Shows
Permission To Be Human104: Part 3/12, Priestess & Rabbi Sarah Bracha talks Non-Duality, Joy, Oat Lattes & Hot Sex: How to Build a Relationship with God Series104: Part 3/12, Priestess & Rabbi Sarah Bracha talks Non-Duality, Joy, Oat Lattes & Hot Sex: How to Build a Relationship with God Series What if God isn’t a bearded sky-dad, but a pulse of presence running in and out through every moment—every heartbreak, every art project, every awkward conversation? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Bracha Gershuny—freelance rabbi, professional priestess, and all-around mystic renegade—to explore what it really means build a relationship with spirit in a messy, modern world. Sarah speaks to the importance of presence (really another name for God) and drops deep wisdom on...
2025-10-1454 minPermission To Be Human103: Part 2/12: Andrea on Faith, Feet Washing, Nike & Nick Cave: How to Build a Relationship with God Series 103: Part 2/12: Andrea on Faith, Feet Washing, Nike & Nick Cave: How to Build a Relationship with God Series In this luminous convo, Andrea traces the wild arc of her evolving relationship with God — from a routine Catholic childhood to meaningful moments in the woods, Jerusalem, Bucharest and Buddhism--and then finally to Rumi’s field, where she found her intuition. Together, they ask: what happens when we stop trying to find God and instead feel God within? This dialogue is both pilgrimage and permission slip — an invocation to question, to trust, to unlearn. If you’ve felt the pull between d...
2025-10-0740 minPermission To Be Human102: How Janelle Found Spirit in Loss, Tantra, Deep Listening and Logistics: How to Build a Relationship with God Series102: How Janelle Found Spirit in Loss, Tantra, Deep Listening and Logistics: How to Build a Relationship with God Series What does a relationship with the divine really look like? And how can it help us thrive in this double-dumpster-fire world? In this episode, Janelle details her journey from former-nun-and-priest-for-parents childhood to discovering spirit through tantra and psychedelic retreats. She reminds us that God doesn’t necessarily live in ritual--but instead in the resistance of our conditioning and the surrender to our deepest selves. Ultimately, she says, there is no one way to eat a Reeses have a re...
2025-09-2341 minPermission To Be HumanSeason 5 Announcement!!!Season 5 Announcement!!! -------------- We’re Andrea and Janelle--two midlife mavericks sharing openly about our own experiences--messy AF and no regrets----with marriage, divorce, polyamory and pleasure. You’ll hear from relationship experts, meet real life Bravehearts and get intimacy skills. Truth: When we’re brave enough to ask for what we want, honor our boundaries and have the hard conversations--with partners, friends, family and, most importantly, ourselves--magic happens and happiness ensues. If you’re seeking permission to create a new map for relationships and want to feel less alone along the way, we...
2025-09-2302 minPermission To Be Human101: Andrea at 50: Ease, Flow & Dom/Sub Dynamics in Everyday Life 101: Andrea at 50: Ease, Flow & Dom/Sub Dynamics in Everyday Life What happens when you start asking for exactly what you want? Relief! Andrea says relief! Janelle interviews Andrea and they cover dom/sub dynamics, anti-depressants, conscious endings, why she stopped saying “I don’t know”, and how monogamy is working for her. This isn’t just a milestone—it’s a midlife metamorphosis, and it comes from a softer, less ruthless place than ever before. And she gets passionate about helping women with mid-life meh do the same. There’s a nod to Florence and the Machine, Trader Joes, S...
2025-09-1642 minPermission To Be Human100: Janelle Talks Soul Love, Romance, Galactic Beings, and The Art of Receiving at Burning Man 100: Janelle Talks Soul Love, Romance, Galactic Beings, and The Art of Receiving at Burning Man Pop the champagne (or light that sage)—Andrea and Janelle are hitting triple digits! In their 100th episode, and on the cusp of their FIFTH season, your favorite duo covers the last 9 months of Janelle’s life. We’re talking Burning Man dust storms, ineffable teachings, the birth of a church and how FOMO got kicked to the curb. This is a full-blown joyride through divine feminine chaos, galactic embodiment, homeowner woes, poetry on the playa and more. There’s a nod to Mary...
2025-09-0942 minPermission To Be HumanREPEAT: 83: Part 10/12, Sexual Exploration After 50 Years of Monogamy: How to Talk About Sex SeriesREPEAT: 83: Part 10/12, Sexual Exploration After 50 Years of Monogamy: How to Talk About Sex Series Andrea and Janelle engage in a deep conversation with Braveheart and former emergency physician Doug Yeakel about his journey navigating the complexities of love, communication and vulnerability in relationships. He reflects on his own bravery and curiosity to share what’s on his heart, explores the idea of love beyond traditional boundaries and the significance of body awareness in understanding one's sexuality. There’s a nod to Sam Harris, the book “Cosmo Genesis”, RBDSM, full body orgasms and agelessness as well. You...
2025-09-0246 minPermission To Be HumanREPEAT: 82: Part 9/12, The Repair is Where the Juice Is: How to Talk about Sex SeriesREPEAT: 82: Part 9/12, The Repair is Where the Juice Is: How to Talk about Sex Series Janelle and Andrea interview intimacy and relationship coach Dr. Hazel-Grace Yates about their own REPAIR process. Bravehearts, here’s the holy-shit-this-is-it, articulate culmination of navigating difficult shit! Hazel Grace explains how Resourcing, Empathy, Permission, Acknowledgement, Impact and Restore create “safety and scaffolding” so you can arrive at complex shared realities, and restore integrity and deep connection. There’s a nod to the Esalen Institute, where Hazel Grace is a teacher. --Empathy isn’t just for others--you need it too. --How t...
2025-08-2648 minPermission To Be HumanREPEAT: 10: Butt Plugs, Tantrikas & Pleasure Pillars: It’s an Inside Job, He HeREPEAT: 10: Butt Plugs, Tantrikas & Pleasure Pillars: It’s an Inside Job, He He Nope, we’re not talking about your favorite type of fellatio. “Pleasure Pillars” are what Janelle requires to ALLOW her to get curious about pleasure. We’ll share several juicy parts of her journey as she summoned her own orgasmic spirit from within. Includes stuff about a choir and Brene Brown, a celebration of spirit crowns and an 80s commercial reference. Some key points in the episode include: -An experience with a Tantrika -The mind-body-heart connection -The beauty...
2025-08-1940 minPermission To Be Human99: Part 12/12, Domination, Surrender, and the Delicate Art of Not Lying to Yourself with Adam: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series#99: Part 12/12, Domination, Surrender, and the Delicate Art of Not Lying to Yourself with Adam: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series Andrea and Janelle sit down with Adam—a man who’s navigated and busted his ass through the minefield of marriage, identity, spiritual kink and inner truth without turning into a self-help meme. Together, they talk about what happens when you stop pretending, start feeling, and still somehow try to be sexy while setting boundaries. Warning: A lot of this is counter-intuitive and…you’ll likely recognize yourself or your man or your brother or your Dad here. So...
2025-08-1247 minPermission To Be Human98: Part 11/12: Holy No, Sacred Yes: Rewriting Your Inner Narrative with Sophie Howell: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series98: Part 11/12: Holy No, Sacred Yes: Rewriting Your Inner Narrative with Sophie Howell: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series In this episode, spirit-crowned firestarter and language alchemist Sophie Howell drops in to dismantle the narratives that keep us playing small. If you’re done self-sabotaging to your own internal past trauma patterns, , Sophie breaks down the real talk on the damage that words can do, the idea that enthusiasm is your birthright and why its all up to you. Apparently, your your inner world is the most badass revolution you can lead. Sophie doesn’t just hand...
2025-08-0546 minPermission To Be Human96: Part 9/12, Fashion Freedom - Koya Nyangi's Guide to Bold Self-Expression: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series96: Part 9/12, Fashion Freedom - Koya Nyangi's Guide to Bold Self-Expression: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series Janelle and Andrea feel the vibration and joy that Koya Nyangi brings to clothing. With the CEO of Let Me Show You Different, get ready to dive into a world where fashion meets self-discovery. This episode is a vibrant exploration of how clothing can be a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth. She takes us a on journey showing us how are clothing - and past versions of ourselves - may be behind us, but our closet is in front o...
2025-07-1559 minPermission To Be Human95: Part 8/12, Amelia Broughton Talks Human Design: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series95: Part 8/12, Amelia Broughton Talks Human Design: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series In this episode, we interview Human Design guide Amelia Broughton to add crystal-style-clarity to one of the most misunderstood systems of self-awareness out there. They cover our own lack of self-trust, how culture trains us to override our instincts, and how to come back to our own internal compass. Amelia breaks down the Human Design types—not as labels, but as living archetypes—and shares how HD is less trend, more tremendously insightful mirror--even for logic-leading peeps. If you’ve taken too many quizze...
2025-07-0852 minPermission To Be Human94: Part 7/12, Ariana Macartney's Shroom & Pussy-Driven Path to Coming Home: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series94: Part 7/12, Ariana Macartney's Shroom & Pussy-Driven Path to Coming Home: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series This is not your average self-help chat. In this episode, Andrea and Janelle sit down with Arianna Macartney—artist, naturopathic doctor, psychedelic somatic guide, certified AF spiritual badass—for a raw and rich conversation. We're talking sacred sexuality, microdosing as medicine, and healing through creative expression and intuitive sobriety. Ariana is where textbook wisdom meets deep, personal descent and wild re-emergence. She makes awakening to all your inner parts--like they’re sacred guests at your soul’s dinner party—more playful, sm...
2025-07-0146 minPermission To Be Human93: Part 6/12, An Academic Braveheart Talks Lostness, Longing & Discomfort: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series93: Part 6/12, An Academic Braveheart Talks Lostness, Longing & Discomfort: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series Ever gotten intentionally lost? In this episode, Janelle and Andrea sit down with the inimitably honest Michael Scott Overholt for a conversation that will touch you in surprising ways. Expect Greek philosophy, truth bombs, a Bay Area breakthrough, the indirect benefit of knowing yourself and why getting totally lost might be the best way to find out what you actually need. There’s a nod to Plato, Socrates and Rebecca Solnit’s book “A Field Guide to Getting Lost”. You’ll h...
2025-06-2450 minPermission To Be Human92: Part 5/12 Dãmasa Doyle on Touch, Trauma & Ancestral Wisdom: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series92: Part 5/12 Dãmasa Doyle on Touch, Trauma & Ancestral Wisdom: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series Welcome to the episode where we strip self-help down to its naked, sacred roots. Our guest, Dǎmasa, dives deep into shamanic healing, ancestral wisdom (yes, your grandma’s trauma might live in your hips), and why belonging feels like both a birthright and an epic hero’s journey. Trauma? Oh, it’s here. But so is the medicine. You’ll learn why healing is sometimes more intentional ritual than a self-care spa day, and why “indigenosity” isn't reserved for a select few. Y...
2025-06-1751 minPermission To Be Human91: Part 4/12, The Rise of the Real Andrea: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series91: Part 4/12, The Rise of the Real Andrea: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series In this poignant, and touching episdoe, Janelle and Andrea wade into the gritty glorious impact on your relationships, family, boundaries, and even choir potluck, when self-relationship blooms. Spoiler alert: The ultimate judgement she had to overcome was her own. No filters. No fake smiles. Just two women talking truth, power, and what it means to come home to yourself. Grief and gold here Bravehearts. There’s a nod to Glennon Doyle and Steve Enright. You’ll hear: -How Andre...
2025-06-1036 minPermission To Be Human90: Part 3/12, Andrea Says: Your Roles are Not You: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series90: Part 3/12, Andrea Says: Your Roles are Not You: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself Series In this soul-baring episode, Janelle sits down with the unfiltered, fire-hearted Andrea Enright to discuss the tears, truths, spirit and confessions (I’m terrible at letting things go!) involved in building a relationship with yourself. Apparently, her intuition was so tired of being ignored, it threatened to pack up and move out. If youve checked the boxes, but still feel off, this is where to start. You’ll hear: -Why motherhood, polyamory and feeling “empty” at 29 cracked her open
2025-06-0341 minPermission To Be Human89: Part 2/12 Janelle's Messy AND Magical Journey to Self-Love: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series89: Part 2/12, Janelle's Messy AND Magical Journey to Self-Love: Building a Relationship with Yourself Series What happens when you stop outsourcing your worth, get radically honest with yourself, and finally become your own damn soulmate? This episode is a warm slap in the face (with love) for anyone who's tired of self-abandoning and ready to live heart-first. Janelle dives into the raw, real, not-always-attractive terrain of building a relationship with… you. From sacred (not selfish) spiritual and personal growth and emotional faceplants to listening deeper and saying "no" without guilt, this convo will crack you open and...
2025-05-2738 minPermission To Be Human88: Part 1/12, Janelle Says: We'll Never Break Up: How To Build a Relationship with Yourself Series88: Part 1/12, Janelle Says: We'll Never Break Up: How To Build a Relationship with Yourself Series Andrea interviews Janelle about building a relationship with herself. They cover the catalysts, the crises, the discomfort, the tools and the deep courage required. She was scared to look at stuff! Her optimism actually prevented self-honesty! It’s NOT neat and tidy! There’s a nod to Glennon Doyle, Human Design, The Gene Keys, Michael Pollan and Jamie Wheal. You’ll hear: -Just how many baths Janelle takes! -How your productivity gene may turn relaxation into a “to-d...
2025-05-2050 minPermission To Be HumanSeason 4: How to Build a Relationship with YourselfSeason 4: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself --------------- We’re Andrea and Janelle--two midlife mavericks sharing openly about our own experiences--messy AF and no regrets----with marriage, divorce, polyamory and pleasure. You’ll hear from relationship experts, meet real life Bravehearts and get intimacy skills. Truth: When we’re brave enough to ask for what we want, honor our boundaries and have the hard conversations--with partners, friends, family and, most importantly, ourselves--magic happens and happiness ensues. If you’re seeking permission to create a new map for relationships and want to fe...
2025-05-2001 minPermission To Be Human87: Erotic Wellness Practitioner Janelle Tells All 87: Erotic Wellness Practitioner Janelle Tells All In this episode, Andrea interviews Janelle about her path to be an Erotic Wellness Practitioner and explore how she works with couples to reawaken their sex life. They cover intimacy education, somatic therapies, emotional release, cultural stigmas, holistic health and how much we have to unlearn in order to enjoy our pleasure. Seriously! She’s a Braveheart out to change our culture! If you want to empower yourself and your partner, as well as understand your own erotic energy, start here! There’s a nod to the Center for Intimacy Justice and...
2025-05-1338 minPermission To Be Human86: Permission Coach Andrea Enright Tells All: It’s OK to Want More & Here’s How to Get it! 86: Permission Coach Andrea Enright Tells All: It’s OK to Want More & Here’s How to Get it! In this episode, Janelle interviews Permission Coach Andrea Enright, who shares her own struggles about following life’s script and coming up empty. She then explains how through insights, reflections and radical acceptance, she helps forty-something women who have the “mid-life meh’s” to R.I.S.E, and come home to themselves. Using her own haikus, shell analogies, accents, musical lyrics and unbridled passion, Andrea does NOT gloss over the difficulty of releasing our own deep cultural conditioning and evolving...
2025-05-0640 minPermission To Be HumanRe-Issued: 22: The RBDSM Conversation: It’s Not About Kink, but the S Does Stand for SexRe-Issued. Original air date 10/24/2023 22: The RBDSM Conversation: It’s Not About Kink, but the S Does Stand for Sex Are you craving more intimacy and connection? Here’s a conversation that will lead you there. RBDSM stands for Relationships, Boundaries, Sexual Health, Meaning & Aftercare. Yes, this is a conversation you have BEFORE you take your clothes off---and it’s such a beautiful thing. We break down the acronym and role-play, too. -A debunking of the mind-reading myth that RomComs perpetuate -Why Janelle requires her partners to be a “fuck yes!”...
2025-04-2936 minPermission To Be Human85: Part 12/12, Janelle and Her Lover Talk Awkwardness, Vulnerability & Pleasure: How to Talk about Sex Series85: Part 12/12, Janelle and Her Lover Talk Awkwardness, Vulnerability & Pleasure: How to Talk about Sex Series In a detour from their usual dynamic, Andrea interviews Janelle and her lover, John, about their sex and intimacy conversations amidst their soul-led, comet relationship! Yes, you read right. Comet. There’s deep honesty, vulnerability and some serious WTF moments as they explain how they took responsibility for their own experience and got oh-so-vulnerable, even amidst an awkward conversation, which led to more pleasure. There’s a nod to the RBDSM conversation, ISTA and an explanation of comet relationships.
2025-04-2248 minPermission To Be Human84: Part 11/12, Braveheart Hillary Asks What Do You REALLY Want from Sex?: How to Talk about Sex Series 84: Part 11/12, Braveheart Hillary Asks What Do You REALLY Want from Sex?: How to Talk about Sex Series In this episode of Permission to Be Human, hosts Janelle and Andrea engage in a deep conversation with single Braveheart Hillary Mendoza about navigating difficult topics, the importance of self discovery, the polarities of head vs. heart, giving vs. receiving and abundance vs. scarcity. There’s deep wisdom and self-awareness. You’ll hear: --How Hillary learned to work with her body (not her head) to make a decision --Why fixing herself didn’t fix the issue
2025-04-1546 minPermission To Be Human83: Part 10/12, Sexual Exploration After 50 Years of Monogamy: How to Talk About Sex Series 83: Part 10/12, Sexual Exploration After 50 Years of Monogamy: How to Talk About Sex Series Andrea and Janelle engage in a deep conversation with Braveheart and former emergency physician Doug Yeakel about his journey navigating the complexities of love, communication and vulnerability in relationships. He reflects on his own bravery and curiosity to share what’s on his heart, explores the idea of love beyond traditional boundaries and the significance of body awareness in understanding one's sexuality. There’s a nod to Sam Harris, the book “Cosmo Genesis”, RBDSM, full body orgasms and agelessness as well. You’ll hear:...
2025-04-0846 minPermission To Be Human82: Part 9/12, The Repair is Where the Juice Is: How to Talk about Sex Series82: Part 9/12, The Repair is Where the Juice Is: How to Talk about Sex Series Janelle and Andrea interview intimacy and relationship coach Dr. Hazel-Grace Yates about their own REPAIR process. Bravehearts, here’s the holy-shit-this-is-it, articulate culmination of navigating difficult shit! Hazel Grace explains how Resourcing, Empathy, Permission, Acknowledgement, Impact and Restore create “safety and scaffolding” so you can arrive at complex shared realities, and restore integrity and deep connection. There’s a nod to the Esalen Institute, where Hazel Grace is a teacher. --Empathy isn’t just for others--you need it too. --How to a...
2025-04-0148 minPermission To Be Human81: Part 8/12, Bringing Reflections, Death & AI into the Bedroom. (Seriously!) How to Talk about Sex Series81: Part 8/12, Bringing Reflections, Death & AI into the Bedroom. (Seriously!) How to Talk about Sex Series Good news Bravehearts! Rupture and repair can strengthen your relationship! And AI can help. Not even kidding. Janelle and Andrea interview Braveheart, author and passionate ceremonialist, Yana Rumi about the importance of ritual, reflection and curiosity when navigating difficult conversations. Truth: Love is not enough--because it can’t replace self-awareness. Janelle tears up. Andrea had a good cry afterwards. There’s a nod to Artificial Inteligence (a surprising tool for practicing your desires), ISTA, the word “compersion” and the concept of polyamory. You’ll he...
2025-03-2543 minPermission To Be Human80: Part 7/12, Become Your Own Lover: How to Talk about Sex Series80: Part 7/12, Become Your Own Lover: How to Talk about Sex Series Bravehearts! These are the instructions you’ve been waiting for. Articulate, calm and compassionate, intimacy guide Briana Cribeyer builds a bridge between your pleasure and the REST OF YOU, and lays it all down: You cannot communicate gracefully with a partner until you know what’s within. You’ll hear: —A reframe and cliff notes of the RBDSM conversation —How to Emotionally Release without exhausting your system —Why expansion requires contraction (hint: it’s uncomfortable) —How self-pleasure is...
2025-03-1857 minPermission To Be Human79: Part 6/12, The Art of Asking for What You Want: How to Talk about Sex Series79: Part 6/12, The Art of Asking for What You Want: How to Talk about Sex Series In this episode, Janelle and Andrea discuss the Wheel of Consent with educator, playwright and pro-domme Carmen Leilani De Jesus. They cover how to get curious about what we want and ask for it (no small task) and how we can find a win-win! There’s real-time embodiment exercises, several mic drop moments (Andrea shrieks!) and actionable homework for Bravehearts. Includes a nod to the Pomodoro Technique, “The Art of Giving and Receiving”, by Betty Martin, the Wanting Game and the Three Minute G...
2025-03-1146 minPermission To Be Human78: Part 5/12: Pillow-Screaming & Active Listening: How to Talk about Sex Series78: Part 5/12: Pillow-Screaming & Active Listening: How to Talk about Sex Series Janelle and Andrea share how talking about sex comes back to communication skills, yo, (ones you were probably never taught) including active listening, nonviolent communication, emotional release tools, the RBDSMAT framework and itty bitty conversation hacks. They’ve both come a loooong way. But don’t let your masculine take over--these are not achievements, they're skills that take years to put into practice. Have patience Bravehearts! You’ll hear: --Why pillow-screaming was perfect for Andrea during difficult convos --How simple touch relaxed Janelle’s nervou...
2025-03-0435 minPermission To Be Human77: Part 4/12: Get Permission to Follow Your Pleasure with Sex Therapist Megan Phippen: How to Talk about Sex Series#77: Part 4/12: Get Permission to Follow Your Pleasure with Sex Therapist Megan Phippen: How to Talk about Sex Series Y’all ready for this? Janelle and Andrea interview sex therapist Megan Phippen and there are too many mic drops to count…..as she explains how she helps clients claim their desire, authorize their sovereign self, connect sex and spirit (!!) and go from pressure and performance to patience and pleasure. Fun fact: Sex hormones and stress hormones cannot be released at the same time. There’s a nod to Christine Caldwell’s book “Bodyfulness: Somatic Practices for Presence, Empowerment, and Waking...
2025-02-2547 minPermission To Be Human76: Part 3/12: Talking About Edgy Topics with Couples Counselor Dan Jedynak: Sex & Intimacy Conversation Series#76, Part 3/12: Talking About Edgy Topics with Couples Counselor Dan Jedynak: Sex & Intimacy Conversation Series Andrea and Janelle interview somatic couples therapist Dan Jedynak on how to talk about sex and intimacy in brave relationships. They explore embodying your desire, and the importance of curiosity, play, compassion and a TWO person system to find healthier dynamics and deeper connections. You’ll hear: --The “me vs. we” mentality and why it matters --The benefit of touching yourself!!! to understand what you want --Where Leadership fits into sex talk --How to change your r...
2025-02-1842 minPermission To Be Human75: Part 2/12: Andrea’s Story: The Sex & Intimacy Conversation Series#75: Part 2/12: Andrea’s Story: The Sex & Intimacy Conversation Series Janelle interviews Andrea on what happened when her marriage’s sex and intimacy stalled. including how she: regained her motivation, navigated different communication styles, and realized understanding herself better was the first step. There’s a nod to Emotional Release Tools (ERT) from International School of Temple Arts (I.S.T.A) and Susan Cain’s Book, “Quiet”. You’ll hear: --Why you have to move at the speed of the slowest processor --The problem with blaming your emotions on everybody else --Good News...
2025-02-1132 minPermission To Be Human74: Part 1/12: Janelle’s Story: The Sex & Intimacy Conversation SeriesPart 1/12: Janelle’s Story: The Sex & Intimacy Conversation Series Andrea interviews Janelle on what happened when her own sex drive didn’t mirror her husbands, including how she navigated the hurt, the right approach, concrete tools for conversation and inspiration to be brave. You can do it and this will help! Includes a nod to ISTA retreat and Betty Martin’s book, “The Art of Giving & Receiving”. You’ll hear: --How to tap into your body (not your mind) to see what you REALLY want --Why the first step is deciding what sex and intimacy...
2025-02-0441 minPermission To Be HumanSeason 3 Annoucement! Season 3 Launching February 4. 2025. --------------- We’re Andrea and Janelle--two midlife mavericks sharing openly about our own experiences--messy AF and no regrets----with marriage, divorce, polyamory and pleasure. You’ll hear from relationship experts, meet real life Bravehearts and get intimacy skills. Truth: When we’re brave enough to ask for what we want, honor our boundaries and have the hard conversations--with partners, friends, family and, most importantly, ourselves--magic happens and happiness ensues.If you’re seeking permission to create a new map for relationships and want to feel less alone along the way, we got you. With...
2025-02-0401 minPermission To Be Human72: Struggling with Anxiety? Five Surprising Steps to Finding EaseStruggling with Anxiety? Five Surprising Steps to Finding Ease Life will never be easy, but EASE is possible. Andrea interviews Janelle about how she finds ease on the reg, including letting go of expectations, resistance and the need to know-----and that last one is a doozy. Being in ease takes a shit ton of practice, but you can take this journey! There’s a nod to Dan Harris and Marth Beck. You’ll hear: --Five steps to finding ease in everyday life --How to increase our capacity for discomfort--not pain --Janelle’s visc...
2024-12-1736 minPermission To Be Human71: Braveheart Conversations Inquiry & Insight #6: Grief, Intimacy & Masculine MessinessBraveheart Conversations Inquiry & Insight #6: Grief, Intimacy & The Masculine. Every Braveheart Conversation is packed with vulnerability, verve and so much insight. Andrea and Janelle offer thoughts on processing grief, healing masculine wounds and overcoming the lonely of lingering within. There’s a nod to Liz Gilbert, Tim Ferris and Alison Armstrong’s book, “Keys to the Kingdom”, and our episode “Trigger Warning: How Janelle Went from Feminist to Feminine.” You’ll hear: --Why identifying your own masculine and feminine is the first step --How anxiety and productivity can stop grief processing in its tracks --Why it...
2024-12-1032 minPermission To Be Human70: Bravehearts in Action: Quitting Corporate, Mesh Biker Shorts & Single at 60Bravehearts in Action: Quitting Corporate, Mesh Biker Shorts & Single at 60 Remember, a Braveheart is anyone who has found or seeks the courage to confront their limiting fears and beliefs around breaking societal norms. Here are Bravehearts in Action! Boomers! Middle aged males! Twenty something musical protoges. There is no one way to be a Braveheart, and sharing your story gives others courage. There’s a nod to: Maria Popova and the Marginalian You’ll hear: --How even Boomers are embracing unconventional formats --What Andrea heard pre-threesome and why she still remembers it ...
2024-12-0328 minPermission To Be Human69: Meh About Sex? Consider an Erotic Massage. Seriously.Meh About Sex? Consider an Erotic Massage. Seriously. Feeling stuck or stifled in your relationship with yourself or your partners? Janelle and Andrea normalize this VERY taboo topic, and discuss about how this new form of wellness is helping people orgasm, heal, shed their shame and claim their pleasure. There’s a nod to the Hakomi Method, and the book “The Body Keeps the Score”, by Bessel VanderKolk, M.D., Women’s Health Magazine and author Arielle Domb. You’ll hear: --Why a stranger’s touch can build libido for your partner --That it’s not jus...
2024-11-2643 minPermission To Be Human67: Stop Talking About Useless Shit! Why Recounting Your Disaster of a Day is OverratedStop Talking About Useless Shit! Why Recounting Your Day is Overrated Are you talking about shit that doesn’t matter? Are you leaking energy toward topics that don’t elevate your life? Janelle and Andrea love to communicate. But what they talk about has changed dramatically in the last several years. In this episode, they discuss how to be more intentional with our conversation, and how to stop leaking energy toward negative topics. There’s a nod to: Liz Gilbert and Human Design. You’ll hear: --A reframing of the word “gossip” --Why recounting w...
2024-11-1228 minPermission To Be Human66. Midlife Wisdom: How Ayurveda Saved Andrea’s Perimenopausal AssMidlife Wisdom: How Ayurveda Saved Andrea’s Perimenopausal Ass Anyone in midlife listen up! Andrea’s been in perimenopause for 7 years and her anxiety, insomnia and indigestion had recently become debilitating. Translation: Fucking hard! Janelle gets the lowdown on Andrea’s new holistic path of Ayurvedic practices and how they’ve changed her life! There’s a nod to Shakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and her Ayurvedic practitioner, Maria Gabriela Guavera., who can be foundat intuitiveayurveda.com You’ll hear: --How Andrea is fanning the flames of her FIERY Pitta body --Why Andrea’s trying to mout...
2024-11-0536 minPermission To Be Human65: An Invitation to Become Part of the Braveheart Movement!An Invitation to be Part of the Braveheart Movement: Retreats, Patreon & Poly Coaching Andrea & Janelle celebrate their global vision and invite you, the listeners, to be part of the Braveheart movement, so we can ALL feel more FREE. Deepen your relationship with Permission to be Human the podcast, the hosts and more. You’ll hear: --Five ways to become part of the Braveheart Movement --How to work with Janelle & Andrea 1:1 --Seven ways to invest in Permission to be Human, including Patreon --A sneak peek into Andrea & Janelle’s upcoming book...
2024-10-2216 minPermission To Be Human63: Drop-In with Janelle: Finances, Faith & FearDrop in With Janelle: Finances, Faith & Fear Wanna eavesdrop on a Braveheart Conversation? You got it. Andrea drops in with Janelle as she processes a recent experience around another important F word: Finances. She’s not advising. She’s not teaching. She’s simply a spiritual being who’s talking about the biggest taboo topic: Money. You’ll hear: --How her spiritual growth has entertwined with the human experience --How she moved past her fear of debt --Why you always get to keep the personal growth --What happened when someone sa...
2024-10-0831 minPermission To Be Human62: The Stuff We Still Don’t Share: Divorce, Depression, Sex and MoreThe Stuff We Still Don’t Share: Divorce, Depression, Sex and More Do you really share everything with your best friend? Or do some things get stuffed into our subconscious? Janelle and Andrea discuss their own journey across taboo topics--divorce, money, masturbation, addiction and depression to name a few--and how they overcame their fears. Psst---This was the original reason for their IRL Braveheart Conversations! There’s a nod to Brene Brown’s “Gifts of Imperfections” and Judy Blume. You’ll hear: --Why judgment of others is caused by judgment of ourselves. Ack! --How the topic of...
2024-10-0131 minPermission To Be Human61: Braveheart Conversations #3: Orgasms, Dating Apps, Parents(!) & MoreBraveheart Conversations #3: Orgasms, Dating Apps, Parents(!) & More Janelle and Andrea recap their THIRD In-Real-Life Goddess-Temple Hosted Bravehearts Conversation. Eleven women. Juicy topics. WowZER. There were inquiries about parents, age, invisibility, vibrators, dating apps, energy blocks, orgasms, double penetration. Bravehearts make inquires, we give insights. And it starts with asking for what you want! There’s a nod to Betty Martin, Ghandi, RBDSM, Dipsea App, Laurie Handlers, Martha Beck and ISTA.You’ll hear: --Why Janelle is a FUCK YES to pleasure being the central life principle --How to make your OWN hand feel like...
2024-09-2446 minPermission To Be Human60: Everyone Belongs at Burning Man: An Eye into the PlayaEveryone Belongs at Burning Man: An Eye into the Playa Looking for belonging? Head to Burning Man. Janelle’s been nine times. Her templemate, Dãmasa, was a newbie. Andrea interviews them both (Permission to be Human’s First Guest!) and is surprised how the mundane dust mixes so easily with magical strangers. Port-a-pottys! Permission! Glamping in harsh conditions. There’s a nod to the Paiute Tribe culture and history as Black Rock City’s indigenous people. You’ll hear: --How Burning Man helped Janelle find herself, her boundaries and her desires --How chimes help...
2024-09-1748 minPermission To Be Human59: Poly How-To for Couples: Love, Logistics & Braveheart HacksPoly How-To for Couples: Love, Logistics & Braveheart Hacks This is SO juicy! Janelle interviews Andrea on her NITTY GRITTY strategies for handling a polyamorous marriage. How much do you share? Are sleepovers allowed? Who meets who? Any sacred activities? What locations are off limits? There’s a nod to: the concept Kitchen Table Poly and the book “Opening Up” by Tristan Taormino. You’ll hear: --EIGHT concrete hacks about Andrea’s 8-year journey through polyamory --Why Andrea’s “need to know” wasn’t always helpful --How she came to appreciate everyday marriage togethern...
2024-09-1045 minPermission To Be Human58. Dear Couples, Feel Like Sleeping Alone? Gasp! Let’s Talk about ItDear Couples, Feel Like Sleeping Alone? Gasp! Let’s Talk about It It’s changing the way people sleep. It’s shifting the way people sell houses. It’s stopping the energy leak. In this episode, Janelle and Andrea talk about their experiences sleeping alone, the braveheart behavior it required, the pressure of intimacy. There’s a nod to: the movie, “The Last Waltz”, Emily Nagasaki’s book “Come as You Are”, the TV show “Donna Reed”, The New York Times article “I Love You, But I don’t Want to Sleep with You” by Ronda Kaysen, the podcast “We Can Do Hard Th...
2024-09-0332 minPermission To Be Human57: Roses, Buds & Thorns: Everyday Life with Andrea & JanelleRoses, Buds & Thorns: Everyday Life with Andrea & Janelle Andrea & Janelle discuss their roses (what’s blooming!) thorns (what’s a PITA) and buds (what they’re excited for) in this every-day-magic episode about their lives, with talk of insomnia, aging parents, self-care and housemates.. There’s a nod to Amtrak, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, Burning Man, RBDSMA conversation, Waldorf, the Boy Scouts, Nuuly, and “Repentance & Repair” by Danya Ruttenberg. You’ll hear: --Andrea’s struggle and celebration of her teenager --Why Janelle repurposed her anniversary --All about clothing rental, the Goddess Temple, modern s...
2024-08-2833 minPermission To Be Human56: Braveheart Conversations Inquiry & Insight: Psst! Disappointing Others Can be a Gift!Braveheart Conversations Inquiry & Insight: Psst! Disappointing Others Can be a Gift! Braveheart Conversations are all the (cou) rage now. They inquire and Janelle and Andrea offer insights, with lots of juicy, glittery tidbits. In this Braveheart Conversation recap, they discuss relationship balance, hard conversations, permission to be your full self and capital B for Boundaries. There’s a nod to Tristan Taormeino’s book Opening Up and Galaxie Glister, our favorite glitterati. You’ll hear: --Why balance (in sex, love and everything else) is a big fat illusion --Hands-on tactics and skills for hard c...
2024-08-2044 minPermission To Be Human55: What’s Erotic Wellness? Just the Most Important Health Hack EverWhat’s Erotic Wellness? Just the Most Important Health Hack Ever Janelle went to see a pelvic floor specialist so she could tend to her erotic wellness and nurture her life force. Confused? Andrea was too, so she interviewed Janelle. This isn’t your mama’s GYNO or massage therapist. It’s a sacred space-holding for holistic pelvic care that helps you feels safe in your body. There’s a nod to Caamp’s song “Life Force” and Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book “The Body Keeps the Score”. You’ll hear: --Why we must tend to our womb l...
2024-08-1333 minPermission To Be Human54: Size Doesn’t Matter: Giving Ourselves Permission Starts SmallSize Doesn’t Matter: Giving Ourselves Permission Starts Small Where could you give yourself more permission? Have you been doing something so long (waxing your eyebrows, tolerating your slow computer, denying yourself naps) you’re not sure it’s serving you anymore? Can you reject the rules? Janelle and Andrea share their permission lists--stuff they’ve accomplished and what they’re still working on. There’s a nod to LVDY, 3-5 Club and Lift the Spirit Choir. You’ll hear: --How Janelle listened to her body and stopped working out --Why Andrea still doesn’t send o...
2024-08-0641 minPermission To Be Human53: How Janelle Became a Better Lover: Sex Tips & Myths How Janelle Became a Better Lover: Sex Tips & Myths Why the fuck do we think we should be able to read our partners minds in bed? It’s total bullshit, so let’s stop the madness. Janelle and Andrea bust myths about sex and pleasure and tell us why there’s nothing wrong with simply telling our partner (of 2 months or 20 years) what feels good right now! There’s a nod to Harry & Sally, Danielle Steele, Cosmo, the RBDSM conversation and good old Namaste. You’ll hear: --Why you should bring curiosity to bed --A stor...
2024-07-2341 minPermission To Be Human52: Aging: Approaching 50 & Trendy AFAging: Approaching 50 & Trendy AF Janelle and Andrea talk about embracing their age, how they got here and why they’d never go back, There’s discussion about dressing for the divine, how good it feels to know ourselves and how perimenopause shocked the hell out of us. There’s a nod to Tamsen and Midlife Muse. You’ll hear: --A new name for crows feet --Why having friends of wildly different ages makes a big difference --How your expression matters more than your outfit --Why we don’t want to be our...
2024-07-1644 minPermission To Be Human51: Of Money & Men: Presence, Payment and PowerOf Money & Men: Presence, Payment and Power Ever questioned who pays on a first date? Dread the conversations about it? Janelle and Andrea offer real time navigation and discovery (with plenty of awkwardness!) as they attempt to answer difficult questions about this and whether the issue of equal pay impacts this? No answers here--just an invitation for deeper discussion. There’s a nod to teenagers, Deadpool, Alison Armstrong’s book “The Queens Code”, and Polarity Coaches David Deida and Om Rupani. You’ll hear: --A lot about dancing with the feminine and masculine --Why t...
2024-07-0944 minPermission To Be Human50: Braveheart Conversations Q & A: We’re Spilling the TeaBraveheart Conversations Q & A: We’re Spilling the Tea Based on their first In-Real-Life, Braveheart Conversations event at the Goddess Temple in Denver (Philly and Boston too!), Janelle and Andrea tackle questions from their audience. From boundaries and BDSM to sexual education and self-pleasure they share their experiences and insights. There’s a nod to Jamie Wheal’s “Recapture the Rapture” and Carolyn Elliott’s book “Existential Kink”, as well as Glennon Doyle’s podcast, We Can Do Hard Things. You’ll hear: --How to get clarity on your true desires (Hint: its about permission) --All about th...
2024-07-0354 minPermission To Be HumanSeason 2 AnnouncementSeason 2 Announcement! Just a snappy little message to the Bravehearts from Janelle and Andrea that we are celebrating 49 episodes! We are taking a brief pause before we launch Season Two July 2nd. AND check out permissiontobehuman.live to join our new IRL events: Braveheart Conversations and Braveheart Retreat. --------------- Get ready for some real-time relationship woo and wisdom--from the front lines about how breaking rules, blurring boundaries and tossing tradition--along with polyamory and plant medicine--have been catalysts for finding our truth. The Permission to Be Human Podcast debunks the myths we...
2024-06-0403 minPermission To Be HumanArt is Our Favorite Thing: Museums, Meaning & FreedomJanell and Andrea love art--especially mixed meda. They live within it, they travel to see it and it makes them feel free and alive. From pussy willow branch curtain rods to birthing chairs and Indonesian doors to dramatic outdoor murals, they give permission to love what you love, and create with wild abandon. So many nods! Everything, Everywhere All at Once, Ann LaMott, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tracey Barnes, Meow Wolf, James Turrel, Christo, Shakespeare’s Ophelia, Meow Wolf, Clyfford Still, Denver Art Museum, Waldorf Schools, Bobbi MacGee Lopez, Boombox Design, ARTMA. You’ll hear: -Why doll-faces put...
2024-05-2838 minPermission To Be HumanOnline Dating Part II: This is How We Do ItIt’s Friday night….and I feel alright. Dating apps again! Yes, for real. Janelle and Andrea share their own experience with logistics, strategy, profiles, methodology and why being direct is best. You’ll hear: -Why saying “Thanks But No Thanks” is a sign of respect -Profile ideas (they read theirs on the podcast!) -The definition of Sapio, Demi and RBDSM -Why they prefer daytime dates -How to put less pressure on the whole damn thing --------------- Get ready for some real-time relationship woo and wisdom--fr...
2024-05-2133 minPermission To Be HumanOnline Dating Apps Part I: The Good, The Bad & The BeautifulJanelle and Andrea talk online dating apps at mid-life and how much more invigorating they can be when you know who you are, you know what you want and you don’t have to check so many damn boxes. There’s a nod to the definition of a Braveheart, an invitation to Janelle’s intimate retreat at the Goddess Temple and a mention of our favorite dating apps, including OkCupid and Feeld. You’ll hear: -Why dating apps serve as a reflection of your own evolution -The different--and valid--reasons we got on the apps at all
2024-05-1445 minPermission To Be Human46: BDSM Surprise: Less Fear & Judgement, More Freedom & JoyThink you know what BDSM is? Think again. Andrea interviews Janelle about her training to be a Pro-Domme and the resulting deep dive into her psyche. They talk archetypes, pain, ritual theater, spiritual growth, the containment of energy and the freedom possible when you’re allowed to desire what society told you not to. Nod to Om Rupani and The Matrix. You’ll hear: -Where BDSM and Burning Man intersect -Why dominant and submissive are not hierarchical -The difference between non-consensual and consensual pain -How clothing is Janelle’s favo...
2024-05-0736 minPermission To Be HumanWanna Feel Less Alone? Ask for HelpDo you know how to ask for help? Is it a challenge for you? In this sweet, bite-sized episode, Andrea and Janelle break down very simple human experience, offering personal stories, useful steps and a convincing argument for why asking for help makes the world a more connected place. Includes a nod to the movie “Enough Said” and the book “The Field Guide to Getting Lost” by Rebecca Solnit and Betty Martin’s Wheel of Consent. You’ll hear: --Why asking for help is a skill and a gift --A framework for anyone who mi...
2024-04-2332 minPermission To Be HumanMenopause: We Get Real with the Pleasure & the PainJanelle and Andrea take on menopause. Doctors may not have the answers, but women’s collective wisdom does. Can we embrace this time as a sacred life cycle and an opportunity for rebirth? Can we share our stories more? Hear a transparent dialogue about symptoms, frustrations and what worked for us. Includes a nod to Anita Diamant’s book “The Red Tent”, a quote by Ursula K LeGuin, the podcast We Are More Than Menopause and Isabella Rossellini’s article about getting denied by Hollywood after age 45. You’ll hear: --Why Janelle & Andrea are having the best sex of their li...
2024-04-1643 minPermission To Be HumanSoul Contracts, Seasons & Letting go of Form: Navigating a Friendship’s EndHow long should friendships last? Can you honor the present without projecting onto the future? Janelle and Andrea have a real-time recognition of their own relationship and dissenct the end of another. In the process, they invite Brave Hearts to embrace impermanence. There’s a nod to The Dance of Intimacy: A Woman’s Guide to Courageous Acts of Change in Key Relationships by Harriet Lerner. You’ll hear: -Why some friendships need to end to make room for another -How marriage and friendship is pretty darn similar -The concept o...
2024-04-0939 minPermission To Be HumanMarried & Poly, Eight Years In: Why Andrea’s Still a Fuck YesAndrea & Janelle still consider themselves polyamorous. In this episode, Janelle interviews Andrea about the benefits, what she misses about monogamy, the triggers that have disappeared, the triggers that still remain and what it’s like to have no outside partner when your husband still does. There’s a nod to Jerry McGuire, The Way Knows The Way by Lyndsey Scott and Rhaina Cohen of the New York Times. You’ll hear: -How little she misses about monogamy -The relief, purity, clarity and validation she’s found in poly -Why Andrea’s seeking an...
2024-04-0237 minPermission To Be HumanOur Attention is a Valuable Resource: How to Locate Your Energy Leaks & Let them Go! How frequently and frivolously do you give away your energy? Do you have a leak? Are you carrying too many keys around? Could your backpack and your mind be lighter? As a Mom, are you helping or enabling? Janelle and Andrea urge the Brave Hearts to protect their attention. Fun nods to Tim Ferris, Humans of New York and Rachel Rodgers’ “We Should All Be Millionaires” and more. You’ll hear: -Why Andrea sometimes wants to shave her head. -The power of outsourcing! -Why you should just stop (!!!!) planning so far ahead
2024-03-2643 minPermission To Be HumanA Spirit-Son, Namesakes & a Right-Finger Ring: How Janelle Did Family her Own WayWhen Janelle got divorced, she kept her married name. And she does not have kids. Andrea wanted to know why. Thus began the flow of conversation about why we change our name, why we don’t, the power of that little ring around our finger and the debunking of some very traditional assumptions about marriage. Includes a nod to ayahuasca, the Antwerp Diamond District and East of Eden. You’ll hear: -Why Janelle considers her ex-husband lifelong and chosen family -A surprising definition of divorce -How to marry yourself and what that...
2024-03-1935 minPermission To Be HumanVices, Escapes & Addictions: Pleasures Need Not Be Guilty!What if pleasures didn’t have to be guilty? Janelle and Andrea discuss their own navigation of various vices over the years including sugar, nail-biting, social media, alcohol and television…then discuss mindfulness, addictions and impulse control for good measure. And there’s a nod to Glennon Doyle, Sam Harris, GI Joe, The Today Show and Little House on the Prairie. You’ll hear: -- How Andrea turned Acts of Productivity into a reward -- Why Janelle has never owned a television -- How simply noticing our cravings can negate the...
2024-03-1247 minPermission To Be HumanMorning Rituals, Altars & Moon Parties: How Woo & Wellness Work TogetherAltars aren’t just for church and rituals aren’t just for cults. Find out more as Janelle and Andrea discuss how these elements offer meaning, consistency and, most importantly, space to look within. Includes a nod to Indian Palm Leaf Reading, Waldorf, Myka MCloughlin, Cynthia Morris, Jim Gaffigan, the New Yorker & Braveheart. You’ll hear: -Why Janelle drinks cacao every morning -Permission for your ritual to be loose and chaotic -Ideas for honoring your teenage daughters Moon cycle -How reward systems (so linear!) can be woven...
2024-03-0541 minPermission To Be HumanA Discussion on Death: Rituals, Drones & Serial KillersJanelle and Andrea take on life and death, one breath at a time, discussing end-of-life care, examining how society successfully evades the topic, and considering the sentence: “if we die before we die, then we don’t have to die when we die”. Includes a nod to cemeteries, cruises, Joan Didion, Natalie Goldberg, The Lower Fifth, Meggan Watterson, Paul Kalanithi, “The Wreck of Time” by Annie Dillard and Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal. Also “Let Go” by Frou Frou. You’ll hear: -Why 138,000 deaths seems less significant than one -How to strategically prepare for death. Like, today...
2024-02-2747 minPermission To Be HumanTrigger Warning: Janelle’s Journey from Feminist to FeminineAre you a feminist? Are you sure? What does it mean to you? Janelle and Andrea dissect their own definitions, share their experience with feminine and masculine energy and invite listeners to honor the qualities of both. Includes a nod to Planned Parenthood, HDFS, Kate Chopin, Animal House, David Deida, Alison Armstrong & Om Rupani. You’ll hear: -Janelle’s journey form militant to post-modern feminism -Andrea’s frustration with feminism & why adding “thoughtful” in front is helpful -How you can embrace the feminine without bashing the masculine -Why...
2024-02-1340 minPermission To Be HumanWhat it Means to Invest in your Radiance: Sleep, Massages & $1000 CoatsEver heard the phrase “in your radiance”? It’s one of Janelle’s favorites and she’s learned that investing time and money in her own radiance is not a luxury, but a necessity. Andrea dishes about her evolution as a shopper and how she now dresses from the inside out. Includes a nod to thrift shopping, TJMaxx, Rising Frequency, Finland and Leave the World Behind. You’ll hear: -What it means to be in your radiance -Why Andrea sometimes pays people to go to their garage sale -So...
2024-02-0651 minPermission To Be HumanDivorce One Year Later: Finances, Freedom & Letting Go of FormDivorce was the one thing Janelle was never going to do. But one year later, she’s not only surviving, but thriving. In this episode, Janelle shares how this experience freed her from limiting financial beliefs and expanded her definition of who to call on in a crisis. Choosing herself first allowed her to appreciate all the ways her ex-partner showed his love. Includes a nod to Christmas onesies and late-night Walgreens pharmacy runs. You’ll hear: -How divorce helped Janelle come home to herself -Why she no longer believes one person can fulfill all...
2024-01-2342 minPermission To Be HumanYour Evil Twin vs. Your Inner Witch: Who Do You Listen To?Janelle interviews Andrea about the five ways to discern the voice of your Ego (what Andrea calls her Evil Twin) from the voice of your Calling (what she calls her Inner Witch). So juicy. You’ll hear why your Evil Twin is all about anxiety, attainment, doing and burnout, while your Inner Witch is all about silence, journey, being and fulfillment. Includes a reference to spirit crowns, Fight Club, 3-5 Club, and a story about white water rafting down the Nile.You’ll hear: -What it means to appreciate the Bliss of the Blur -How...
2024-01-1638 minPermission To Be Human14 Lessons From 2023: The Magic & The MundaneBefore we choose a word for the new year (yawn), let’s reflect on our lessons in 2023. Andrea found joy where the collective and individual meet. Janelle learned that investing in her radiance is a not a luxury but a necessity. Includes a nod to silent disco, sleep hygiene, the movie Rocky, cardamom and BDSM. You’ll hear: -Why we love glitter and “glimmer” -How Janelle has increased her capacity for love -Intense love is totally okay--as long as self-love included -Andrea’s clarity about social media
2024-01-0932 minPermission To Be HumanLife Lessons: Bulgarian Hospitals, the Blue Lagoon & Beautiful HitchhikersJanelle and Andrea glean lessons about relationships, instincts and privilege through stories about unexpected intruders, Everest base camp strangers, currency exchange mistakes, vision quest seekers and a husband’s ex-girlfriend. Can you find the meaning in even the messiest of situations? They definitely try. Includes references to Ally McBeal, Rock Bottom and mouth-taping. You’ll hear: -How Janelle felt less alone once her travel partner left -Why and when Andrea began to abandon RomCom movie lines -How white and female privilege impacts our reactions to crisis -Why developing a re...
2023-12-1950 minPermission To Be HumanThe Sex Episode: Eight Myths and Why You Should Let Them GoJanelle & Andrea take on a NYT article by Catherine Pearson about the Top 8 Sex Myths and do their darndest to expand our idea of an orgasm. It’s okay to want sex, use lube, plan intimacy and much more. Includes a peek into our own numbers (gasp!!) and a nod to George Michael. You’ll hear: -Why mixing sex nights with mundane shit works -The purpose of a Pelvic Floor Specialist -How Janelle likes to reverse the order of her date night -Giggle-gasms, sex-wrestling and other variet...
2023-12-1233 minPermission To Be HumanNavigating the Holidays: Chosen Family, Child Archetypes & Ugly Christmas Ornaments How do you celebrate the holidays? How do you adapt to changing family dynamics? Who do you become when you visit your parents? Can you let go of form and embrace new traditions? Janelle and Andrea discuss their own memories, what holidays looks like in a post-divorce, polyamorous world and how they avoid the consumerism debacle. -How to navigate child archetypes during your “home” experience -Creative ways to shake up gift-giving -Ideas to to increase “presence” at your holiday gathering -The power of an amazing (or ugly) Christmas ornament...
2023-12-0536 minPermission To Be HumanLetting Go of Attachments: A Discussion on Death, Poetry & Pagan HolidaysAndrea & Janelle attended a Letting Go of Attachments ceremony in honor of Samhain (pronounced Sawwen), a Celtic celebration to honor the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. The idea? To release one object from their life and allow its energy to nourish another. Includes a nod to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nina Hagen and Rising Appalachia. You’ll hear: -The importance of a Death Folder -How less stuff can help us be at home in ourselves -Why writing your own eulogy is revealing and challenging -A...
2023-11-2843 minPermission To Be HumanThe RBDSM Conversation: It’s Not About Kink, but the S Does Stand for SexAre you craving more intimacy and connection? Here’s a conversation that will lead you there. RBDSM stands for Relationships, Boundaries, Sexual Health, Meaning & Aftercare. Yes, this is a conversation you have BEFORE you take your clothes off---and it’s such a beautiful thing. We break down the acronym and role-play, too. -A debunking of the mind-reading myth that RomComs perpetuate -Why Janelle requires her partners to be a “fuck yes!” -How this conversation helps Janelle relaxes her nervous system -Why Andrea completely rejected this idea upon first...
2023-10-2436 minPermission To Be HumanHow to Ask for What We Want: Consent, Courage & AirBnB CheckoutsWhat if you could ask for exactly what you wanted? What if you could trust and value your own yeses and nos? What if you could articulate exactly how you wanted to be touched? Andrea interviews Janelle on a framework that has helped her give and receive everything (compliments, apples, touch, rides to the airport! ) from a centered and grounded place. Includes a When Harry Met Sally reference and some parenting tips. You’ll hear: -It’s as important to receive as it is to give. -Why consent is way more than a yes or a...
2023-10-1742 minPermission To Be HumanWTF: If Poly's So Fucking Painful, Why Do We Do it?If there are so much pain and tears and walking through fire, why practice polyamory anyway? Janelle and Andrea discuss the best parts of this alternative to monogamy, why they keep coming back to it and how it can strengthen relationships with both their partners and themselves. Also a story about Folk Festival and a quote from the beloved Alan de Botton. You’ll hear… -How poly led both chicas back home to themselves -Why letting go of form is so damn essential -Janelle’s story about how the most triggering people...
2023-10-1048 minPermission To Be HumanBurning Man IRL: Janelle Talks Magic, Mud & Moon BalloonsEver wondered what Burning Man is really about? Janelle explains how she finds the magic in the mud, the moon in the balloon and how self-reliance, immediacy, radical self expression and rhinestone goggles have guided her journey. She rarely visits the same city twice, but she’s gone back to Burning Man 8 years in a row because it ALWAYS meets her where she is---never the same experience twice. You’ll hear: -Why letting go of form and expectation are so important -A participant’s description---not the media’s! -Why--surprise!--your ima...
2023-10-0444 minPermission To Be HumanA Breakup & A Breakthrough: Real-Time Withdrawal & Way Better than Reality TV.You want raw? We’ll give you raw. In this episode…..Janelle holds space while Andrea does some real-time external processing of her current breakup and the incredibly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that go along with it. They dare toask the question: Can an oral fixation be satiated form a neutral, objective mouth? You’ll hear… -How Tarot, Wim Hoff & mantras can form a ritual -Why Janelle claims YOU are the source of your own pleasure (Andrea’s not sure) -How Andrea’s craving manifests with compression & oral fixation -A deep dive...
2023-09-261h 02Permission To Be HumanEmbracing Discomfort: Mystery Schools, Mary Magdalene & Mouth-TapingWhat happened when Janelle read a book about Mary Magdalene, then signed up to attend a two-week mystery school in Finland, led by a woman named Winter? And what if you add some mosquitos, a cold lake, a hot sauna and a 200-year old farmhouse? Lots of magic. This burner had dealt with far crazier conditions anyway. In this episode you’ll hear: -What happens when we let go of form -Why she taped her mouth shut for a lot of the trip -Janelle’s new mantra -The path...
2023-09-201h 15Permission To Be HumanLooking Through Heart-Shaped Sunglasses: Spread the Love!Andrea likes a nice stranger….in the same way some people like a nice martini. And she and Janelle like to share the love with the world in myriad ways. Giving people a lift is surprisingly easy. From simple compliments to clever snail mail, and joy in a bottle to a dollhead on a highway divider. Wearing heart-shaped sunglasses, these kindness-curators talk about how they do it--and you can do it too. You’ll hear about…. -What Janelle’s gifting for Burning Man this year -Why Glitter is always available at the Goddess Temple
2023-09-1244 minPermission To Be HumanOur Glitter Glossary: How to Understand Andrea & JanelleAfter some braveheart feedback, Janelle and Andrea realized they needed to further define their vocabulary. No, they’re not part of a cult. And no, they’re not the authority on all these concepts. But they wanted to give some more context on words about Lifestyle, Spirituality, Personal Growth, Communication, Relationships and Sex. In this episode you’ll hear… -How to broaden your definition of intimacy -What, exactly, a spirit crown is -A little bit about the art of “Becoming” -Ethical Non-Monogamy vs. Polyamory -A bit about Gl...
2023-08-291h 17Permission To Be HumanDancing, Pushing & Pillow Screaming: Why Emotional Release Tools Are Helpful AFFive hundred years ago, 100 people literally danced until they died. Florence and the Machine wrote a song about it. Andrea & Janelle totally get it. Because sometimes energy needs to be released! So what if emotions were just energy? What if we could let them flow? What if we could release them into the world instead of at a person? What if it gave us relief? You’ll hear about: -The value of Truth Tears -Why big emotions don’t make you a bad person -How to rescue anger and grief...
2023-08-2346 minPermission To Be HumanThe Pura Vida and the PITA Vida: How Costa Rica Helped Me Let GoLessons from Living in Costa Rica: The PITA Vida & the PURA Vida In 2021, Andrea moved her family to Costa Rica for a year. Why? To get away from Amazon, exit her comfort zone, live by the beach, make her daughter a global citizen and walk through some fire. She expected third-world hilarity and insta-community. What she got was transformation. You might get be curious about…. -How Pura Vida can be a Pain in the Ass -How to heal from Nature, EVEN if you’re a Badass Indoorsy person -Why alone t...
2023-08-1641 minPermission To Be HumanAll the Woo That's Crazy & True: Psychics, Human Design & Indian Palm Leaf ReadingsHold on to your unicorns, bravehearts. Janelle shares her journey from non-believer to woo queen, including life-altering experiences with intuitive masseuses, the Gene Keys, old fashioned psychics and and a 3000 year old practice that will probably surprise you. This episode recorded while wearing elfin-like crowns. Lord of the Rings lovers, we got you. You’ll hear about: Janelle’s mantra that she sings every morning! How a psychic cured her throat chakra Why it’s never too late to be a seeker Some basic tenets of Human Design How spirituality and structure can play together Why you should get cu...
2023-08-081h 12Permission To Be HumanI Was Weird Before I had a Child. I'm Still Weird: How to Stay Yourself as a MomSometimes motherhood takes over and consumes us. But it doesn’t have to. Andrea talks about how she strived to be a good Mom--her most cherished role--as well as keep growing and expanding as a woman. Also bits about Modpodge, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Outfield and turquoise insulators. In this episode you’ll hear about…. Why Andrea didn’t own a glue gun until she was 40 An aha moment in a hallway How dancing on the school stage made Andrea feel alive Why childhood is like the inside of an egg The value of having childless besties Wh...
2023-08-0138 minPermission To Be HumanButt Plugs, Tantrikas & Pleasure Pillars: It’s an Inside Job, He HeNope, we’re not talking about your favorite type of fellatio. “Pleasure Pillars” are what Janelle requires to ALLOW her to get curious about pleasure. We’ll share several juicy parts of her journey as she summoned her own orgasmic spirit from within. Includes stuff about a choir and Brene Brown, a celebration of spirit crowns and an 80s commercial reference. Some key points in the episode include: An experience with a Tantrika The mind-body-heart connection The beauty of butt-plugs Opening the throat chakra Why YOU are the Source of your pleasure Get ready fo...
2023-07-2540 minPermission To Be HumanCompersion & Conscious Relationship--It's for Cats TooWhat is a conscious relationship? What is compersion? What if we could be less attached to outcomes and more focused on expansion and growth? Learn how these ideas have helped transformed our life and given us a new template for relationships and love. There’s a story about a cat, some middle school slang, and country music too! Look forward to: The four pillars of a conscious relationship Why Andrea stopped blaming and started pillow-screaming How Janelle was crossing her own boundaries A permission slip: You cannot be all things to your partner! Considering your love fo...
2023-07-1945 minPermission To Be HumanFriends With Benefits: A New DefinitionJanelle and Andrea got their first amazing ideas about friendship from their Moms. Throughout life, they've learned that following instincts, blurring boundaries, questioning convention and master listening have all been essential tools for solid friendships. And Voxer's not a bad app either. More juicy bits include…. Non-Hallmark tips for being a good friend How we thrived with a threesome Why advice is overrated How blurred boundaries brought Janelle & Andrea closer” Get ready for some real-time relationship woo and wisdom--from the front lines about how br...
2023-07-1132 minPermission To Be HumanHomecoming Without the Quarterback or the Queen: The Return to SelfHere’s the sich: Janelle gets a text from a friend who’s separating from her husband. And in that text, Janelle’s friend dares to ask the question: “How did I get so detached from myself?” So we’ve dedicated this episode to Homecoming----no football, no quarterback, no queen----just how we sometimes lose connection with ourselves. In this episode, we’ll explore The concept of “happy enough” The idea of tracking and why it sucks Strategies to reconnect with yourself How Google Calendar creat...
2023-06-2735 minPermission To Be HumanWalking Through Fire: Frog Poison, Polyamory and MarathonsEver walked through fire? Faced your greatest fears? Confronted messy emotions? Been through pain that cuts to the core? Literally and metaphorically? We have. And even though it’s often taken us into battle with Game of Thrones-like dragons, we’ve emerged with strength and resilience. And we have no regrets! In this episode, you’ll learn about Frog poison and the benefit of suffering How Andrea went from Recovering Princess to Marathon Runner The importance of crowd support when you’re crossing hot coal...
2023-06-2044 minPermission To Be HumanDivorced & Happily Ever After…Mic DropDivorce has such a stigma. But what if you could get divorced in love? In this episode Janelle gets very vulnerable and talks in real time and out her experience with the big D. You’ll hear how Janelle…. Married the right person, and divorced the right person Is still consciously relating with her ex-husband Harnessed psychedelics and divorce to be catalysts for her becoming Get ready for some real-time relationship woo and wisdom--from the front lines about how breaking rules, blurring boundaries and tossing tradition--along with polyamory and plant...
2023-06-1446 minPermission To Be HumanMeet the Hosts: Besties & Partners in BraveryWelcome to Permission to be Human! Meet your hosts, besties & partners in bravery, Andrea and Janelle. Andrea is a small town girl, living in a Colorado world, listening to way too much eighties music. She mines clients for their magic as a brand storyteller, helping people be brave with the second half of their life. Learn more about her… Janelle is a NY Native with an adventure seeking soul, dedicated to exploring the steep path of personal growth, embracing all of the fumbling, falling, freaking out and walking through fire along the...
2023-05-2307 min