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Hello all! It's been a hot minute since we've done a Human Awareness episode, but guess what... We're baaaaack. This time, we're joined by one of the most freshly baked HAI facilitators, Tony Holmes, who came to talk to us on a Monday immediately after facilitating a Loving Yourself workshop for HAI. As you might expect, they are still glowing from the Room of Love, and the wonderful warmth of this episode shows that beautifully.  We cover all sorts of beautiful topics, and Tony even leads us in a brief meditation, and an exploration of how to find the things that are blocking you in finding your path. We also talk about the 'value of the repaired human,' and why we are collectively feeling driven to 'do the work'.  You can find out more about Tony's own work on TheLoveWarrior.com - or come attend a HAI workshop and spend some beautiful, dropped-in time with them!

We are back with Kate's last episode for a while! Recorded on the very last day of her tenure as HAI's marketing director, we reflect on how much we've grown and changed over these past four seasons of podcasts.  Worry ye not, though, dear listener: Kate is going on her honeymoon and taking a break after completing her therapy degree, but Haje is continuing to carry the torch for the rest of Season 4... And a little birdie told us that Kate may be back as a guest host in the near future. How utterly delightful! Enjoy the episode, and be well <3 

Join us for a rich and stimulating conversation about what our guest, Carolyn Arnold, calls her “dating experiment.” She takes us through her process of setting up the experiment, and we get a peek into the valuable lessons she learned as she set out to date 50 different people after she had turned 50 years old. Kate and Haje also share some of their dating experiences and we explore what it would be like to shift the focus of dating and our assumed goals. Carolyn Lee Arnold drew upon her thirty years as a social science researcher and ten years as a relationship workshop assistant with the Human Awareness Institute to create the dating project in Fifty First Dates after Fifty, which is the title of her first book. Carolyn lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her partner, one of her fifty dates. For more information, including dating resources, visit CarolynLeeArnold.com.

When Leah first showed people her podcast, one of her early listeners gasped - but good girls don't talk about sex! - and, of course, that became the name of her podcast. She hastens to add that the podcast isn't just good girls - and, in fact, not just girls, either. She joined us on the Human Awareness podcast for a most delightful episode talking about body image, emotional pressure, and how she went from being frozen stiff with fear at the thought of someone seeing her body naked - to finding herself in spaces where nudity was normal and okay.  Leah Carey is a sex and intimacy coach and host of the podcast “Good Girls Talk About Sex.” She works with people eager to explore new avenues of their sexuality and fulfill their greatest desires, like: diving back into the dating pool after a long time away, having first-time queer experiences, investigating consensual non-monogamy, or learning how to communicate about kink. Leah's superpower is radical empathy. When you work with her, she reflects your true sexual nature back to you without judgment, so you can see yourself without shame.

In our season finale for season 3, your hosts Kate and Haje end up talking about loving brightly, healing shame, the power of new relationship energy (NRE), and the nature of boundaries and how they can be held with kindness. We also talk about showing up for people who need us while not being fully resourced ourselves, and how it's possible to communicate through situations like that with grace, while still leaving some space for yourself to show up authentically and in integrity.  It's a sweet, free-wheeling conversation about a number of topics - and we hope it will give you a lot to think about along the way!  After this episode, Human Awareness will be taking a little break, but we will lovingly return to your ears by ways of a podcasting app near you in the new year. Happy holidays and have a very peaceful rest of the year! 🤟

In this episode, we talk with Sarah Belzile about the joys of reconnecting with nature in a deeper sense than you might be used to - what happens when we open our heart to the deeply erotic within ourselves - and the natural world around us? Sarah Belzile is passionate about the exploration of pleasure as a spiritual practice and loves to facilitate eco-erotic experiences. She has served as an administrator and associate faculty for the Body Electric School, one of the country’s oldest and most trusted names in erotic education. She is also a Women’s Temple Facilitator, Professional Cuddlist, Certified Cuddle Party Facilitator, Akhanda yoga teacher, founder of the Red River Gorge Popup Ashram, and a teacher of NVC, Non-Violent Communication. She is an avid rock climber and lives in her natural habitat, the moss, and ferns of the Red River Gorge. You can learn more about her work at SarahBelzile.com. Sign up for her newsletter and you will receive the password for the “erotic playground” section of her site where you will find an eco erotic self-pleasure practice, among other treats.

When Patricia was diagnosed with cancer, she found ways of processing her grief and recovery with art - and soon made it her life's mission to help others do the same. In this episode, she talks with Kate and Haje about how creativity, the healing process, and how all forms of art can be used to shift the experience of one's journey with cancer, pain, and illness.  Patricia is a publisher, author, artist and leadership coach recognized for her ability to engage people in their healing process. Her signature program Create to Heal is taught in hospitals and cancer centers across the country, as well as in domestic violence shelters worldwide. Also a survivor, Patricia works with patients, providers and medical school students on the art and practice of mindfulness, gratitude and compassion. She is the CEO and founder of the Women with Wings foundation - and you can learn more about Patricia and her work on their website, and on Patricia's own site at PatriciaVarga.com. 

There’s a special kind of bravery associated with knowing what you want - and then daring to ask for it. In this episode, Haje interviews Marcia, about the wants and needs of humans, and how to dig deeper into the likes and wants lurking inside us. Marcia is an internationally recognized speaker, writer, coach, and expert on sexual communication, relationships, and women’s empowerment. Her primary mission is to help women and the people who love them to overcome shame and get in touch with what they truly want — romantically, sexually, and relationally — even if it’s off the beaten path. As co-founder of Cuddle Party, Marcia has helped tens of thousands of people to speak up for the kind of touch they want, say No unapologetically, and foster more connected, affectionate relationships. Her popular virtual course, “The Good Girl Recovery Program,” helps women to break out of the roles that keep them small and unsatisfied, and move into being more of who they are in all areas of their lives. You can find out more about Marcia and her work at askingforwhatyouwant.com

"I've always been told I give great hugs, and I really wanted to share them with people.” Dr. Yoni Alkan explores the beauty of hugs, cuddles, and other forms of non-sexual touch. On this episode of Human Awareness, we talk about Cuddle Party®, being a Cuddlist®, and the importance of sharing touch with other human beings. We all may recognize the value of affection - but what if we lived in a world where it was more readily given and received? We explore this idea and more on this particularly cozy episode. Dr. Yoni Alkan is a sexual educator and a sexual consultant with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality and a Masters in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, he is also a professional one-on-one cuddler with Cuddlist and a Certified Cuddle Party Facilitator in San Francisco. Yoni is a TED speaker at TEDxSoMa 2019, and the author of The Book of Cuddles which is an instructional on cuddling that teaches how to better your touch. He is also the creator of Elements of Sexuality; a playful, geeky, and educational site about the elements that contribute to our sexuality.

Is there a space for being ‘real’ in the world of Instagram and the endless hunt for dopamine hits in the world of Social Media? In this episode, Kate talks with Sarah Yates Mora about the highs and lows of being a heart-open human being in the universe of influencers, internet trolls, and endless distractions. They talk about how to tame the “dragon mom” inside, and how to find an authentic connection in a rapidly evolving digital world. Sarah Yates Mora is a photographer, interior designer, and artist who creates beauty with everything she touches. Her authenticity and stunning imagery has drawn over 35 thousand followers. Her work is inspired by earth tones and a connection to nature, and her philosophy is rooted in speaking honestly and from the heart. You can find Sarah on Instagram at @SarahYatesMora

Can aging deliver us from the limitations of youth? Does sex and intimacy really get better with time?  In this rich and fun conversation, Laurie presents her lifetime evolution towards more free and enjoyable sex – but also, how she learned to enjoy aging. Spoiler-alert: they go hand in hand. Laurie has a Masters degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. Her career includes over thirty years as a corporate change consultant, individual empowerment coach and international seminar leader. As a speaker and facilitator, Laurie has taught transformational workshops since 1978 covering topics like how to heal the body, releasing past emotional trauma, stopping the aging process, and reducing stress. You can learn more on LaurieHandlers.com

In this episode, Kate and Haje interview Arielle Brown. Reducing this episode to ‘phone sex’ is like saying that a three-Michellin-star meal is about ‘absorbing nutrients’ - what was meant to be a Valentines-themed guide to how to make erotic connection happen from a distance turned into something far deeper - and far yummier - than we would have dared hope for. We think you’re going to love this one… Arielle is a teacher of intimacy, sexuality, and embodied communication. She supports individuals, couples, and groups to embody and express their deepest truths and desires, so they can access more freedom, pleasure and genuine fuflillment in their lives and intimate relationships. She currently resides on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers her services through private in-person retreats, virtual one-on-one containers, and community offerings rooted in ritual and connection. Learn more at www.ariellebrown.com.

Frank Mondeose joins Kate and Haje in this episode to talk about marriage. We talk about the history of marriage, and whether the social circumstances have shifted far enough that marriage itself still makes sense. We get deep into a conversation about what marriage is, how it serves us, and whether it run its course as an institution. As you can imagine, all three of us have a lot of thoughts and curiosities about marriage, and the resulting conversation serves as a wonderful examination of how people make decisions about their lives and about how people can evolve in the context of a relationship. Frank Mondeose has taught Sexual Shamanism in over 10 countries, and is a contemporary voice on Love, Eros & Relating. He embodies both play and pray, which is reflected on his YouTube web series “The Spiritual Playboy”. He is lead faculty with ISTA, the International Schools of Temple Arts, co-founder of ReMENber Brotherhood Journey, Shamanic Minister for Venus Rising Association for Transformation, and creator of the lifestyle brand Monde Osé, Frank has touched the hearts, and minds of many, whether it be through tantalizing their imaginations at his multi-sensorial events, to inspirational interactions that have navigated people to accessing their personal power.

In this episode, we talk about the importance of experiencing and expressing your emotions in a non-destructive way. Primarily, we take a deep look at jealousy. Why do we feel jealous? What can we do to embrace this feeling and use it for good in our life and our relationships? As we talk about jealousy, themes of self-worth, beauty, belonging, and even our relationship to our pets emerge and illuminate just how complex this topic is. Chas is a life coach, working with individuals, couples, and families. Through his deep understanding of people, psychologically and emotionally, he provides a compassionate and holistic environment for personal growth. His coaching style is to work with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering lasting transformation. The goal of the work is to help clients experience a love-filled and satisfying life. He has been actively involved with HAI since 1988, as a workshop participant, an Intern, a Facilitator (1991-2008), and in various other paid and volunteer capacities, and is the recipient of the Stan Dale Lifetime Service Award. Chas is also an independent workshop leader, podcaster, and hypnotherapist. He is a certified Instructor of Parent Effectiveness Training and teaches listening, conflict resolution, and communication skills. Learn more on his website: chasaugust.com

Wrapping up our second season, your hosts Haje and Kate get into a delightful conversation reflecting on how the past 20 or so episodes have gone - and what we’ve learned along the way. It’s a wonderful, connected conversation. May I Have This Dance will be taking a little break - but we’ll be back later in the year!

Dixie De La Tour is a sexual folklorist, professional storyteller, podcaster, teacher, storytelling coach, community builder and most of all, a facilitator. She is also the Founder, Curator & Host of the Award-winning storytelling series, Bawdy Storytelling that’s been lauded for its transformational, relatable, empowering performances. In this episode, Haje and Kate talk to Dixie to discover what brought her to sexy storytelling - and how, after thirteen years on the road, she just keeps on going.  She even shares one of her stories with us during the podcast! Dixie has recently been a featured storyteller for the National Storytelling Conference, and in addition to story and public speaking coaching for her own Bawdy series, she coaches for events such as TEDx, Women in Technology, and for Kink and Sexual Conferences Conferences, Classrooms and Public Libraries.

Today we have a very special episode to offer in which Haje interviews Kate, AND her mom, Kirby. You can feel the love palpitating in all directions during this intimate, inspiring conversation about raising children with mutual trust, open communication, and the understanding that human beings evolve over time.

In this episode, Haje interviews Jason, one of the facilitators at HAI, about racism and prejudice, gender identity, and having love for every human who ever lived - and ever will live. It’s a beautiful episode full of gentleness and exploration - we think you’ll love it! Jason Weston has been a part of the Human Awareness Institute community for more than 40 years. As a facilitator, Jason assists individuals and couples in creating for themselves the lives they really want by guiding them to see and express their own beauty, power and love. He was trained at the Process Therapy Institute and holds a degree in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. Jason served for many years as the Executive Director of HAI Global, and is passionate about creating a world in which all people have their needs met, and nature is allowed to thrive. Jason is also a fine art photographer whose work is internationally collected.  A descendent of a long line of fine art photographers in California, he works in his own way in continuing the tradition. See jasonweston.com for more about Jason.

In this episode, Cindy Gallop takes us into her work of carving out a platform for “social sex.” Her organization, “Make Love, Not Porn,” is pro sex, pro porn, and pro knowing the difference between the two. Listen in as Cindy describes how reshaping how we think about porn can lead to world peace – yes seriously. Cindy Gallop is the founder and CEO of www.makelovenotporn.com,  launched at TED 2009 – ‘Pro-sex. Pro-porn. Pro-knowing the difference’. In 2013 she turned MakeLoveNotPorn into the world’s first user-generated, human-curated social sex videosharing platform https://www.makelovenotporn.tv/  socializing and normalizing sex in order to make it easier to talk about, to promote consent, communication, good sexual values and good sexual behavior.

Kimball Lane took the helm as Executive Director for The Human Awareness Institute nine months ago. Since then she has made a reputation for herself as someone who has clarity, vision, and the ability to move mountains with grace and care. During this intimate interview, Kimball shares many of her personal life experiences that have led her to become the heart-first leader that she is.   We learn how Kimball moved from holding Love as something big and unattainable to something much more simple… something that was there all along. Kimball shares with us her personal life philosophy that “it doesn’t matter who you love, but how you love.” You can find out more about Kimball and her coaching practice on http://kimballlane.com , and more about Kimball’s role within Hai on https://www1.hai.org/team/kimball-lane .