Intimate Breath

In a world addicted to sides, speed, and certainty, what happens when we slow down and get intimate with the discomfort instead? In this episode, I explore how we-versus-them dynamics — from COVID debates to political leaders, from war to gender and identity — mirror the same parts of ourselves we often reject. With a trauma-informed, body-led lens, I invite you to move beyond dehumanization and into deeper presence, where complexity and curiosity can coexist. This isn’t about agreeing. It’s about staying human. It’s about feeling your feet on the ground when the world feels divided. It’s about relating — even when it’s hard. If you’ve ever longed for a culture that chooses connection over polarization, and presence over performance — this one’s for you. Inside this episode: - How we internalize ‘us vs. them’ thinking — and how to interrupt it - Why nervous system awareness matters in political and relational conflict - What embodiment has to do with culture change - How to hold nuance without collapsing into silence or blame - A call to stay relational — even in disagreement Let this episode be a breath. A reckoning. A return. . 🔗 Stay Connected: You can follow my journey and explore more about intimacy and sexuality at www.intimate-breath.com [https://www.intimate-breath.com] or on Instagram⁠ [http://instagram.com/intimatebreath]and Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/IntimateBreath]: @intimatebreath. 📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.

You keep showing up. You want to connect. But somehow, it keeps happening: you’re the one left out. Not chosen. Not seen. Not touched. Again. In this solo episode, I dive into one of the hardest patterns I witness in group spaces — and know personally: the rejection loop. A painful cycle that has nothing to do with how attractive, interesting, or "good" you are — and everything to do with what your body has learned to expect. If you've ever told yourself _“maybe I’m just not lovable”_ — or shaped your whole way of being around _trying not to be rejected_ — this one's for you. We'll talk about: - What rejection has to do with shame and survival fear - How trauma, attachment, and the nervous system silently broadcast your past - The many sneaky ways the rejection loop expresses itself (you’ll likely recognize yourself) - And: what to do if you’re tired of trying to be “enough” just to be included I’m sharing this not just as someone who’s studied this for years — but as someone who’s lived it. There’s a way through. And it doesn’t start with fixing your appearance, your energy, or your social skills. It starts with no longer believing that being rejected means there’s something wrong with you. Listen in. Let's befriend it. Let’s untangle the loop — together. . 🔗 Stay Connected: You can follow my journey and explore more about intimacy and sexuality at www.intimate-breath.com [https://www.intimate-breath.com] or on ⁠Instagram [http://instagram.com/intimatebreath]⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/IntimateBreath]: @intimatebreath. 📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.

Turns out, casual sex isn’t always that casual… and what triggers us might just teach us how to love better. In this lively and layered conversation, Reid Mihalko and I explore some of the more uncomfortable (and wildly insightful) corners of relating. We talk about casual sex, deep care, and the surprising wisdom in the complaints our lovers throw our way. Reid offers real-life tools and playful insights on how to navigate complexity in relationships — not for the sake of drama, but for the sake of depth, growth, and leaving the campsite better than you found it. We also dive into: * What makes casual sex not so casual * How to learn from how people react to you * Why being "too much" might actually be your magic * What to do when things get complicated (and they always do) Bring your curiosity, your complexity, and your honesty. Links of Reid that were mentioned in the episode: * More on his accountability process: ⁠https://reidaboutsex.com/informing-you-about-my-accountability-process/⁠ [https://reidaboutsex.com/informing-you-about-my-accountability-process/] * To find out about the 'Casual Sex Protocol': https://courses.reidaboutsex.com/what-are-the-casual-sex-protocols [https://courses.reidaboutsex.com/what-are-the-casual-sex-protocols] . 🔗 Stay Connected Find upcoming workshops and offerings at ⁠intimate-breath.com⁠ [http://intimate-breath.com] Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @intimatebreath 📢 We’d love to hear from you! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend. Your support helps us grow and keep creating meaningful conversations on intimacy, embodiment, and connection. Thanks for listening,Lore

In this episode of Intimate Breath, I welcome my sister back for a real conversation about the intriguing world of play parties and intimacy. After our first recording together, we reunite to explore the nuances of these adult spaces—where connection, consent, and vulnerability take center stage. With my sister offering an outsider’s perspective, we unpack common misconceptions about play parties and contrast them with more traditional ideas of intimacy and sxxuality. From the power of intention to the importance of safety and clear communication, we dive into what it really means to consciously explore intimacy in a group setting. We talk about the role of the nervous system in these experiences—why slowing down is essential and how safety can open the door to real connection. I share parts of my personal journey and how these intentional spaces have supported healing, helping people track their emotional responses and reshape their intimate narratives. We also explore common fears and assumptions for newcomers, and share practical insights for anyone curious about stepping into this world. Whether you’re play-party-curious or just seeking a deeper understanding of your own desires, this episode invites you into reflection, curiosity, and connection. 🎧 Highlights 2:15 — Reflections on our first podcast experience 5:45 — Play parties vs. org/es: what’s the difference? 10:30 — Safety, intention & the role of the nervous system 20:00 — My personal healing through play 25:10 — Fears, assumptions & tips for newcomers 30:45 — Practical Tips for Newcomers 🔗 Stay ConnectedFind upcoming workshops and offerings at intimate-breath.com [http://intimate-breath.com] Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @intimatebreath 📢 We’d love to hear from you! If this episode resonates, share it with a friend. Your support helps us grow and keep creating meaningful conversations on intimacy, embodiment, and connection.

What do sex and death have in common? According to David Cates, quite a lot. In this episode, we dive into the deep end—exploring how slowing down changes everything, from intimacy to the tender process of dying. David, a lifelong seeker and teacher of embodiment, shares his thoughts on what it means to truly let go. David Cates is known for his pioneering work in intimacy, embodied connection, and somatic practices like Belly2Belly. With decades of experience, he’s been a guide for many seeking deeper presence, richer relationships, and a more grounded approach to love and sexuality. Now in his 70s, he embraces his role as an elder, reflecting on the cycles of life, the wisdom of slowing down, and the opportunities for growth in our most vulnerable moments. In this conversation we explore the raw parallels between orgasm and death, the liberation of dropping masks, and the surprising gifts that loss can bring. David also shares how his curiosity about the dying process has shaped his perspective on living fully and loving deeply. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself, others, and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. Whether you're drawn to topics of intimacy, mortality, or the quiet magic of slowing down, this conversation might leave you touched, inspired, and curious. . 🔗 Stay Connected: You can follow my journey and explore more about intimacy and sexuality at https://www.intimate-breath.com or on Instagram or Facebook: @intimatebreath. 📢 We’d Love to Hear from You! If this episode touches or inspires you, please consider sharing it with others. Your support not only helps spread the word but also encourages us to keep creating content that matters.