Permission To Be Human

94: 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...

93: 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...

92: 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...

91: 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...

90: 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<...

89: 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...

88: 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...

Season 4: How to Build a Relationship with Yourself

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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...

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...

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...

Re-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.

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-A debunking of the mind-reading myth that RomComs perpetuate

-Why Janelle requires her partners to be a “fuck yes!”...

85: 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.

 <...

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<...

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:

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 to a...

81: 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...

80: 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...

79: 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...

78: 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...

#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...

#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...

#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...

Part 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...

 Season 3 Launching February 4. 2025.

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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...

Struggling 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...

Braveheart 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...

Bravehearts 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

...

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...

Braveheart Conversations Inquiry & Insight Recap #5: Intimacy, Menopause & Why You Should Leave your Family (for the Weekend)

In the next recap of their In Real Life Braveheart Conversation eventsJanelle and Andrea cover permission, finding our purpose, intimacy without sex, love languages, balancing personal passions with family obligations, polyamory and menopause. There’s a nod to Non-Violent Communication, the movie  “Take This Waltz” and the NYTimes article “Six Books about Non-Monogamy, Recommended by Therapists.” You’ll hear:

--The benefits of attuning to your OWN joy amidst family chaos

--Why jealousy was so clearly a sign of our own co...

Stop 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...

Midlife 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...

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...

Braveheart Conversations #4: Monogamy, Threesomes, Wealth & Death
Our fourth In-Real-Life Braveheart Conversation recap is here! In this episode, we give insights on polyamory, monogamy, commitment, loss of libido, the Imagined Reality, sustainable wealth, intimacy vs. independence and spicing up your sex life. There’s a nod to 3-5 Club, Om Rupani and the RBDSMA intimacy conversation. You’ll hear:

--How being a Pro-Domme has impacted Janelle’s life

--Why being committed to yourself is the most important commitment of all

--Why you should find your business “why”. No, now.

--How to embody an...

Drop 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...

The 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...

Braveheart 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...

Everyone 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...

Poly 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...

Dear 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...

Roses, 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...