Live Your Love Story : Recent Episodes
Mind Body Spirit.fm
We’re just your traditional lesbian couple next door, but API (Asian-American Pacific Islander), and originally from Hawaii (born & raised). We’re married, and have been partners in life and music since 2001. We try to keep it uplifting, entertaining, and educational around here for the LGBTQ community and progressive allies. Our podcast is for fans of positive spirituality, holistic health, and being the best you can be. Living Your Love Story means cultivating a love for your life as it is, AND as you’re creating it to be! Join us!
This episode is some fun inspiration that’s also realistic and takes the pressure off, when it comes to home maintenance and improvement projects. Show notes https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/169-diy-painting-garage In this ep, you’ll hear us refer to a previous episode, and it’s this one: 136 Actually…Maybe You CAN Do It! (From Oct. 2022) https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/136
Find Siena and Toast on Instagram Love Cats? Siena and Toast Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This ep is the 3rd and final part in a series called" The Top 10 Things We’ve Learned In Our 22-Year Lesbian Relationship." Here are the top-level points we cover in this ep. Scroll down even further for the link to the blog post where we put a bunch of additional show notes. 2. Learn about Attachment Theory and think in terms of your attachment styles 1. Remember and respect that, in large part, you've come together in your relationship to deal with wounds and life lessons
BONUS: Health & Finances Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/top-10-things-weve-learned-in-our-22-year-lesbian-relationship-3 Find Siena and Toast on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This ep is part 2 in a series called" The Top 10 Things We’ve Learned In Our 22-Year Lesbian Relationship." Here are the top-level points we cover in this ep. Scroll down even further for the link to the blog post where we put a bunch of additional show notes. 6. Use a personality assessment tool 5. Sex. Do it. 4. Adventure & novelty are bonding 3. Accept your partner. Love them, not your fantasy of them.
Blog post for this episode, with additional show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/top-10-things-weve-learned-in-our-22-year-lesbian-relationship-2
Instagram https://instagram.com/sienaandtoast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As recording for this topic really got going, we realized The Content was getting a bit long. So we turned it into a series. This is part one. Before we get to the countdown, FYI, we mention another ep, and that ep is: #130, released on 9/6/2022, called "Back After A Year’s Hiatus: A Brief Intro to Who We Are & Why We Took a Year Off." With that said...here's the start of the countdown... The Top 10 Things We’ve Learned In Our 22-Year Lesbian Relationship 10. Choose your battles 9. Accept responsibility for your feelings 8. Not every issue needs to turn into a psychotherapy session 7. Lean how to fight
blog post for this episode, with additional show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/top-10-things-weve-learned-in-our-22-year-lesbian-relationship-1 130 Back After A Year’s Hiatus: A Brief Intro to Who We Are & Why We Took a Year Off https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/130 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’re often told to cultivate an attitude of acceptance in our lives, while simultaneously being told to push through and make a change. This episode, we delve deeper into exactly what “accepting something” means. Because it can mean more than one thing. Siena and Toast.com Find Siena and Toast on Instagram Love Cats? Go here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What would you do if a neighbor dumped trash in your recycling bin? Here’s what we did. A discussion about assertiveness when you’re female, Asian American, lesbian, and were born and raised in Hawaii. …can you be assertive and still be likable? Vanessa Van Edwards on Instagram @vvanedwards – instagram.com/vvanedwards instagram.com/sienaandtoast Blog post for this episode, with show notes: sienaandtoast.com/podcast/164-how-to-be-assertive-and-still-be-likable Siena and Toast Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a debate about artificial Christmas trees, we discuss the dark consequences of Too Many People following the conventional wisdom of focusing on what they CAN change, how we need all kinds of people, including the fighters, and, we are surprised by a non-human guest. More details and show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/142 Connect with Siena and Toast www.sienaandtoast.com Instagram Instagram.com/sienaandtoast Facebook Facebook.com/sienaandtoast Twitter Twitter.com/sienaandtoast YouTube.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a ‘talk story’ episode. ‘Talk story’ is the Hawaiian pidgin English phrase for “shooting the breeze.” You’ll hear us Hawaii born & raised folks freaking out about fall foliage (which you can never see in Hawaii), and just hanging out talking about other Thanksgiving-related stuff: food, cooking, and a bonus Thanksgiving playlist with a twist. Show notes are at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast Thanksgiving 100 Years Ago playlist: https://sienaandtoast.com/toastblog/thanksgiving-100-years-ago sienaandtoast.com/instagram sienaandtoast.com/facebook sienaandtoast.com/twitter sienaandtoast.com/youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is everyone doing their best? What do you think? In this episode, we dissect phrases like “Everyone is doing their best” and “When you know better, you do better.” We talk about how there are different kinds of “knowing.” You may know how certain foods are healthier than others, but not necessarily in the same way you know how to dance or ride a bike. The episode also includes what “participation trophies” reveal about the dark side of our culture’s values and self-awareness. And ways to think about doing (or not doing) "our best" that make for less anxiety and more growth and graciousness all around. Show notes will be at sienaandtoast/podcast140 Connect with sienaandtoast.com Find them on social media! instagram.com/sienaandtoast twitter.com/sienaandtoast youtube.com/sienaandtoast facebook.com/sienaandtoast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One annoying thing about being human is wanting to do something, and at the very same time, NOT wanting to do that exact same thing. On this episode, we mash and hash on the weirdness and frustration of this phenomenon, and discus some unconventional ways we’ve approached and overcome the quirky obstacle.
One of the most important skills to develop is being able to give yourself a command and follow it.
Turn off your brain: don’t even try to be grateful or any of that stuff
You’ll never guess who’s on Toast’s workout playlist. Never.
Motion is emotion: emote through movement
Self-concept: what kind of person are you?
Beauty is proportion: a beautiful life through proportionate brain use
Find show notes at: sienaandtoast.com/podcast/139 Instagram.com/sienaandtoast Twitter.com/sienaandtoast Facebook.com/sienaandtoast YouTube.com/sienaandtoast SienaandToast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trauma, it's a spectrum. This episode covers some everyday anecdotes and practices we’ve found helpful. Also, Toast shares the story of a traumatic experience from her young adulthood. It involved being raised evangelical Christian (when you’re gay) and being outed by a really good friend. Then we share some simple practices, perspectives, and aids that we've found helpful to process and support the healing journey. Find show notes with links at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/138 https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/138 SienaandToast.com Connect with Siena and Toast on Instagram Facebook Twitter and YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you have a love/hate relationship with your to-do list, too? In this episode, we talk about why that is, and ways we deal with it, including some practical changes we’ve made recently to help us just enjoy life more. The discussion moves past productivity systems pretty quick, so we can get into topics like the psychological acceptance of not being able to do everything you want, creative and spiritual work not being valued by our society, respecting individual biological rhythms in a daily schedule, and our society’s blind spot when it comes to defining success. And more. First, though, Siena has a laugh attack, and we use an air fryer for the first time. Show notes are at SienaandToast.com/podcast/137 https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/137 SienaandToast.com Find Siena and Toast on Instagram Facebook Twitter and YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Maybe don’t write yourself off so easily. We were never the fix-it, handy-person, tool belt wearing kind of lesbians. But then, something happened…. In this episode, we talk about stretching yourself. For pics of the before and after, check out the show notes at sienaandtoast.com/podcast/136 SienaandToast.com Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Would you center your identity around another person’s weakness? (Or what you judge to be their weakness.) In this episode we have a wide-ranging discussion about forgiveness. We cover phrases and phenomena like “hurt people hurt people," Fundamental Attribution Error, grudges, revenge and punishment, being triggered by others, the Sermon on the Mount, hoʻoponopono, and more. For complete show notes go to SienaandToast.com/podcast/135 Connect with Siena and Toast on Instagram Facebook Twitter and YouTube
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What’s all the excitement about pumpkin stuff coming on the market in the Fall? Is it really about the pumpkins? Really? In this episode, we talk all things Autumn: the pumpkin spice thing, the marketing, and the spiritual side of Autumn. Also! Lots of unexpected appearances by the clematis vine (!) For complete show notes including links go to sienaandtoast/podcast/134 Find out about Siena and Toast! links, music, Love and Above Cat Club and more here Instagram.com/sienaandtoast Facebook.com/sienaandtoast Twitter.com/sienaandtoast Youtube.com/sienaandtoast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we tell you a true story about a miracle that happened to friends of ours. Then, we talk about how it relates to the meaning of life and the Declaration of Independence. Promise is all makes sense if you listen. Pictures and videos of the cats, including the moment the miracle happened, are in the links. The related episode we mention is 21: Do You Believe This Miracle? Pictures and videos of the miracle brothers Riley and Rocky Find Siena and Toast online www.sienaandtoast.com Cat lovers? Check it out! get the newsletter, hear music and more Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What are flower essences and how do they work? In this episode, Siena shares why she began using flower essences almost 30 years ago and Toast nerds out on the science of how they work. We discuss to how take and use them, why they’re ideal for Highly Sensitive People, and why they’re best used consistently over time. Also in this episode: Have you ever heard of a high school class having 14 valedictorians?! Learning to grow vegetables in a home victory garden. Relationships with animals can feel safer than people. Flower essences explained here Find out more about Siena and Toast! Their newsletter, music, Love and Above Cat Club and more www.sienaandtoast.com Connect on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In our more than 20 years as a couple, we’ve definitely had some rough times in our relationship. In this episode, we share one of the things we did to help us through. We used a notebook to help us listen to ourselves and to each other better. It took us probably less than 10-15 minutes each day but it made a big difference. Recipe for Matcha Pops Find Siena and Toast on the web www.sienaandtoast.com Facebook Instagram Twitter and YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our first new episode in over a year! This show is now part of a podcast network. What does that mean? Who even are we? Well in this episode, we give you brief backstories of ourselves as individuals and as a couple (featuring possibly out-of-date terms for LGBTQ folks like us). And we generally just let you know what we’ve been up to in the past year…featuring a big house centipede! Find out more about Siena and Toast at SienaandToast.com LoveAndAboveCatClub.com Connect with Siena and Toast on Instagram Facebook Twitter and YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
ukulele-playing LGBTQ+ folks: check out UkeCurious on Facebook and Instagram (@ukecurious)
the evolving alphabet soup of LGBTQIA+
Toast’s emotional reaction to the nouns: girl, woman, ladies, sir, son
‘femmes’ are more common than ever these days, no?
support for Pride from mainstream culture (business, entertainment) did not used to happen!
The Advocate, an LGBT newsmagazine, was only available at a special magazine store
Siena’s first time in a gay bar: underage and underground
the sneak attack of representation
= Siena loses in a laugh-attack =
Toast’s first Indigo Girls concert: omg, so, many, lesbians
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Things are opening up as COVID-19 is being beaten back here in the U.S.. We have stories and thoughts about getting back out there. Topics we touch on in this ep: Happy Pride, we’re boring lesbians. Downtown districts & one way street games NEW, new-fangled parking meters? Bah, humbug.
GaithersburgUkeFest.com - we’re participating in their Hawaiian theme on 6/12/21 Post-quarantine & social anxiety self-awareness, self-respect, and other-respect for going at your own pace the opportunity of a century: more support and understanding in establishing new norms in our social lives https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/128-getting-back-out-there-parking-meters-pandemics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Virtual communication has downsides. In this episode, our chat includes the following thoughts. “productivity” is part of, but not actually everything personal capacity: can you bring your whole self to your social interactions? you’ll have more time if you “waste time” on self-care the strangeness of being the first humans ever, to socialize virtually maybe we’re living in a Black Mirror episode? (Netflix) why Zooms are still taxing, even though you didn’t actually go anywhere or do anything, physically how to ‘come back to yourself’ through physical practices that simply cannot be rushed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ahh, the Oregon DMV. It wasn't bad, actually! According to Toast. Siena had a somewhat different take. But one thing's for sure: we both had a blast talking about it afterwards. Join us for the 'first-world problems' and laughs in this ep that includes: iPhone notifications not working "Real ID" technology in new driver's licenses dick-nose mask wearers low-tech stylus simple kindness during heightened race-based violence Oregon vs. California DL pics coconut flour biscuits, Old MacDonald, and rude hand sanitizer
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In this ep:
I Know This Much Is True (HBO Max) people's reactions to your dreams self-doubts and inner conflict an appropriate language of violence within spirituality and personal development we all have wounds, and relationships are in many ways all about that reality one-second kindness
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In this episode: people's real opinions about having kids ;) Romero Creations artist spotlight video LoveandAboveCatClub.com COVID-19 survivors: podcast listeners' experience and the symptoms they're still suffering with observations on what life feels like after a year of coronavirus quarantine: hair, shopping, errands, etc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Siena leads us in introducing a labor of love that has some very personalized goodies created especially for very specific people. People who are lovers of cats, and woo, and who welcome support when it comes to self-care. What exactly is this labor of love? It’s Love and Above Cat Club - loveandabovecatclub.com Also in this episode: one thing about social media that’s good the amazing and amusing thing about the times we are living in the evolution of LGB to LGBT to LGBTQ to LGBTQIA to LGBTQ+ to…? why humans crack us up
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A rambling conversation about our first road trip together, to film a music video for Hawaiian Airlines back in the early 2000s. The convo goes off-track most of the time, and so it also includes... The best recipes we've ever tried for vegan alfredo sauce and bacon; recipes from Detoxinista.com Probably don't go hiking up a small mountain in the Southwestern US in wedge heels, with just one row of fig newtons, even for golden hour When was the last time you bought a CD from a store and dealt with that annoying cellophane wrap and jewel case that broke way too easily? If you live long enough, you'll know the joy of realizing that your life experience chronicles meaningful, material progress in human technology. And amazingly, even though it's forward progress, it can still produce 'backwards' experiences, similar to those of generations 75-100 years ago. The weirdness of road trips, if you've been born and raised on an island Our cat has FOMO
RomeroCreations.com – makers of classical guitars and 'ukuleles unlike anything else on the market
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After a hiatus, we're finally back, with the intention to release 1-2 episodes per month. Until further notice, of course. We're keeping it casual, as this podcast is generally less of a narrow subject-matter-based thing and more of a simple-regular-life-lived-by-a-lesbian-couple thing. In this ep, we just "talk story" (the Hawaiian slang for "chit-chat"), catching you up on some of the stuff that's transpired since our last ep. Christmas music videos we posted on Instagram (@sienaandtoast) Inauguration Day and our reactions to it Toast's emotional therapy: connecting with the America of a century ago through music and words (on Spotify) Learning to bake bread at home Siena's emotional therapy: woo woo, self-care, and cats - follow @sienaleetajiri on Instagram for the woo! Snow, and how Hawaii-raised lesbians deal with it in Portland, Oregon
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We'll be taking a hiatus from the pod; to stay in touch, please follow us on social media: we are @sienaandtoast on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and/or join our email list. This is the final episode in our series about the Preamble to the Constitution of The United States. Here’s a short list of things we cover. John Adams quote from a letter to his wife Abigail in 1780: "I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and porcelain." "self-interest rightly understood." A huge fallacy to correct these days is the fallacy that [individual self-interest] and [the larger community's interests] are mutually exclusive. They're not. “Good Enough” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2LqWYA015s2uuilLE7hYS3
Apple Music (iTunes): https://music.apple.com/us/album/good-enough/1493576062
The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/120-preamble-series-6of6-blessings-of-liberty Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We discuss thoughts that come to mind, when the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution says that one of its goals is to “promote the General Welfare.” This is the second-to-last episode in this series on The Preamble. Here’s a short list of things we cover. positive peace, negative peace CitizenUniversity.us how we spent part of Election Night Ruth Bader Ginsburg: remarks from a Naturalization Ceremony in 2018 – "First, our government has limited power. It can exercise only the authority expressly given to it by the Constitution; and, second, citizens of this country enjoy certain fundamental rights. Those rights are our nation’s hallmark and pride. They are set forth in the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution. They are inalienable, yielding to no government decree. ... As new, well-informed citizens, you will play a vital part in that endeavor [of achieving a more perfect union] by first and foremost voting in elections, serving on juries, and engaging in civic discourse. ... We sing of America sweet land of liberty. Newcomers to our shore, people like you, came here from the earliest days of our nation to today, seeking liberty, freedom from oppression, freedom from want, freedom to be you and me." “With All The Stars” the song that closes this episode, is on Apple Music (iTunes): https://music.apple.com/us/album/with-all-the-stars/1525066865
and at Daniel's website: https://danielho.com
The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/119-preamble-series-5of6-promote-the-general-welfare Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We regroup and recount a week for the ages: Election Week 2020. A fun, frank look back at the emotional roller coaster. See video of the furry Biden-Harris floor dance by our cat Bear, and pics of Siena's Pumpkin Spice Two-Layer Latte cake with Whipped Frosting, at the blog post: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/quickcast-election-hangover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A slightly more serious entry in our series on the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution from a spiritual perspective. Here's what we cover in this episode. helping your community is also helping yourself…since you can’t help but live in your community, whatever it is we are all connected, we share this same planet life is, in part, a sequence of opportunities and invitations to experience healing the whole world is medicine “I Won't Shed a Tear” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7qjb66Ge3SdZIlVoCaAO0V
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-wont-shed-a-tear/1493576062
and other streaming and music download marketplaces
The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/118-preamble-series-4of6-the-common-defense Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Continuing our series on the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution from a spiritual perspective, here's what we cover in this episode (including asides ;) Please and Thank You for VOTING!!! our imitations of Star Wars sound effects cauliflower pizza crust overly sensitive smoke alarms the crucial importance of practicing intentional peacefulness in public spaces during this time "If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity.” ~ Eckart Tolle thoughts from Shel Silverstein managing our fight/flight/freeze essential oils, tapping, and other ways to help our organism directly this year, especially, it's not Election Day, but Election Week(s) “Tell Me” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1PYSGsuzkaVl0CIty8nae2
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tell-me/1493576062
and other streaming and music download marketplaces
The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/117-preamble-series-3of6-domestic-tranquility Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Continuing our series on the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution from a spiritual perspective, here's what we cover in this episode (including asides ;) that have nothing to do with the Constitution). Also: VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! and help others to VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! scary movie viewing recommendations from Siena, for Halloween season, in case real life doesn't scare you enough "Justice is what love looks like in public." – Cornel West prison doesn't have to be seen as, or called 'punishment' our cat Bear snoring the idea of 'letting God take care of it' and 'turning the other cheek' vs. the idea of we ourselves being the instruments and vessels of ‘doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly’ Spiritual Law vs. Natural Law the moral obligation and responsibility we have: to live up to, and to fulfill, the ideas of Natural Law (ie: that all people are equal) “That's Why I Keep Keeping On” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/56tos1dnAg5wvJmtREv9yC
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/thats-why-i-keep-keeping-on/1493576062
and other streaming and music download marketplaces
The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/116-preamble-series-2of6-establish-justice Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Programming Note: starting next week, we’ll begin releasing episodes on Wednesdays (instead of Tuesdays) NOTE for anyone listening in the future who won't know what "the fly" is that we're talking about. On 10/7/20, during the Vice Presidential debate, a fly landed on Mike Pence's hair and stayed there for 2 minutes and 9 seconds while everyone watching went nuts on social media. Jokes about: flies on s***, on corpses, on being a sign of the devil, and more. It was probably a ‘you had to be there’ moment, but trust us, it was a hoot. Just another absurdity in the year that is/was 2020. a weird source of stress-relief for Siena how the Preamble to the Constitution can help you flatten the COVID curve: reciting the Preamble takes about 20 seconds (the recommended time to scrub with soap, in order to wash your hands effectively) E Pluribus Unum = Out of Many, One the beautiful and amazing diversity of We The People the precious thing we all have in common, which is the desire to live a fulfilled life why “just be yourself” can make you feel worse how tension between things is at the heart of everything “Please Believe” the song that closes this episode, is on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5ED4LF4jiqQhWZeJwK5FvB
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/please-believe/1466673581
and other streaming and music download marketplaces
The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/115-preamble-1of6-a-more-perfect-union Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Times have been scary lately, no? In this episode, we talk about fear. Siena gives a helpful definition of fear Toast preaches a 15-second sermon 😉 about Life being non-binary What Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said about fear vs. courage Five truths about fear The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/114-on-fear Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How the pandemic has changed our relationship to relationships. Topics include: the thing that makes your life good, or not emotions and experiences that surface after a death friends and family-of-friends, who have passed away from COVID-19 Siena’s friend on Oahu who passed away from COVID-19 feeling newly wealthy: in appreciation, relationships, memories, insights, and depth of feeling and experience and more The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/113-relationships-in-the-age-of-covid Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We share a couple personal stories before going into the main topic in this one. Links to the playlists that we mention: 🇺🇸 #Resist: Protest Songs for We The People Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/resist-protest-songs-for-we-the-people/pl.u-vB9DsLoEV5
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mwGy92ThBeN8L1ZAkjEjs?si=4bbujy9jQv6TrwcfyLMq4Q
🍅 Fried Green Tomatoes: Real Sounds from Imaginary Whistle Stop Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/fried-green-tomatoes-real-sounds-from-imaginary-whistle/pl.u-YMv0tJaWAM
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xXVGHXuxAh7BF0lclPpaD?si=anCCfocLRYqWbtsrY9tMXQ
The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/112-entertainment-in-the-age-of-covid Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We continue our discussion based on the book "First, We Make The Beast Beautiful: a new journey through anxiety," by Sarah Wilson. We cover topics like: the benefits of being an anxious type the underlying root cause of anxiety what Sarah Wilson calls the “Something Else,” and that thing that we feel is missing why we develop anxious habits, trying to find the "missing thing" the paradoxical, but healthier, ways to address the “missing feeling” apps we've used and like (or don't like) for help with a meditation practice (Insight Timer vs. Calm vs. Headspace vs. Waking Up) how allowing yourself too many options increases your anxiety why art is such a crucial and helpful technology for dealing with anxiety The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/111-on-anxiety-2of2 Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inspired by the times we live in, and the book "First, We Make The Beast Beautiful" by Sarah Wilson. Topics covered include... Siena's weird pet peeve about books Myths about anxious people How anxiety has affected our relationship Anxiety vs. Depression Insomnia The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/110-on-anxiety-1of2 Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There’s more than one way to watch TV. Siena watches one way. Toast watches in a completely different way. After we tease each other about our differences, we share thoughts and experiences of watching shows like... Hamilton The Revenant Love, Simon Downton Abbey Homeland Penny Dreadful ...and more. We also talk about how TV and film help us be more human and humane. The blog post for this episode is at: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/109-tv-shows-and-movies Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the early days of the pandemic in America, self-quarantining, social distancing, and lockdowns were portrayed as a "pause." In this episode, we discuss how we are reckoning with the fact that in reality, there never was, nor will there ever be, a "pause," at least when it comes to life. What life looks like and feels like, is in fact, life, not a pausing of it. We've discerned some profound gifts offered to us, through the situation we all find ourselves in. It includes: reckoning more seriously with what is important to us, learning more deeply what makes life worthy of being lived, worthy of showing up for facing the fact that our individual life is so fleeting and fragile, and can be irrevocably lost with little warning apprehending the reality that each of us is just one brief mote in the incredibly mysterious phenomenon of life on Earth and in the universe The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/108-life-is-not-on-hold Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Questions asked and answered: When did you first know you were gay/liked girls? Who's the "man" in the relationship? Do you ever look at a man and find him attractive? If you're attracted to a masculine-presenting type person, then why not just be with a man? Was it love at first sight? Do you call your partner your "wife"? Explain the U-Haul thing? Have you ever been a victim of homophobia? Are you all really obsessed with cats? The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/107-real-lesbian-couple-answers-questions Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So, we cleaned and rearranged furniture in our house this past weekend and wow – we were reminded of how refreshing, uplifting, and just plain good it can feel to do. Physical things are aspects of spiritual things, and vice versa. In this episode, we have a blast talking about how even reluctant cleaning can produce gratifying and clarifying results for your spirit. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/106-clean-the-house-for-mental-clarity Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you follow us on Instagram, you'll notice we are "cat people." How did we end up becoming "cat people"? (This may come as a shock to some, but it's possible to be a lesbian without being a "cat or dog person." 😜 ) How cats find you, how learning about animal health helped us level up our own health and nutrition, and why we're embarrassed to have only one cat (at the time of this recording, anyway). The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/105-why-cats Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Self-care can feel so overwhelming, like another thing to "get done." And yet we know we need TLC because wow, the stress of these times right? So, how can you simplify self-care so it doesn't become just another source of guilt or self-doubt? The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/104-how-to-simplify-your-self-care Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full disclosure: only Indigo Girls fans will understand most of what we're talking about in this ep. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/103-for-indigo-girls-fans-only Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Live Your Love Story” is our motto, but what exactly are we thinking when we say that? This episode, we focus on the idea that “life is an unfolding story.” Stories and ideas we share in this ep include: unease about the (in)significance of your life You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world for one person. life is not a math problem timeline of the human species "this or something greater still" The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/102-live-your-love-story-your-part-in-the-story Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Live Your Love Story” is our motto, but what exactly are we thinking when we say that? This episode, we focus on the idea that “the point is always love.” Stories and ideas we share in this ep include: how Toast has created fights in our relationship (!) “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” - Stephen Covey training in speaking and writing vs. training in listening listening so that your own feelings are influenced “All human behavior as one two things: either love, or a call for love.” - Marianne Williamson The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/101-live-your-love-story-the-point-is-always-love Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is the first in a multi-part series about what we mean when we say “Live Your Love Story.” It’s our motto, but what exactly are we thinking when we say that? We begin to answer that question head-on, in this episode. This episode, we focus on the idea of “life as a romance.” The dictionary definition of romance is “a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.” The ideas we share in this ep include: mechanistic vs. romantic model of life inner workings unique to each human heart practical daily concerns and the romantic life Life as Great Lover and Romancer your relationship with Life has its own intrinsic value it’s not a ‘resource’ from which ‘value’ is extracted The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/100-live-your-love-story-the-romance-of-life Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode we give a super quick overview of the Cass Identity Model of the coming out process, and then each of us shares our personal experiences of coming out, which continues to this day. Siena was raised Catholic and attended an all-girls Catholic high school. Toast was raised as an Evangelical Christian. By sharing our stories, we hope it helps to encourage and affirm, validate and support you, wherever you are in your process. Because truly, it never ends! The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/99-coming-out-process-and-our-stories We recorded this episode on Sun. Jun. 21, 2020 which marked our 101st day of self-quarantine during the global COVID-19 pandemic, amid a fresh realization in the broad social consciousness, of the presence and wrongness of structural racism in society. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Fri. June 12, 2020, which marks our 92nd day of self-quarantine during the global COVID-19 pandemic, amid continuing protests in the United States and around the world against systemic racism, oppression, and police brutality. On social media this past week, author and activist Marianne Williamson posted this: “The more the protests are filled with dancing, singing, conscious conversation, serious analysis, creativity, art, peace/love and higher vibration, the more they jam the operating system of the old order. #WokeRebellion” – Marianne Williamson on Twitter (6/11/20) And we agree. So, we’re going to have a conversational version of a dancing, singing, peace and love podcast, to celebrate Pride Month, which is June, if you don’t know. Also, if you don’t know: a crucial part of sustainable conscious activism is retaining your ability to enjoy, and prioritizing time to enjoy things. For one, it renews and replenishes your spirit, allowing you to stay in the fight. And for another, it’s one of the very reasons we fight at all: ideals like equality and justice are beautiful in part because they make enjoyment of life possible. What good are civil rights without the ability to enjoy the life they make possible? Join us now for some enjoyment that celebrates LGBTQ-positive peace, love, and laughs. Let’s talk about some of our favorite, fun-loving LGBTQ-positive Pride Festival memories performing at Long Beach Pride, San Diego Pride, and attending Los Angeles and Portland Pride Festivals Movies like Fried Green Tomatoes, The Half of It, A League of Their Own, Saving Face, and the documentary A Secret Love
TV shows or people with TV shows like Anderson Cooper, Rachel Maddow, Ryan Murphy, American Horror Story, Sarah Paulson, Matt Bomer, and Sinner
Other celebrities and artists like Hannah Gadsby, Indigo Girls, Tig Notaro, Brandi Carlile, Ellen and Portia, and LGBTQ ally Kathy Griffin To close out this Pride Month episode, here’s a remarkable look at the fight for LGBTQ marriage equality, compared to another, similar and salient issue. In the late 1950s, more than 90 percent of the country was against marriage between...blacks and whites. It took 40 years before a majority were OK with so-called ‘mixed-race’ marriages. By comparison, public opinion about LGBTQ marriage equality went from a majority opposed to a majority OK with it, within just ten years. What we as a society are now pushing for in 2020, is the revolutionary and rapid advancement of more equality, justice, fairness, and other beautiful things, for more of us: a more perfect Union. And that’s really something to celebrate. Happy Pride Month. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/98-lgbtq-positive-peace-love-and-laughs-a-pride-month-episode Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Sun. June 7, 2020, which marks our 87th day of self-quarantine during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and amid continuing protests in the United States and around the world, against police brutality and systemic racism. We cover: 🌸 when you enjoy and create beauty, it's a finger in the face of authoritarianism and helps combat it; keep on keeping on 🍰 baking "sort of good for you" brownies, and lemon cake! 🐈 a ghost cat is in our house ⚡️ intensity of the energies now coursing through our society 🎯 what are your core values; who do you want to be? 📊 lack of info may not be the problem you think it is ☯️ all energy is self-generated; you have self-power 🔪 use it, and be the cause of effects 4 Steps to Unravel Yourself: a bird's eye view notice what you notice take conscious breaths relinquish your framework insert another The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/97-unwind-and-reclaim-your-energetic-boundaries Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Sun. May 31, 2020, which marks our 80th day of self-quarantine during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and also the first week of historic widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. We discuss: your point of view affects how you feel activism looks different for everyone present day events can activate feelings about the past quitting coffee (?!) simple kindness means more during dangerous times what our soul values vs. what we’re pressured to value really living while you’re still alive “practical” vs. “beautiful” practical and beautiful are not mutually exclusive creating beauty is an act of defiance and strength; it’s what love looks like healing gifts from nature: flower essences, lavender oil, deep conscious breathing, water, meditation The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/96-the-life-affirming-rewards-of-awareness ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Mon. May 25, 2020, our 74th day of self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the things we touched on, in this ep cabin fever, thai take-out, and at-home haircuts vodka, and Bear gives the episode the feel of a horror movie just for a sec Siena shares her experience of resisting vs. accepting a thing that just plain ol' needs to happen Toast shares her experience of resisting vs. accepting the limits on what she can get done The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/95-manage-your-energy-through-surrender-and-acceptance ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Mon. May 18, 2020, which was our 67th day of self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a List of Some of the Things We Shared Serendipitous sighting of a wild goose, in-flight and up-close
A hate comment we got on Instagram: internal reactions
Victims of COVID-19: personal stories
Baking a grain-free birthday cake: yellow, three-layer, chocolate frosting
Lesbian wedding: attending via Zoom
Everybody’s quarantine experience is different (In the previous episode, we asked “What’s been challenging and/or helpful to you, the listener, during this time?” and this was one of the thoughts we got in response.)
No matter what your experience is, we send our love to you
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/94-celebrations-of-love-and-of-life ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode was recorded on Fri. May 8, 2020, which was our 57th day of self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s been challenging and/or helpful to you during this time? That's the first question we ask. A few of the other topics we touch on: The stress of the uncertainty we see and feel, in many directions Psychological contrast between watching TV during dinner vs. not Highly Sensitive Persons’ and Empaths’ challenge with rude sun, and with hats Renaissance of homemaking: baking, cooking, gifts made by hand Papayas, and the new pandemic-protocol for receiving packages in general The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/93-water-cooler-talk-self-quarantine-edition ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Mon. May 4, 2020, which marks 53 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a light-hearted episode, but know that our hearts are always with you, as we all keep on keeping on, in this new era. Some of the topics we hit on this ep: Toast’s imitation of the sound a frog makes vs. the sound a toad makes Our remarkable human capacity to adapt Hawaii-related mentions: Boy’s Day, toads, and flying cockroaches Siena’s issues around her birthday and her birthday parties Rediscovering the essence of birthday celebrations Car convoy parties, Romeo & Juliet parties, Zoom parties, Video messages Gracious culture vs. Call-out culture Our upcoming in-house cake-baking project The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/92-celebrating-birthdays-in-the-era-of-covid-19 ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Sun. Apr. 26, 2020, which marks 45 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope this episode finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. An abridged overview of the thoughts we share in this ep: Siena teases her healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe (vegan, grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free), which she plans to share with our email list on around May 1, 2020
Feeling lonely is not automatically a bad thing: just because you feel lonely it doesn’t mean anything’s so wrong.
How pain is sometimes just an inherent part of our process of evolution
How naming a thing helps us to grapple with it more effectively
Some psycho-spiritual causes of feeling lonely
Retracing the trail of your thoughts to see how it’s led you to feel a certain thing
Journaling as a way to communicate with other entities
Koyukon people live in “a world that watches,” so they are never alone.
The correlation between the feeling of loneliness and stagnation.
Broadening our view of what “connection” means, so it also includes connection to other-than-human entities.
The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/91-loneliness-and-what-to-do-about-it ––– Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Mon. Apr. 20, 2020, which marks 39 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Opening remarks (that don't directly relate to the main topic include): anyone else cleaning house more during our collective stay-at-home efforts? What about sorta freaking yourself out over owl legs? How about just cooking? The main topic of self-care during our collective COVID-19 quarantine era follows. Including: to wear jeans, or to stay in sweats? the phenomenon of enclothed cognition the new structure for your all-day-at-home days. time targets, task targets, and using domestic chores as mental breaks staying in integrity when scheduling FaceTime or Zoom meet-ups; protecting your time. alternatives like Marco Polo or Voxer learning and telling your story; that is: getting clearer on how your personal history has shaped your interpretation of life. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/90-new-levels-of-self-care ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Sun. Apr. 12, 2020, which marks 31 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. After some opening chitchat about who's zooming who, the service and sabotage of smartphones, and a cat lady card game, we turn to the main topic of quiet. One of the pleasant side effects of our various “stay at home” initiatives around the world has been cleaner air and water. Pollution can occur in many mediums: air, water, light, sound, and also – thought and emotion. A lifestyle that nurtures quiet and stillness builds people who are richer in life, stronger in spirit, and therefore, more useful in a crisis. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/89-benefits-of-a-deeper-quieter-life ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Sun. Apr. 6, 2020, which marks 24 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. It starts with chit-chat about the ongoing Toilet Paper Challenge, the joys of attending livestreamed virtual concerts, and moves into deeper topics like our species' need for a sense of community and belonging, the dynamics of in-person social interaction, and tying it all together: how smartphones both help and hinder the heart when it comes to genuine human connection with others, and also with the spirit eternal. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/88-ramblings-about-smartphone-addiction ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We recorded this episode on Sat. March 28, 2020, which marks 16 days of our self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Silly: the way different people sleep, cat toys that talk, cats that act like dogs, the Siena and Toast Toilet Paper Challenge: can you dispense your ration of squares in just one tug??? Serious: humanity's mid-life crisis or coming-of-age traumatic event, the power of technology vs. the power of wisdom and the reality of our mortal condition, what makes life meaningful The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/87-be-kind ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More obviously than ever in our generation, we humans are being invited (forced?) to consciously and seriously engage in the next evolution of our beingness. Who do we want to be? As individuals? As a society? As a species? What strange times, and what a strange episode. Lots of laughing, unintended jokes, and talking about cat toys that talk. Coming to you from self-quarantine in Portland, Oregon. Star Wars, Indigo Girls, and the new #NoPhonesInBathrooms campaign. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/86-spring-energy ––– Link to "The 12 Game Changers to Reignite Your Relationship": https://sienaandtoast.com/shop/12-game-changers-to-reignite-your-relationship Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we share our thoughts from the midst of the onset of America’s experience with the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. We recorded this on Sun., Mar. 15, 2020, after a week of the most dramatic shift in the public’s awareness, concern, and action concerning covid-19. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/85-covid-19 Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Another variety episode (like last week's). All kinds of nature-world topics: flower petals, feeling balooby (what, you don’t know what that is? listen in!), and our wheat and gluten-free pasta alternative from the world of Japanese cuisine. Also an unexpected motif for this episode: verbal tiks. You know what I mean? Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/84-repurposing-rose-petals-balooby-and-soba Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is a variety episode. All kinds of topics: A raw food that our cat Bear loves (and he’s picky)! Toast gives a sermon/pep-talk about politics. And we share our delight at sighting deer (a novel thing for us, since we were born and raised in Hawaii). Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/83-raw-food-for-cats-deer-sightings-and-politics Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
OK, this ep is sorta rambly. (What do burnt fries have to do with anything? We actually make that one relevant! Sort of.) You'll hear us disagree. But through the rambles and brambles, what we're sharing is how we relate to and deal with the power of inertia, when it comes to changing our own behavior patterns. Siena responds well to one approach. Toast responds better to different one. Diversity! It's healthy in ecosystems, you can have it in relationships, too. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/82-virtuous-or-vicious-cycle Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We come from similar backgrounds(both Asian Americans, and both born and raised in Hawaii) but also very different backgrounds at the same time. In this episode, we each share our stories. (We start the ep recounting our kinda typical but also kinda quirky Valentine's Day, so if you want to go straight to the main topic, skip ahead to around 7:30.) Siena is the "city mouse" and Toast is the "country mouse." Our stories involve Evangelical Christianity and Sunday school, a teenage Mom and Dad, running away from home, being the victim of a hate crime, having an employer steal your pay and run, an all-girls Catholic school (that was full of surprises), and campaigning against America's first targeted attack on same-sex partnerships (it came in the form of the State of Hawaii amending its constitution in 1998). Plus more, and...all the lessons learned along the way. We hope you feel a kind of strength and solidarity, just by hearing our stories. Maybe you can relate, maybe you've had similar thoughts and experiences. Each of us is stronger when we're "in this life, together." This is us, stepping into the "together" part. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/81-our-stories Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, for the first time, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have a pretty wild conversation all about raising our standards in life, health, relationships...all in a healthy and “feel good” way. We talk about what prevents us from raising those standards, the difference between healthy and unhealthy ways of going about it...we even quote the Declaration of Independence and Jesus on it. And of course, we also share examples from our own lives. The ep starts with a "date update" on our date life, so if you want to skip straight to the main topic, go to around (12:45) into it. Also, if you're curious, here are links to the full song "Nobody Else," which we mention and share a clip of at around 20 minutes in. "Nobody Else" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1exumNLQB0PCJOIrbVOpGK "Nobody Else" on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/nobody-else/1493576062 Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/80-the-feel-good-of-raising-your-standards Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, for the first time, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute In this episode, the point is not just to give you some laughs, but to make you realize if you’re LGBTQ and still able to be a responsible adult who treats others with respect and kindness, you’re already winning. (Please keep being a rock star here, because our world needs your light-filled energy!) Full disclosure: at the start, we first talk about The Terror: Infamy, which is the name of the second season of a horror/ghost story T.V. series that reimagines historical events relating to Asian cultures. This second season, Infamy, follows the story of a Japanese American family during World War II. We saw it on Hulu. The actual direct “gay talk” starts at around 13:20 into this episode, where we discuss stuff like: people thinking you’re actually the opposite sex that you are assuring people you’re using the “correct” public bathroom working in retail and assisting customers in dressing rooms people trying to figure out what your relationship is hair stylists asking if you have a boyfriend people trying to set you up with a guy people’s fantasies and speculations about you Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Read more at the blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/79-funny-stories-youll-only-hear-from-lesbians-and-lgbtq-folks Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We first address why we decided to NOT talk about sex on the podcast (until now) since first starting it in 2007. That’s when George W. Bush was still President of the United States! Hint: it has to do with establishing the full humanity of LGBTQ people in the mind of society at large. After some light chit chat about flavored coffee and the music that airlines play when landing in Hawaiian airports, we then talk about: Lesbian Bed Death the idea of scheduling sex focusing on connection the 5 Love Languages and sex and the second chakra We hope this episode provides some insight and support when it comes to the topic of sex. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/78-lets-talk-about-sex Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fans of Star Wars will get a kick out of the first part of this episode. We geek out over Baby Yoda and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker a bit before turning to the main topic of Closing Energy Leaks in your life. We all know how it feels to have incomplete issues dragging our energy down. They can be practical matters that pretty much require mostly your time. And a lot of times, the discomfort of thinking about doing them is 10x worse than the discomfort of actually doing them. We talk about why that is and share some of our current incomplete issues. Energy leaks can also be much more complicated, touchy, and nuanced when it concerns personal relationships. This is spiritual work. We call it "cleaning up your side of the street." It can include forgiving, blessing or wishing a person well, apologizing, thanking, or forgiving, yet again (for the umpteenth time). We share our thoughts and experiences here as well. For example, deciding whether or not to contact someone from our past, or confront someone with an issue that’s been bothering us. Also, dealing with the voice of self-doubt that can sabotage our forgiveness efforts: did you really forgive? We hope this discussion helps you in closing energy leaks in your life. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/77-how-to-free-up-your-energy-by-closing-energy-leaks-in-your-life Contribute to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we start with telling you about our encounter with "nakedness" in the wilderness, during the cold and waning weeks of 2019. Then we get into the actual main topic and share thoughts on what it means to “stay awake to your life, and in your life.” After that, we share 7 things you can do to help cultivate awake-ness and alive-ness, and make it more of a habit than say, going numb, dozing off, and missing your precious and passing life. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/76-the-importance-of-staying-awake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At the time of recording this episode, Siena was recovering from a seasonal cold. So: we started with an extended meandering convo that includes our etiquette about germs and the natural medicines she’s been taking, and that have really been helping! As for the title of this episode, we talk about the idea of having Words For The Year: what they are why to have them, and also a warning about how this concept can sabotage your peace of mind, too! (so watch out!) Siena shares her Words For The Year, and how she cheated on choosing one (a little bit ;) this year. Toast shares the “stand-in word” that’s her Word For The Year, so far. Something to realize/think about: instead of focusing on finding some perfect, fail-proof set of directions or "words," focus on staying closer to, and attending to, the Source of direction. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/75-words-for-the-year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Another super casual, just done on an iPhone, episode. We share a funny story, that’s also smelly, and to be honest, pretty inspiring in an extremely common, normal kind of way. If you want inspiration that’s super applicable in super normal, everyday life, listen in. This quickcast episode covers… a reminder of how influential you are, out there in public the impact for good you can make for others, yourself, and our world the emotional let-down that happens after Christmas why Siena isn’t feeling the let-down this year what a 'training tree' for cats is
The Crown on Netflix, and how Toast gets too excited about it
Modern Love on Amazon Prime
The Twilight Zone marathon on the SYFY channel Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/quickcast-happy-new-year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to an experimental episode. Super casual, just done on an iPhone, no music at all (except for Toast bursting out in song a few times). Just sharing with you some cozy holiday-themed chit-chat /”talk story,” and sending you our most heartfelt (listen to the ep to hear why) wishes and prayers for a safe, happy, and holy holiday. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/quickcast-merry-christmas Get a $10 OFF code good for our new ’magic shop’ ( https://sienaandtoast.com/shop ) when you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts before 12/31/19. Email us at info @ sienaandtoast dot com to let us know about your rating and review; we’re looking forward to hearing from you! :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode we discuss the difference between 1) staying actively engaged in the fulfillment of your dreams 2) suffering under the oppressive pressure to achieve 3) and suffering the oppressive numbing of repetitive routine. Also: a scientific reason for why fire is a common way to describe the sensation of our primal drive for progress and growth. And finally: two Challenges/Exercises to re-light “The Fire Inside.” Oh yeah, and our reactions to the Star Wars TV series The Mandalorian. Link to the DREAM Sleep Aid we mention at the end of this episode: https://sienaandtoast.squarespace.com/shop/dream-roll-on • We've been using this great little all-natural product to assist in falling alseep more quickly, and waking feeling more rested. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/74-how-to-dream-again Get a $10 OFF code good for our new ’magic shop’ ( https://sienaandtoast.com/shop ) when you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Email us at info @ sienaandtoast dot com to let us know about your rating and review; we’re looking forward to hearing from you! :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get a $10 OFF code good for our new ’magic shop’ ( https://sienaandtoast.com/shop ) when you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Email us at info @ sienaandtoast dot com to let us know about your rating and review; we’re looking forward to hearing from you! :) The main topic of this episode is a big push-back against the obsession that has its grip on society, the obsession of “being and doing better/more/faster, and yet still more; it’s never enough!” We’re not against progress or growth, it’s just that we recognize how valuable it is to define progress and growth in a more holistic and sustainable way, one that honors, affirms, and strengthens the life force within each of us. Listen to learn about “sky moments,” and why Siena thinks Lifetime will be the first T.V. network to feature a gay couple as the main characters in a holiday-themed movie. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/73-you-are-enough Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get a $10 OFF code good for our new ’magic shop’ ( https://sienaandtoast.com/shop ) when you rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Email us at info @ sienaandtoast dot com to let us know about your rating and review; we’re looking forward to hearing from you! :) Siena was introduced to flower essences back in the 1990’s; they were recommended to her to help reduce stress. They were so effective for her that she eventually began making blends for other people to use. In this episode, we chat about the basics of flower essences. Even though they’ve been around since the 1930’s, what they are and how they’re used are not exactly common knowledge in the mainstream. So here’s our casual primer on flower essences. Flower Essences What are flower essences? Flower essences are liquids that contain the energy imprint of certain flowers, which address imbalances in specific aspects of the physical, mental, emotional bodies (which are, after all, all intertwined). Flower essences are considered ‘energy medicine.’ Flower essences do not have a scent. The only aroma you might smell is alcohol, which is only used a preservative in these liquid solutions. How to take flower essences Here are some ways to take flower essences. Take a 3-5 drops by mouth, at least 2 times a day Drop 3-5 drops into a water bottle, and sip from the water bottle throughout the day Spray flower essences from a spray bottle into the air or on your body; that’s one “dose” Note: a “dose” is any time you take in the flower essence, whether diluted or not. For example, each time you drink from the water bottle it’s counted as a “dose,” even though you’d dropped 3 drops into the entire bottle of water. To further clarify, here are more examples Each of these is considered to be one dose: Dropping 3 drops in your mouth A sip from a water bottle (in which 3-5 drops has been diluted) A spray from a water bottle (in which 3-5 drops has been diluted) Here are some Flower Essence Products in our ‘magic shop’
Five-Flower Formula: general stress reducer
Holly Flower Essence: unconditional love
Walnut Flower Essence: energetic protection
Wild Oat Flower Essence: supports your individuality/path
Willow Flower Essence: dissolves anger and resentment
Advanced Healing Skin Cream with flower essences Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/72-flower-essences-support-for-the-physical-mental-and-emotional-body Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Thanksgiving Week episode, after talking about the wrongness of putting pineapples on pizza, we turn to what we hope is a slightly different, slightly more entertaining way to discuss the good ol' Thanksgiving topic of “what we’re thankful for.” What about nurturing gratitude amid "negative" circumstances? The motto for this episode is: Rejection Is Protection For a limited time, get 10% off our new ‘magic shop’ at https://sienaandtoast.com/shop, with code POD10 Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/71-being-thankful-when-things-dont-go-your-way Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode starts with a date update featuring the best potato salad (go easy on the mayo, and just do not bother including certain other ingredients). And then moves into our philosophical and practical encouragement and guidance on why, how, and when to do your own personal year in review. For a limited time, get 10% off our new ‘magic shop’ at https://sienaandtoast.com/shop, with code POD10 Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/70-why-how-and-when-to-plan-your-personal-year-in-review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode was inspired by a funny observation from a heart-of-gold friend who once remarked that all the people running around the mall knew the holidays were coming. all. year. long. So why the mad rush at the end? It’s not like the holidays were an ambush. In this episode, we make an argument for putting up barriers to protect your time and attention (which is to say, your life) during the holidays. For a limited time, take 10% OFF any order at our new ‘magic shop’ at https://sienaandtoast.com/shop with code POD10 Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Blog post for this ep: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/69-get-more-joy-out-of-doing-less Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Everyone has an idea of what “Holiday Stress” means. How come we experience this? How can the holidays be such an attractive and enchanting time, and such a stressful time, at the same time? In this episode, we talk about how and why that happens. And we have some good laughs while observing the ways we humans manage to stress ourselves out over (and even because of) what a wonderful time of the year the holidays can be. Up for discussion in this episode… Watching scary stuff on T.V. (a leftover topic from Halloween) Who screamed when, when we made our way through an elaborate haunted house here in Portland (more Halloween recollections) Mariah Carey, Queen of Christmas Hallmark Channel Holiday Movie - cliches we love to laugh at LGBTQ representation needed in these movies! Disneyland as the ultimate in holiday-itis Holiday-itis: what it is Human connection, being 100% present, as The Key to The Magic For a limited time, get 10% off our new ‘magic shop’ at https://sienaandtoast.com/shop, with code POD10 Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/68-holidays-a-subversive-approach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we share real, personal “ghost moments” that have happened in our lives. Well. Mostly in Siena’s life. Siena is very sensitive to the non-tangible realm, probably because of her family line, and the nature of their family history. In fact, the culture in her family was such that these “ghost moments” were treated as normal! Listen and you’ll see! A list of things that make an appearance in this episode: the sink faucet turns itself on full blast
seeing people (and creatures) in the house…that are not supposed to be in the house!
menehune: the ‘little people’ of Hawaiian folklore
Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess, answers prayers
somehow, pen marks show up on Siena’s arm
intimidation by an energy/entity
Scary T.V. watching-recommendations from Siena (Toast isn’t into scary-T.V.-watching): Marianne (Netflix series)
Hereditary (movie) Get “The Wake-Up Call of Your Soul” guided experience as part of Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/67-halloween-real-personal-ghost-stories Happy Halloween Season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A fun and spunky convo for Halloween season, including… How Hawaiʻi locals pronounce “Hawaiʻi” The 2019 Trader Joe’s list of pumpkin food products, from dog treats, to pasta sauce, to cheesecake, and more, and even more! (A startlingly long list; this one’s for the foodies. 😋) Our childhood memories of Halloween 🎃 in Hawaii, including a high-brow homemade haunted house, and Kikaida Things we ‘went as’ and 👻 costumes we wore Favorite kinds of candies Get “The Wake-Up Call of Your Soul” guided experience as part of Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/66-halloween-small-kid-time Happy Halloween Season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we talk about the mental patterns and habits we all develop to help us navigate life more efficiently, but also how those patterns can start to feel stifling and like an obstacle, when it's time for us to evolve and transform again into the next chapter of our lives. Get “The Wake-Up Call of Your Soul” guided experience when you join our email list. Toast talks about the belief systems inherent in 1) being raised in evangelical Christianity 2) teachings found in the spiritual-not-religious/New Age movement and 3) the spiritual framework that evolved through her personal experience over 20+ years. Siena shares how the subconscious belief that "people will love me if I deliver what they expect of me" was uncovered and is being exchanged for the realization that "loving myself and having the energy of love within myself is what allows me to feel and receive love from others." Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/65-wakeup-part2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we discuss how we all feel discontent and longing throughout our lives, and how they serve us in the evolution of our spirit. Siena shares about her “law school vs. an artist’s life” experience, and Toast shares about leaving evangelical Christianity and developing a new spiritual framework over the course of 20+ years. Get "The Wake-Up Call of Your Soul" guided experience as part of Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Blog post for this episode: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/64-wakeup-part1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ooh! It sounds so…religious, and intrusive! But join us, won’t you? For a fun convo – for real – about The Law of Sacrifice. The episode also includes talk about (we said it's fun): a lesbian get-together at our house
Siena’s homemade vegan chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting
Bear our cat needs more visitors
using shame to inspire house-cleaning
evolved perspectives on sacrifice and discipline
the struggles and triumphs of developing and sustaining a daily exercise habit
the one self-discipline skill to rule the rest
Toast shares TMI
The Invitation: What do you know you’re doing, that if you stopped, you’d be more aligned with your true self? Try The Law of Sacrifice on that thing. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/63-the-law-of-sacrifice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our first episode back, after a few months on hiatus, during which...we moved! The experience inspired this episode's topic of Overwhelm. Here's a bit of what's in this episode: Bear (our indoor-only cat) escaped into the wild :o Things we love about Fall The agony and joy of moving, with a pet Handy dandy tips to deal with overwhelm Spiritual reflections on overwhelm Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources Rate and/or Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast-the-lgbt-podcast/id100577843 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
*Hiatus Announcement: We will be going on a podcast hiatus during the summer. We plan to be back with a new episode on Mon., Sep. 23, 2019. Until then, please follow us on social media: @sienaandtoast on Instagram & Facebook @sienaandtoastmusic – also on Instagram & Facebook and join the email list for udpates: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup
This episode is for people who miss, or love, or are curious about, Hawaii. We spend the whole episode just “talking story” (that’s a Hawaii-ism) about things we miss, or appreciate about this very special archipelago…Hawaii…our original island home. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/61-hawaii-hiatus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From what we can tell, a "miracle" has something to do with Decisions, and how deeply you feel them. Conviction. Seriousness of intent and depth of commitment. Maybe something about that kind of decision flips a switch in your brain that changes the way you see things. But maybe it also somehow spookily influences the external world around you, nudging things onto your path. It's probably both, since this reality is after all, all One Reality. In this episode, we share how and why we've come to this point of view. And we encourage you to remember that success is about making these decisions again and again and again. Music related social accts, mentioned in this ep: Instagram @sienaandtoastmusic
Facebook.com/sienaandtoastmusic (@sienaandtoastmusic) "Please Believe" on Spotify
"Please Believe" on Apple Music & iTunes
Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/60-music-miracles Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we happily yak about munchies and snacking while we actually do some munching and snacking. Join us for a rambling conversation about the joys and rewards of slow food, pour over coffee, and home-cooking. Come for the old school Hawaii references, stay for the inspiration to make healthier eating choices and support healthy eating habits. Show notes include a bunch of pics of our recent meals, and Siena's Green Juice recipe. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/59-joycooking Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup If you enjoy the podcast: please consider rating it. (If you don't like it, never mind, just don't rate it ;P ) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No offense to kids, but it’s nice to be able to enjoy the museum without them sometimes. In this episode, we share our surprise and delight at how many lesbians we noticed at one of our date night excursions: OMSI After Dark. OMSI is a science museum in Portland, Oregon. It was a nerdy night out! And Siena got to pet a reptile (!) Show notes: http://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/58-omsiafterdark Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup If you enjoy the podcast: please consider rating it. (If you don't like it, never mind, just don't rate it ;P ) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we get real and name the problem with trying to form new habits or stop old ones: It’s hard! We talk about how, after the initial feelings of inspiration and motivation wear off, it can be a straight up slog. We also talk about WHY it feels like a slog! And how you can accurately re-frame this discomfort to your advantage. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/57-commitments Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Toast goes off on why she thought it was really dumb advice to "act as if," when attempting to change your money paradigm. And then we talk about what "acting as if" REALLY entails. It's all part of an episode where we try to cover what we have NOT heard spelled out enough, when it comes to the topic of "How to Transform Your Money Story." Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/56-transform-money-story Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup And, here are links to the other episodes we mention: 49 Money & Relationships: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/49-moneyrelationship
55 Imagination is a Spiritual Technology: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/55-imagination
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Here's a fun free-ranging chat about how and why your imagination is a spiritual technology. We talk about building bridges (literal bridges), zombies (figurative zombies), and how Siena dealt with freaking and flipping out with nervousness before going on stage to sing. Show note: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/55-imagination Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a reminder that you are in charge of you, and of your experience of life. Even The Declaration of Independence talks about your right – your duty – to not allow yourself to be reduced as a human being. Join us for a pep talk of what you might 'already know.' But, just like brushing your teeth, we all need to keep up with regular maintenance of cleaning out the grime that can get into our mind and thinking! Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/54-thinking-divine-power Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we make the argument that, far from being a self-indulgent or frivolous thing, working on yourself is actually a moral duty, and at the very core of being a responsible member of society. Siena tells a Hawaii-related story involving shoyu (soy sauce) packets and hashi (chopsticks) to help illustrate. And we also invoke the words of Jesus to "whoop whoop whoop." Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/53-happinessduty Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the sacred reasons for being in a committed relationship is to heal and transmute the wounds of our past and childhood, as part of our evolution. In this episode, we share the main wound each of us brought into our relationship, how the collision of those wounds led to us almost break up many times, and how becoming students of each other, our histories, stories, and patterns, has led to growth and betterment as individuals and as a couple. We believe that the content of our lives is the curriculum of our evolution. And that a huge opportunity for that evolution happens within relationship. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/52-almostbrokeup Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What’s your heart guiding you to do? The desires of the heart are “life’s longing for itself.” The topic of this episode reminded us of the poem “On Children” by Kahlil Gibran, from which that quote is taken. In this episode, we encourage you to really honor your heart’s desire. Listen to your heart. It can require some real intention and practice to discern what your true heart is actually saying, because society pours billions of dollars into trying to get us to ’desire’ certain products, services, status symbols, etc. P.S. the ending music only seems to be missing; keep listening for the real ending ;) Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/51-heartsdesire Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An impala walks into a bar.... In this episode, we delve into some surprising ways to understand the oft-quoted Wayne Dyer adage "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." It's not just a 'mind game,' it also involves our physical bodies. We talk about how an impala illustrates the wisdom of the body in dealing with acute stress, the role of the subconscious vs. conscious, and more. *note: the term Toast was looking for was "collapsed immobility" (not "tonic immobility"), at about 12:40 into this episode. Show notes, including the fascinating impala video: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/50-perception Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money is one of the top things that couples argue about. In this episode, we share how it's shown up in our relationship, and, how knowing and sharing our money stories has helped! It doesn't have to be all tension-filled and sooo stressful. It can be fun, kid-friendly, colorful fried chicken-like. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/49-moneyrelationship Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's a lighthearted AND a serious episode, all at the same time. We talk about our Game of Thrones history, and how we're planning to engage with the last season, which starts April 14, 2019 on HBO. Snacks, politics, tech, and Jon Snow. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/48-got Email sign-up: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's finally Springtime! In this episode, we share a bunch of thoughts and encouragement about living in resonance and harmony with the natural cycles and energies – from personal individual cycles, to monthly moon energies, to the annual turn of the seasons. Talk of tomato vines, and RSVPing to parties ensues. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/47-spring Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s pretty amazing, how we humans can manage to take something as friendly as the encouragement to "Love Yourself"...and turn it into just another thing that feels like PRESSURE. In this episode, we explore that crazy-ass dynamic, where this tendency comes from, and what we can do about it. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/46-selflove-pressure Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we share what it's like to attend the Grammy Awards in person...the exciting, and the unexpected. If you ever get the chance to attend, listen to this episode before you do, so you can get some insider tips ;) Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/45-gram Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A whole list of gift ideas that don’t add clutter to people’s lives, nor to the planet’s! Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/44-rethink-gifts Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ouch! What bit me!? ...the "Tidying Up" bug. C'mon, who else has watched this show, and then took all their clothes and dumped it on their bed??? In this episode, we talk about the Netflix Original series "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo." (This is not a sponsored podcast episode; we just talk about what we want, and we wanna talk about this.) Join us for a combination [freak-out session] and [philosophy discussion] about a subversive, but truer definition of "materialism" the huge blind spot of the question "does it spark joy?" and how one time, we ended up with mice in our house Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/43-marie-kondo Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Instead of being a pressure cooker of "must be romantic now," how about if Valentine's Day is a prompt to simply celebrate all love. In this episode, Siena shares why she loves Valentine's Day, we share our plans to mark the holiday, and also some embarrassing Valentine's related memories from years past. We mean waaayyy past. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/42-vday Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to this episode if you could use a low-pressure pep talk with our thoughts on why you're Right On Time, and definitely not "behind" on any "New Year's Resolutions." Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/41-feb-jan Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We took “The 5 Love Languages” test. In this podcast episode, we talk about how the “love languages” show up in our relationship, and, reflect on why we think they developed in us (nature? nurture?). Also, The Golden Rule (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”) might not be what you think... Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/40-lovelanguages Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We geek out on the mini-cleanse we're doing. It's a great example of how small changes can yield great-feeling results. I mean, really, this cleanse we're doing is teeny. Don't think you have to be extreme to be healthier or feel better. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/39-cleanse Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At the start of a New Year, momentum is on your side! But we've found that it can lead to creating a list of goals and aspirations that, while admirable, is also, Just. Too. Much. In this episode, we each share our personal Word/Theme for the Year, and what it means to us. And, we also share the simple year-long 'instructions' we've given to ourselves, to support our relationship. Can't believe we've never done this before in our 18 years of being together so far! Can't wait to share it with you, too :) Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/38-relationshipnewyear Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's it like at a cozy, (nearly) all-lesbian gathering in Portland, Oregon on New Year's Eve? We can't speak for all such gatherings, of course, but we tell you about the one we went to in this episode. Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Show Notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/37-newyearseve Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! It's Hawaiian for "Happy New Year!" Although we get a little side-tracked with a pro-Kathy Griffin rant, we also manage to stay on topic long enough to cover our favorite aspects of a fresh New Year: a new planner
fire crackers (not to be confused with fireworks)
traditional Japanese New Year foods
and more
Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/36-newyear2019 Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Casual conversation about Christmas traditions…that somehow takes a turn into…the bad, and then the worst, times of the year to…break-up with someone (?) Turns out that you never know what you’ll get with the podcast. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/35-xmas2018 Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, our conversation is inspired by flipping through the December issue of Oprah Magazine. It includes interesting presents in "Oprah's Favorite Things" (which in turn kicks off observations about the present state of our society & culture, and the pet peeve of magazine pages without page numbers on them), as well as conversation-starter questions: stuff like our "true feelings" about the holidays, favorite childhood memories, people we met who surprised us, and things we were the most grateful for, this past year. Programming Note: the next two episodes (to be published on Christmas, and then New Years Day) will be on the shorter side. Show notes - including why magazine do the no page number thing: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/34-xmas-present-and-past Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join The Soul Care Collective: https://sienaandtoast.com/tscc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We get all Martha Stewart on you, talking gift wrap, gift tags, tissue paper, and ribbon. Unexpected guests like a stalk of celery, and an iron set on low also make an appearance. We don't have children, but we talk about children, too. It's all over the place (and yet somehow still organized) in this very gay and geeky episode on Gift Wrap. Four sections, plus a bonus. Oh, and at the top of this ep, we mention a "Tell Your Story" episode...which is episode 24 The Amazing Power of Telling Your Story (inspired by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford): https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/24-tellyourstory Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/33-giftwrap Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join The Soul Care Collective: https://sienaandtoast.com/tscc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we talk about Space Clearing and how we do it in our house. If you've never heard of it, it's sort of like house cleaning, except it's for energy, not for physical grit and grime. The way we do it, it's quicker and more fun than cleaning house :) Show notes: http://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/32-spaceclearing Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join The Soul Care Collective: https://sienaandtoast.com/tscc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Siena's a wiz at organizing all the stuff involved with our gift-giving, especially when we have a bunch of gifts that need to be mailed to Hawaii. We get all OCD about it in this episode. Join us for the holiday geek fest as we discuss planning, scheduling, the use of post-its, hostess gifts, a "wrapping station," spreadsheets, and more. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/31-giftgeeks Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join The Soul Care Collective: https://sienaandtoast.com/tscc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a ‘talk story’ episode. ‘Talk story’ is a Hawaiian Pidgin English term that means something like ‘chit-chat.’ So in this episode, we talk story about our childhood experiences of celebrating Thanksgiving while growing up in Hawaii (our pre-vegetarian days!) Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Show notes and more links: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/30-veg-hi-thanksgiving Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join The Soul Care Collective: https://sienaandtoast.com/tscc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Holiday season usually means you’ll be interacting with more people than usual. If you’re a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), an empath, or both, like Siena is, here’s something that can help you conserve your energy during this hectic time. We’re calling it an Energy Protection Bubble. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/29-energybubble Join the Email List: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join The Soul Care Collective: https://sienaandtoast.com/tscc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is being released on the most consequential Election Day of our lifetime. The reality of our times is discomforting and disorienting, to say the least. But being here now, in this time in history, is your spiritual assignment. How do you know? Because you're here. In this episode, we offer a spiritual view of history to comfort and inspire you, and remind you of your life purpose, no matter what the election results may be. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/28-electionday Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join The Soul Care Collective: https://sienaandtoast.com/tscc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we share the two ways to change a paradigm and therefore your life, and how you can get the tools, structure, and support to do exactly that! In that spirit, we announce The Soul Care Collective BETA-LAUNCH. Here's a link that will automatically display a discount for you to join during this beta-launch: http://bit.ly/soulcarebetalaunch The slots available during this beta-launch are limited. The cart will close when the limit is reached, or at the end of the day on 11/4/18, whichever comes first. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/27-quiet-desperation-solution Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Anybody besides us who’s paced the floor, grappling with a decision to be made? Well, we put our heads and hearts together and came up with four great reminders to help steady the ship, even if you’ve been tossed around, trying to Make A Decision. Here we go. Show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/26-decisions Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join the Soul Care membership: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we had fun talking about The Thing that’s up front for us, when it comes to the New Age-y topic of “manifesting.” The Thing is this: the whole point of “manifesting” is Who You Become. Show notes at http://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/25-manifestingmistake Join the email list: http://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: http://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode was inspired by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who – as she told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sep. 27, 2018 – felt it was her civic duty to inform them about her being sexually assaulted, in an effort to “to provide the facts…so that you can take that into serious consideration” in determining whether Brett Kavanaugh should sit on the Supreme Court. Her courage, and the stunning impact it had, prompted our reflection on the energy that each of us channels when we tell our stories. In this episode, Siena explains how sharing the story of her own sexual abuse affected both her and the classmate she told, in a powerful and positive way. Show notes with stories to remind you how powerful We The People are, at http://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/24-tellyourstory Join our email list: http://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: http://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the book On Tyranny by historian Timothy Snyder, one of the ways to resist tyranny is to “Make eye contact and small talk.” Because “It is part of being a citizen and a responsible member of society. It's also how we can help prevent or break down social barriers. In this episode, we share our gratitude for, and experiences with, the many visitors we've had to Portland, Oregon so far this year. According to worldwide studies on longevity and health, face to face interaction is the lifeblood of healthy individuals; it's also the lifeblood of healthy democracies. show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/23-bluezones Join our email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have you heard of labyrinths used as meditation devices? This episode was inspired by our visit to The Grotto in Portland, Oregon. Specifically, their replica of the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France. In this audio, we share our experience of walking the labyrinth and the spiritual messages and metaphors we got out of it. In our podcast blog, we break down the five specific messages in a more organized way. Show notes with lots of pictures of labyrinths :) and more about the five messages https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/22-labyrinth Join the email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it foolish to believe in miracles? Is denying the mystery and the wonder of life foolish? In this episode, we tell about an unexplainable event that happened for Siena when she was in the 7th grade. It happened in Honolulu, Hawaii, when her family put her into an all-girls Catholic school for the first time in her life. Podcast blog show notes https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/21-miracleroses Get email updates: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our amazement at and appreciation for the badassery of Fred Rogers and his subversive T.V. show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. THERE ARE SPOILERS for the movie "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" in this episode Episode notes with nostalgic videos that will bring tears to your eyes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/20-mr-rogers Join email list: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If we could handle disappointment without getting cynical, playing the blame game, or getting all victimy and weak. If we could handle disappointment by becoming an even brighter light, a better human being, a bigger inspiration. Isn't that a better measure of success than the usual 'millionaire, celebrity, and ripped abs' stuff? (Not that there's anything wrong with that, but we think more well-rounded and deeper aspirations should be on the list, too.) Show notes with alpaca pics: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/19-disappointment Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We discuss our experience watching the movie “Crazy Rich Asians.” (There are a few spoilers in this ep, so beware.) It’s a wide ranging chat about things like: feeling self-conscious about being Asian, feeling not Asian enough and not American enough, comparing the State of Hawaii’s culture with the Singapore culture portrayed on the silver screen, the human tendency towards tribalism, and more. Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/18-crazy-rich-asians Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The larger culture pressures us to achieve, achieve, achieve! Achieving isn’t bad, in and of itself. But it’s just one dimension of success. We could refer to this dimension as 'masculine.' It's a masculine kind of energy, a masculine kind of success. The other dimension, though, is just as critical. It is To Be. And it's just as real. We can refer to it as a feminine energy of Presence, or Being-ness. And it's just as valid and important to giving birth to, and sustaining, True Life...and Success. Show notes with pictures ;) at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/17-true-success Get encouraged by email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you want a good life? You need a whole and intact soul for that. A soul that can live the life you were meant for now, before you die. You need Soul Care. And to care for your soul, it helps to know for starters, that the language of the soul is energy, feminine and masculine energy. Show notes with pictures :) at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/16-feminine-masculine Get email encouragement: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Soul: the aspect of you that feels gender, and is a reflection and connection with the Divine, with Spirit. Care: cultivating, tending, caring about. Show notes: with pictures and other stuff :) https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/15-soul-care Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're not saying that you should always try to control your feelings, but for those times that you want to take back a little control...we have fun talking about how we relate to this topic. The story involves a Lionel Richie concert, with special guest Mariah Carey. Show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/14-generate-feelings Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emotions – what we experience as instinctual animal reflex (eg: fear) Feelings – the experience we have because of how we interpret events, emotions, and circumstances (eg: worry) Just because you feel something doesn't mean you need to amplify it. Feelings can further – or – hinder our strength, health, and progress. So it's wise to at least pause and consider whether a particular feeling helps or hurts us. Have emotions. Have feelings. But don't let the feelings have you. Show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/13-emotions-feelings Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's way too easy to think you're improving your life, when really, all you're doing is reading, listening, or watching people talk about it. Self-Improvement Porn is the consuming of self-improvement content, without actually doing anything else to improve yourself. We're all guilty of this. In this episode, we explore why we do it, and how we can stop. Quit the porn, and do the real thing. Lot of detailed show notes with video and pictures ;) at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/12-self-improvement-porn Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclubwaitlist Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If there was ever a "Pride Month" episode on Gilmore Girls, with a Stars Hollow Pride Festival, it might go something like this... If you want a reminder and some evidence that there are a lot of good people in the United States standing up, and showing up for good things like kindness, generosity, hospitality, and the potential of every human being, look no further than this episode. We take you with us on a fun trip down memory lane, recalling the three pretty amazing events we attended during Pride Month. And they weren't all Pride events, but they sure made us feel proud to be in this community. Tons of pictures and videos in the show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/11-pride-month Join Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The best investment you can make is the one you make in your self. YOU are a sure bet! In this episode, we discuss things like: investing your time in your self investing your money in your self our morning routines helpful apps for meditation things to consider when choosing a self-improvement program the principle of Sharpening The Saw Show notes with pictures :) at sienaandtoast.com/podcast/10-invest-in-your-self Life Club is an online membership for LGBTQ people and allies, that provides you the inspiration, tools, and support to transform your relationships and your life. Learn more at sienaandtoast.com/lifeclub Get our beautiful emails: sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You – yes you with the eyeballs looking here – you make an impact. There are no small things. Your 'small acts of kindness' are the exact things that are a life-affirming society. And only in such a society do we have a chance at reaching our full human potential, as individuals, as a community, as a country. In this episode, we share stories of some pretty dark times in our past that we have come through, to encourage you to realize: YOU make an impact. Show notes with pictures :) at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/09-you-make-an-impact Join us in Life Club: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclubwaitlist Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are two kinds of people: those who are Growing and Glowing, and those who are Status Quo-ing. The first group is reaching for and always raising the ceiling on their potential; for them, life is exciting and fulfilling. The second group feels frustrated with living below their potential, giving in to fear, staying inside of boxes too small for their spirit; it's a feeling of being trapped. What separates the Status Quo from the Growing and Glowing? That's what we talk about in this episode. It has to do with the idea of relationship. And it's what's we've learned in our own relationship, going on 17 years. Episode notes, complete with pics, at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/08-secrets-game-changers Join the VIP Wait List: https://sienaandtoast.com/lifeclubwaitlist Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you feel like there's some indefinable something...missing from your life, this episode could really help! In it, we introduce the idea of the Three Needs of the human heart and soul. Mission, Meaning, and Magic. Episode notes, complete with pics, at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/07-mission-meaning-magic Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There's a surprising power in knowing you are seen by others. It's a feeling of validation, a confidence in knowing that you matter, that you are significant. This translates to an inner strength. No wonder it's so powerful to see ourselves reflected on the stage of the larger culture. And so disempowering to not. In this episode, we discuss the ways we've experienced the shocking power and influence that "being seen" has had on us, emotionally. Show notes (with pictures :) here Sign-up to get our beautiful emails Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we think out loud about a conflict we see in our culture and ourselves, between being authentic and being appropriate. And about how we conduct ourselves affects not just others, but ourselves…because we live among those others. With our choices, we either strengthen or weaken the presence of life-affirming virtues and skills in our own community, such as respect, civility, problem solving, and teamwork. In our quest for authenticity, let’s remember that by our words and deeds, we create the society we live in. What kind of society do we desire to create? Are our choices authentic to those desires, and the values we hold? More show notes (with pictures! :) at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/05-is-authenticity-overrated Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we hope to encourage other LGBT couples. We believe one of the higher purposes of relationships is to help the individuals in them to heal their emotional and spiritual wounds. We share examples of how our relationship has been a spiritual curriculum for us over the years. Here's to continued growth, progress, and health for all of us! Show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/04-lgbt-relationship-buttons Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We believe that the thing that makes you feel alive, or the thing that won't let you go, is God, Spirit, The Life Force within you – doing LIFE – through you, as you. We've come to learn how important it is for our health and well-being, to acknowledge this calling. Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Show notes at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/03-what-makes-you-come-alive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we each tell a story of a time that changed the trajectory of our lives. It's a strangely comforting thing to realize that no one can ever buy their way out of doing the work of growing and maturing themselves. More show notes (with pictures! :) at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/02-pivotal-moments • Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this ep, we reminisce about the podcast's history and its amazing listeners. Next we bring you up to speed (in a very speedy way) about what's changed in our lives over the past 7 years. And finally we turn to the future with a little of why we decided to start publishing episodes again. Love Life Live Free Show notes: https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/01 • Get our beautiful email: https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices