on their website & social media profiles: Website: www.torridsouls.comMake sure to check out the Torrid Souls podcast over on iTunes! Instagram: @TorridSoulsTwitter: @TorridSouls Got any resources on the ethical non-monogamous lifestyle that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! 

Gail was 24 when she unexpectedly fell pregnant. She was in the middle of university, wasn’t in a great financial position, therefore decided to have an abortion. Over 10 years later, she still feels regret over her decision. In this episode Gail shares her story and talks to the lack of education around the topic of abortion.  In this episode I chat with Gail who shares her experience and feelings around having an abortion. Back in 2008 when she was a full-time university student training to become a nurse, Gail fell pregnant. Not really knowing what to do about it she turned to her support network who suggested that she have an abortion due to the fact that she was in school, wasn’t in a financially strong place in her life. Over 10 years later and Gail feels regret over having the abortion. In our conversation Gail talks about the experience she had with medical practitioners at the time, her regret, and the struggles she felt post-abortion. This episode is a very emotional one, but this is a topic that needs to move out of the uncomfortable category! If you have gone through an abortion or a miscarriage, please know that you are not along and that there is help out there. I’ll post some resources on our show notes page. Please make sure to take care of yourself during and after the episode. I hope that you enjoy our conversation but do note that there is some adult language so when listening, it’s best to pop on those headphones! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Post-abortion workbooks: A Season to Heal: Help and Hope for Those Working Through Post-Abortion Stress by Luci Freed and Penny Yvonne Salazar-Phillips Living in Color: The Goal of Post-Abortion Recovery by Jenny McDermid Movie: Vera Drake - a story of a working-class woman in the 1950's who performs illegal abortions. Websites & Helplines: OptionLine - After Abortion Support - they also have a helpline: 1-800-712-HELP and you can use their search function to find centres in your area.  AfterAbortion.org - they have a list of healing programs and articles. National helpline for abortion recovery, toll-free: 1-866-482-5433 If you have any resources on post-abortion recovery that you’d love to share, then please add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! 

In this episode of Uncomfortable, I chat with Vancouver writer Peggy Liu. Peggy and I discuss how childhood trauma and learned behaviours can affect intimacy and vulnerability in relationships.  About Peggy: Peggy is a writer, story-teller, self-proclaimed bibliophile, and mediocre advice-giver. When she isn't digging her way to the bottom of a peanut butter jar or walking around Vancouver with her camera, she's analyzing and over-analyzing relationship dynamics, cognitive and behavioural patterns, as well as her life choices. She recently completed her undergrad in English Literature at UBC, where she was a mental health columnist for the student newspaper, The Ubyssey. You can find her Mind Your Mind articles on The Ubyssey blog. She's currently working on her first book, to be finished when she can stop overthinking her ideas!   I hope that you enjoy our conversation but do note that there is some adult language so when listening, it’s best to pop on those headphones!   Resources Feel free to connect with Peggy over on her blog & Instagram: Website: www.waxmepoetic.blogspot.com Instagram: @waxmepoetic Make sure to check out Peggy's articles: Mind Your Mind: A recipe for self careMind Your Mind: Self-care doesn't have to mean Netflix aloneSome Days You Are In Pain, And That's OKWhy Highly Sensitive People May Struggle With Codependency   Book Recommendation: Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find--and Keep--Love by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller Vulnerability & Relationships: The Power of Vulnerability - Brené BrownHealthyPlace.com - Relationships CommunityBustle.com - Relationships Mental Health Resources: BC Association of Clinical CounsellorsCanadian Mental Health AssociationJericho CounsellingLifeLine Canada Foundation Got any resources on trauma, intimacy, and vulnerability in relationships that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! 

Andrina Tisi, owner of www.wholelicious.com, is a health & lifestyle coach, yoga teacher & Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner based in Zurich, Switzerland. In this episode We chat with Andrina Tisi about the shame around money and the emotional toll an inheritance can present. Andrina lost her dad when she we just 15, then her brother just a few years ago. Even though she can live comfortable from the inheritance that was left to her, she would give it all back just to spend another 5 minutes with them. ⁣ Andrina had opens about the emotions she felt around receiving an inheritance when her dad passed away and how it brought a lot of guilt and shame. We also chat about how money, regardless of circumstances, can solve problems, create problems and bring about strong emotions and feelings. Please note that this episode contains adult language. We recommend you pop your headphones on while listening!   Resources Feel free to connect with Andrina over on her website & social media profiles: Website: www.wholelicious.com Instagram: @wholeliciousFacebook: @wholeliciousTwitter: @andrinactisi Got any resources on money and shame that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! 

In this episode we explore Cervical Fluids. I love this topic and am so happy that I found Jessica Roberts-Farina who is an avid fan of tracking her cervical fluids! We chat about the stigma around this topic and go into detail on the types of fluids and what they can mean.   Jessica Roberts-Farina is a communications and marketing professional born and raised in Vancouver. Her journey into tracking her cervical fluid began in May after experiencing a complete breakdown of her health and a decision to take control of her health and wellbeing. When not tracking her menstrual cycles, Jess spends her time dancing, birding, and trying to be best friends with all the dogs in her neighbourhood. In this episode, Jessica and I get into detail about cervical fluids. Please note that neither Jessica or I are medical professionals. We are speaking solely from our own research and experience. If you do feel that there is something abnormal about your cervical fluid, then please consult a medical professional. We do get into some graphic details in this episode, and as always there is some adult language so make sure to pop your headphones on! Enjoy! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources Feel free to connect with Jessica over on her LinkedIn account.  We highly recommend the following apps for tracking your period and cervical fluids (again, we are not being paid by either of these companies): Clue:www.helloclue.comGet the app over on the App Store Flo: www.flo.health.comGet the app over on the App Store Got any resources on cervical fluids that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! 

In this episode we explore Anal Health. Thanks to Kerin "KB" Berger Founder of Queer MEDucation who answers our questions specifically around Anal Sex, the risks involved, and how to do it safely. Kerin "KB" Berger is the founder of Queer MEDucation, a website and podcast about improving the quality of health care for LGBTQI+GNC people. Kerin is a Physician Assistant licensed under the National Certification Commission of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the Physician Assistant Board of California. Kerin’s clinical practice includes queer health, sexual health, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), HIV care, and dermatology. The Queer Meducation podcast is a series of interviews with medial experts, mental health professionals, students, advocates, community members and allies that are passionate about improving the health and well being of queer people. I highly recommend that you check it out! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources Feel free to connect with Kerin over on the Queer MEDucation website & social media profiles: Website: www.queermeducation.comMake sure to check out the Queer MEDucation Podcast over on iTunes. Instagram: @QueerMEDucationFacebook: @QueerMEDucation The American Sexual Health Association: ashasexualhealth.org Centre for Disease Control: cdc.gov Got any resources on anal health that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! 

Every parent has their own birthing story. Jackie Chemelli shares her experience birthing her beautiful twin boys Sawyer & Miller and the decisions she had to make during and after the birth. "It's not like in the movies" Jackie assures us.  Jackie Chemelli is the founder and owner of Lace Brick Design, an adventure lifestyle brand for women. She also recently launched an adventure brand for baby girls: Baby Brick Brand! Jackie loves french fries & foggy forests and she never says no to an adventure! She's a partner to one of Canada’s top western leathersmiths, Ben Forster TFB Leather and a new mom to the coolest twin boys, Sawyer & Miller. Jackie thrives on building community & connecting like-minded go-getters. She loves sharing her obsession with entrepreneurship, her accumulated brand building knowledge, & her passion for a creative life. Working hard each day to find a humble balance in love, life, motherhood, and business, Jackie challenges herself to live her best life in a way that inspires others to do the same! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources Feel free to connect with Jackie over on her website & social media profiles: Website: www.lacebrickdesign.com Instagram: Lace Brick Design: @lacebrickdesign Baby Brick Brand: @babybrickbrandJackie Chemelli: @jaclyn_lisa Facebook:Lace Brick Design: @lacebrickdesign Baby Brick Brand: @babybrickbrand If you are interested in reading about the birthing experiences of other parents then check out this link to thebump.com.  And we found a podcast on birthing stories (and more)! Check out The Birth Hour by Bryn Huntpalmer.  Got any resources on birthing that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! Feel free to share your own birthing story in the comments. We'd love to hear it!

Megan is a Vancouver based graphic designer and creative. She is passionately driven and continuously inspired by the power of story-telling and ability to connect with others through shared experiences. At her final year at Emily Carr University + Design she began Of Loss and Grief, an award winning project exploring the ongoing and very personal process of life after loss. Between her personal projects and working at a local design studio, Megan is a front porch and hammock enthusiast, an avid traveler and gallery-goer. She’s a daughter, older sister, friend, feminist, aspiring boss lady! We talk pretty candidly about loss and grief. If you have lost someone recently then please do listen with care and make sure that you are kind to yourself and take care of yourself during and after the episode. If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Feel free to connect with Megan over on her website & social media profiles: Website: www.megan-kwan.com Of Loss & Grief: www.oflossandgrief.co Instagram: @mkwan.design   References to things we made in the episode:   Books: Smoke Gets Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty What to do when I'm gone: A mother's wisdom to her daughter by Suzy Hopkins The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom   Got any resources on body positivity that you'd love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we'll add them to this page! Thanks!    

Caroline MacGillivray is the founder of Beauty Night Society, a Vancouver based organization that helps build self esteem & change the lives of impoverished women. At the tender age of 3, Caroline began to explore a relationship with movement. Ballet, writing, musical theatre, voice overs and acting classes fleshed out her world. In 2000 while researching an acting role, Caroline founded Beauty Night Society based on an interaction she had with a women who needed help. After 18 years, Beauty Night Society, is an award-winning registered Canadian charity. Beauty Night has given more than 50,000 life-makeovers to women who live in poverty. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed: she is honoured to be a 2002 Flare Volunteer Award (national) recipient, Shakti Public Service 2012 recipient, 2010 Spirit of the Crane Gold Community Award recipient, MetoWe Finalist (National), 2 time Woman of Worth finalist and a five-time YWCA Woman of Distinction Nominee. In addition to wellness and health promotion work, Caroline began teaching classes. Workshops, speaking engagements, dance, qigong, yoga & aerial yoga are some of the offerings she shares. In addition to her work with Beauty Night Society,  Caroline is a Masters in Medical Qi Gong, Yoga Teacher & radio show host. In this episode, Caroline discusses body positivity and self-care and why it’s so important to look after number 1 (that’s YOU!)   If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources: Feel free to connect with Caroline over on her website & social media profiles: Website: www.carolinemacgillivray.com Instagram: @caroline_macgillivrayTwitter: @qi_salon Find our more about her amazing work with Beauty Night Society by visiting www.beautynight.org. Caroline is also the host of two local radio shows Sexy in Vancity and Humans of the Downtown Eastside both hosted on Save on Radio. Make sure to check them out! References to things we made in the episode: Caroline mentioned Mike Writing Narrated Blog – where Mike Wright reads out blog posts for those who are too busy to read! Short guided meditations using apps Calm or Headspace. Documentary “Petals – Journey into Self Discovery” based on the book “Petals” by Nick Karras   Got any resources on body positivity that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! Thanks!

It can be difficult enough navigating through life living with one mental health diagnosis. Kirsten Barkved shares her story of living with two. Kirsten suffers from both anxiety and depression. In this episode she explains how one can trigger the other and discusses the things that help her cope – one of which is her adorable dogs. Kirsten Barkved is a writer who thinks that the best way to solve all your problems is to melt some cheese on them. When she isn’t dismantling the patriarchy, petting as many dogs as possible, or trying to finish her first novel, she is exploring the very complicated, very necessary work of breaking apart the stigma of mental illness in her writing. Kirsten is very open about the fact that she suffers from both anxiety and depression. During our conversation she walks me through her journey of coping with not one, but two mental health disorders. We talk pretty candidly about mental health and Kirsten does describe the feelings and experiences that she has so if you are someone who also suffers from a mental health issue then do listen with caution and make sure that you are kind to yourself and take care of yourself during and after the episode. If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes! Resources Feel free to connect with Kirsten over on her social media profiles. Twitter: @kirstenbarkvedInstagram: @keerstun BC Association of Clinical CounsellorsCanadian Mental Health AssociationJericho Counselling Got any resources on anxiety or depression that you'd love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we'll add them to this page! Thanks!

Leah Carey is a sexual communication coach who helps women learn to communicate about sex so they can get what they really want in the bedroom.  She is the creator and host of the podcast “Good Girls Talk About Sex.”   Sexual freedom is a subject that is deeply personal to Leah because she spent most of her life being a VERY good girl.  She only had sex inside committed relationships and most of that sex was either boring or painful.   In 2017 she had the opportunity to leave everything behind and travel the United States on a journey she called her “Freedom Tour.”  Little did she know that along the way she would discover her sexual freedom as well.   She is passionate about breaking the silence, fear, and shame around women’s sexuality and pleasure, and redefining what it means to be a “good girl.”   You can find Leah online at www.LeahCarey.com, and on social media channels as @goodgirlstalk.  The podcast “Good Girls Talk About Sex” is available on all major podcasting platforms.   Resources Feel free to connect with Leah over on her website and social media profiles. Websites: Podcast: Good Girls Talk About SexWebsite: www.leahcarey.com Social Media: Twitter: @goodgirlstalkInstagram: @goodgirlstalkFacebook: @goodgirlstalkYouTube: www.youtube.com/c/goodgirlstalk Resources: Dr. Evelin Dacker – www.MakeTimeForTheTalk.com Sex Positive Resources Vancouver: Vancouver Sex Positive Society – Meetup.comSex Positive Magazine – Vancouver Events Got any resources on sex positivity that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! Thanks!

Christine Wild, author of Just Bad Timing, is a passionate writer, on paper and in life. She’s the host of Running Wild With Christine: Sex, Success and Other Slippery Rabbit Holes, an Anchor podcast. Christine is a world-travelled, fiercely independent woman who doesn’t let much get in her way. She likes to eat, drink wine, and write in strange places. She loves reading Hemingway and prefers summers. Above all, she enjoys meaningful conversations, preferably from a handsome stranger, in the privacy of nights that turn into mornings.   Christine and I chat pretty candidly about her experience attending Sex Parties in Vancouver. We talk about expectations, what to wear, what you might see, and the rules involved. If you’ve never been to a sex party then you are going to learn a lot! If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources Check out Christine’s book “Just Bad Timing” Available for pre-order over on Amazon and iBooks. Feel free to connect with Christine over on her websites and social media profiles. Websites: Podcast: anchor.fm/runningwildwithchristineBook: justbadtiming.com Social Media: Twitter: @christinewild_Instagram: @runningwildwithchristineFacebook: christinewildjbt Sex Parties in Vancouver: Sin City Fetish NightSex Uninterrupted – Vancouver EventsThe Art of LovingFetVancouver.comThe Space2 – Rope Classes Got any resources on sex parties that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! Thanks!

In this episode I chat with Andrea Loewen. Andrea is a writer, theatre-maker, and choreographer in Vancouver, BC. However our topic today has nothing to do with any of Andrea’s amazing skills. Despite Andrea being an incredibly talented and seemingly happy-go-luck person, she actually suffered, and still occasionally suffers from depression. Andrea is lucky enough to be in a place now where she can talk openly about her experience, in-fact she loves talking about depression and self-loathing even though she knows that it can make others feel incredibly uncomfortable. I love her openness and even fun approach towards what can be a very dark topic! Andrea’s first book, Feeling Better: A Field Guide to Liking Yourself, releases February of 2019 and is available for pre-sale via Amazon and Indigo.  I hope that you enjoy this episode and get a lot from it. You might even, like me, come to a big ah-ha moment! We talk pretty candidly about depression and Andrea does go into the feelings that she experiences so if you are someone who suffers from depression or mental health then do listen with caution and make sure that you are kind to yourself and take care of yourself during and after the episode. If you enjoyed our intimate conversation then feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page or rate us highly over on iTunes!   Resources Check out Andrea’s book “Feeling Better: A Field Guide to Liking Yourself. Practices, habits and tools to learn how to actually like yourself” Available for pre-order over on Amazon and Indigo! Feel free to connect with Andrea over on her websites and social media profiles. Websites: www.andrealoewen.comwww.feelingbetterbook.com Social Media: Twitter: @ms_andreajoyInstagram: @ms_andreajoy and @feelingbetterguideFacebook: andreatheloewen Got any resources on depression or self-loathing that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! Thanks!

In this week’s episode, my guest is Spencer Williams, a 27 year old man who has cerebral palsy but he doesn’t let that stop him. Spencer and I talk about his love life, how dating can be tough as someone with a disability; and his decision to use a sex surrogate service. In Spencer’s works “I might be disabled, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get horny!” Spencer is a freelance writer, and  currently contributes to Vice Media, and he is also dabbling in the world of podcasting. Feel free to connect with Spencer over on his Twitter and Instagram @djspencermusic. Resources: Spencers articles for Vice: What my disability means for my sex lifeThe difficulties of dating with a disabilityI give disabled people orgasms for a living – an interview with Joslyn Nerdahl Vice Video: Sexual Healing: Inside the world of medically assisted sex Read more of Spencers Vice articles here. Spencers interview with CBC: Medically assisted sex? How ‘intimacy coaches’ offer sexual therapy for people with disabilities. Other Resources: Sensual Solutions – sex surrogacy service based in Vancouver. Andrew Gurza’s Podcast “Disability after Dark“. Check out his free online documentary “Picture This“. Got any resources on sex and disability that you’d love to share? Add them to the comments or tweet them to us @uncomfy_podcast and we’ll add them to this page! Thanks!