Unpacking Life's Crazy: Recent Episodes
Esperanza Phoenix
Having an unusual and traumatic childhood could drive anyone insane. In this podcast we unpack a lifetime of weird situations, unfortunate events, mental illnesses, fibromyalgia and how some of us use humor and self reflection to survive life's challenges. From straight up funny personal stories, original children's stories, dark confessions and empathetic interviews with her weird and wonderful tribe of friends, artist and performer Esperanza Phoenix shares the experiences that shape who we become. Humans have the amazing ability to develop new perspective or better coping mechanisms through listening to story, without actually having to endure emotionally trying experiences themselves. We are not alone on this roller coaster of life. This Podcast is eclectic. In this podcast we will discuss adult topics which may be considered controversial, including sex and sexuality, LGBTQ issues, child abuse and trauma, the #MeToo movement, systemic racism, religion and other sensitive subjects that may be triggering to some listeners. We are all grownups here, unless a specific podcast has been announced as kid friendly, expect there to be swearing.
43 year old musician and video game producer, Lange, joins Ms. Phoenix to share some Pride Month perspective as transgender mother of 4 children between the ages of 11 and 24. She's faced many challenges in her life, from living on the streets at 16 and struggling with schizophrenia to coming out as transgender just 5 years ago. Lennon has a lot to teach listeners about overcoming the odds and living your best life. Esperanza and Lennon have a frank discussion about the bigotry facing the transgender community in 2023. So much to unpack in this celebration of pride.
In part 2 of her exploration of women with ADHD, Esperanza explains the processes of diagnosing ADHD, the surprising benefit she's experiencing with medication, some resources for those of you who suspect you have it and tools to manage the condition. Still a lot to unpack in this episode.
Esperanza shares her personal experiences and the knowledge she's gained by growing up with and seeking treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as an adult. Many girls with ADHD go undiagnosed and untreated because the symptoms are less obvious or disruptive for others. Ms. Phoenix also offers resources and shared the devices that she uses to manage the pitfalls of this condition. In her desire to uncover all she could about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, she amassed more information than she could squeeze into a single episode. Enjoy, part one of this two part dive into the topic of ADHD in girls and women. Come back for the next episode to unpack the rest.
Expanding sales of my artwork, sculpting with flexible polymer clay, my ADHD, reproductive rights, ADHD, geriatric pregnancy, what happened with that whole Facebook thing, did I mention ADHD? spring has sprung in Oregon, foraging for mushrooms... we'll unpack all of this, while doing my best to stay on track.
In this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza shares some of her favorite things about the Facebook platform, how it may have saved her life and also why Meta is a horrible company that totally f*cking sucks. If she loves the platform, why does she think it sucks? This is a complicated love-hate relationship. Let's unpack it.
In episode 30 of Unpacking Life’s Crazy Esperanza shores the details of the big move from the East Bay of California to Beaverton Oregon. Any move can be a nightmarish moving experience, but when you also have to cope with pain due a disability and the WORST moving company EVER it’s straight up torture. Spoiler, we don’t recommend moving around the holidays. This one is a comedy of errors folks with a surprising twist at the end and the beginnings of a beautiful new life in the Pacific Northwest.
In Episode 29 of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza interviews Eric Newton, the writer/comedian and West Coast MC of The Empire Strips Back. Are you a Star Wars nerd, Harry Potter fan or theatre geek? If so, this episode is absolutely for you. Eric offers listeners a peek behind the curtain of this Star Wars themed burlesque parody. Enjoy humorous backstage details about this wildly popular "Vegas worthy" burlesque show. We’ll also share when you might expect this show to land on a stage near you. Unpacking some good vibes and lots of love for the Star Wars fandom with this episode, for real.
In Episode 28 of Unpacking Life's Crazy, a crazy December brought big changes for the podcast. It's January 2023 and implementation Oregon's Measure 109 has begun. Esperanza explains the basic rules of the measure and why the state's new laws on magic mushrooms are suddenly especially exciting for her. Enjoy this last episode of the podcast for the Bay Area of California. Beaverton here we come!
The topic of this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy is rather unexpected. Esperanza offers a frank, and at times humorous, discussion with a dear friend who is recovering from Monkeypox in the Los Angeles area. "Flash" shares the graphic (and a bit gross) details of his experience with this virus and his concerns for how this outbreak will affect the LGBTQ community. Esperanza and her guest offer suggestions of how listeners can avoid catching Monkeypox, the shocking length of time you might be a carrier if you do catch it and where you can find more information about this pox virus. So much to unpack here...
Does psychedelic therapy hold the key to treating PTSD, addiction, anxiety and more? In this all hallows eve episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza shares her experience with micro-dosing magic mushrooms and how using psilocybin has greatly improved her life. Esperanza offers some advice for those interested in pursuing psychedelic therapy for themselves and what you can do to make mushroom therapy available to those who need it most.
In this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza Phoenix, recently recovered from COVID fatigue, interviews comedian Johnny Corn on the anniversary of his death/resurrection to discuss his come back to comedy, film and the bubble biz. We say this podcast is all about using humor to survive life, it also helps some to survive death. We aren't joking... but we kind of are. Let's unpack this.
My amazing transgender daughter Kiera volunteered to come back on for what has become our annual Pride Month podcast interview. Kiera updates listeners on the big changes in her life since last year and what's going on with her partner Kaynah as well. We get in depth about the differences between gender and sexuality, what it means to be pansexual and polyamorous, and how dialectical behavioral therapy is improving her life. My daughter and I share a beautifully honest relationship that's both touching and hilarious. Some of the sexual revelations in this episode are very explicit. You've been warned. We even delve into the mysterious culture of furries and your assumptions may be way off base. There's so much to unpack here. Enjoy!
In episode 25 of Unpacking Life's Crazy Esperanza explains EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy, why she decided to try EMDR for her PTSD & childhood trauma and her experience with this unique therapy technique so far. She also fills in regular listeners as to what she's been up to for the past few months and her efforts to conquer her ADHD to keep up with the podcast in the future.
The very last story relates to how the pandemic has affected our children and their relationships with the elderly people. it might help them process how the pandemic has effected their lives. This podcast was especially recorded for the children in your lives so they'd have something to entertain them on their 4th of July travels. Enjoy the stories and have a wonderful holiday weekend.
For the very first episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza interviewed her transgender daughter Kiera to celebrate Pride Month.
Kiera is back, again for this years second Pride Month episode. This time her girlfriend Kaynah joins in on the mother daughter conversation. Learn how things have changed for Kiera over the past year and how having an intimate partner has changed her perspective on whether or not she will have the full surgery. These ladies share some details of their sexual relationship and how it can be more about intimacy than gratification.
Kiera & Kaynah offer advice on coming out to parents and moving forward with who you are. Kaynah also shares how Planned Parenthood provided hormone therapy when she couldn't have afforded it otherwise.
Hopefully this interview will help others better understand the transgender community, and those who are transgender feel more comfortable with all the stages of their own transition. Lots to unpack here, enjoy...
Episode 22 of Unpacking Life's Crazy celebrates pride month with words of wisdom for parents of transgender youth.
Esperanza updates her listeners on her daughter Kiera's transition progress since their interview nearly a year ago. To hear Kiera discuss her experience coming out to her mother, listen to Unpacking Life's Crazy, Episode #1
This video offers suggestions on how to better support your trans child through their transition. Ms. Phoenix also offers advice on adjusting emotionally to your child's gender change.
For more information on this episode or any other visit:
http:/www.esperanzaphoenix.com
If you are a transgender, you are not alone. Please visit The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org
If you are in crises, call their helpline
1-866-488-7386.
In this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, Esperanza interviews Seattle based comedian and producer Duante 'SuitMan' Barnett. Duante explains the frustration of how existing as a 6 foot tall black man with Asperger's puts him at daily risk of dangerous interactions with law enforcement. Duante shares the inclusive motives behind the shows he produces at SuitManComedy.com and his future plans for world domination. We delve into mental illness within the comedy community, our very different approaches in coping with with PTSD and additional challenges faced by comedians when they decide to go sober. We also explore the ways in which our public education system fails to identify neurodivergent children of color and the issue of systemic racism in law enforcement. There's so much to unpack in this episode...
There are many loving, supportive and wonderful mothers out there and I'm trying my hardest to be one of them. Unfortunately, some of us weren't lucky enough to get that kind of mom. If your relationship with your own mother is complicated or non-existent, you are not alone. Mother's Day reminds some of us of unfulfilled childhood needs, perceived inadequacy and societal pressure to celebrate a woman who failed to celebrate us. Maybe you get along great with your mom and find it difficult to understand how your friend can dread visiting theirs. In this episode I share the realization that helped me see the impossible relationship with my own mother with fresh perspective. If you have a difficult relationship with your mom, hopefully you can find peace in this knowledge as well. It's time to stop taking guilt trips down memory lane.
Support this podcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EspPhoenix
For this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy I had a lovely visit with British funny man Benny Shakes all the way over in the UK. Benny Shakes is a wonderfully entertaining comedian who's managed to launch some funny YouTube shows, with the help of fellow comedians, in the midst of a world wide pandemic. Benny shares witty life antidotes and a bit about his passion for gardening and veg. We also dish a bit on the royals, of course and discuss our vaccination experiences. Benny is a truly inspirational guy, who sets a great example of how to handle life's crazy with good humor while helping others laugh along with him. Please check out Benny's YouTube shows: Benny Shakes Things Up and Below the Belt with Benny Shakes, a game show that has able-comedians perform ordinary tasks with handicapping obstacles to show challenges faced by those living with disabilities as we laugh at their fumbling. Remember to like and subscribe to Benny's channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvIcpHs5HKlG-gL0K7KXUg/videos
Sleep, so effortless for some, that they can literally fall asleep in the middle of a conversation. I am not that person. In this episode I delve into my lifelong battle with INSOMNIA and the crazy number of sleep hacks and supplements I've learned over the years just to get some Zzzz's. I'll share my recent nightmarish sleep study and how you can avoid a similar experience. I reveal the unusual cause of my affliction; no, it is not sleep apnea. Learn sleep hygiene secrets for yourself, how to avoid turning your child into an insomniac and 5 supplements that might be the solution to your sleep woes.
TRIGGER WARNING: References to Child Sexual Abuse
In Episode 17 of Unpacking Life's Crazy Esperanza shares what invisible illness looks like for her and it's not pretty. It's not easy letting the world see you at your worst, which is why these illnesses and diseases often stay invisible. In this episode Ms. Phoenix opens up about what a bad fibromyalgia day is like for her. She discusses the struggles she's had coping with fibro as well as anxiety and depression. She also offers advice on how you can be more supportive to those you love who suffer from invisible illnesses and chronic pain. This episode is a pretty emotional one. Thank you for taking the time to better understand those who suffer from chronic mental and physical illnesses that aren't always easy to recognize.
This episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy should be a fun watch. Yes, it's a bit longer than usual, because in this episode I share the detes on every hat I've worn. More literally, every job I've ever worked, and as someone with extreme anxiety, who bounced around a lot, there have been dozens. But I am also a collector of actual hats. So you can have fun counting them all as you learn about my unusual journey through the workforce. I begin with my very first job when I was 5 or 6 and work all the way to present day. However, even with my long list to keep track, I still missed a couple. If you want to know which ones were forgotten, please check out the blog page of my website www.esperanzaphoenix.com If you absolutely loved this video, please use the link to Buy Me Cup of Coffee as a thank you. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EspPhoenix
You are awesome. Thanks!
This is the very first episode of the podcast that will also be available to watch on my YouTube channel. In this episode I share my crazy mushroom making obsession, what I gave up instead of booze this month, how gnomes helped me to survive my childhood trauma, thoughts on the capital insurrection and how grateful I am that we once again have a president with empathy.
In this eclectic episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, I'll catch you up on the mushroom making that's been keeping me from the pod. I'll also share the extreme measures we're taking to prevent Covid-19 in our house, my latest health mystery, my most recent emotional breakthrough in healing from trauma and what you can learn from it. There's also a couple hotlines for those of you who need some help dealing with the trauma of this pandemic holiday season. I hope you'll feel a little less alone and hopefully learn something too. A very merry pandemic Grinchmas from our family at Unpacking Life's Crazy.
Great interview with comedian and actor Johnny Corn about his harrowing, near death, experience. We offer suggestions of the TV series' to binge watch while awaiting the election results. Just for fun we're asking listeners their opinion, which final episode was worse; Lost or Game of Thrones.
Aiden Park and I discuss his book the Art of Being YAY! hi difficult emotional journey from being an undocumented child immigrant from Korea, to craig list prostitute to children's entertainer to losing his husband and how he built the tools to find his happiness despite it all. And how you can too. https://www.aidanpark.com/
Tune out the depressing pandemic and political stuff for an hour for a crazy, funny and slightly intoxicated conversation with us instead. My friend Eli shares his 'good news despite COVID' story. We laugh way too much about random weird stuff and Eli shares one of his wonderful original songs. We hope you will join us as we share some much needed comic relief.
This is a mini episode. Why? Because I've been too busy this week with my other "job." But I'll tell you all about that, let you know who the awesome guests are for our next couple episodes and throw in three simple health hacks to make life sweeter.
Great interview with Tom Bomb who produces and MCs a psychedelic comedy show in Las Vegas Nevada. We discuss the concept of performing comedy on shrooms and other psychedelics. Tom tells us about taking this trippy brand of standup on the road and how you can experience a performance near you.
A frank discussion with actor, comedian and bubble guy Johnny Corn about the struggle for performers to get through the emotional and financial woes of covid19. Why black lives matter so much to him and why they should matter to all of us. We discuss Johnny's upcoming comedy showcase with Nicole Tran, Reggie Shorter and host Juicy D Light and how you can enjoy it from the safety of your own home.
Johnny suffered a medical emergency and was in the hospital when this episode aired. Please contribute to his recovery fund if you are able The link is on my website. Thank you.
A frank discussion with comedian Jenifer Louise Garcia about how she's weathering this pandemic, how standup comedy became her outlet for coping with PTSD and how open air, open mic standup comedy is keeping the laughter alive in the Bay Area.
In this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy, I talk about how I accidentally stumbled onto the miracle of fasting, before it was popular. We get into the science of fasting and dispel some myths about fat, carbs and the backward guidelines in our food pyramid. We'll look at who started the big fat lie in the first place and offer suggestions for newbies to the fasting lifestyle. There's even a yogurt recipe your guts will just love.
In this episode my experience using psychedelics in the treatment of anxiety and CPTSD.
In this episode of Unpacking Life's Crazy I get into the Weeds about Weed and how cannabis granted me a quality of life that medical science could not. I discuss the chronic health conditions that caused me to turn to a plant that the federal government still considers to be dangerous with no significant medical use.
A unique storytelling pod that's kid friendly and entertaining and educational for all.