Lesbian In Tech w/ Raphaela Cassandra

Taking a break. It sounds great! By why is it so filled with guilt?

By the end of this episode, you're going to reclaim your right to rest.

Feeling guilty about resting? Caught up in the grind of endless productivity? Our capitalist society has us believing that our worth equates to how much we're doing, but it's time we debunked this myth. This episode explores the importance of taking breaks without guilt and letting go of the pressure to make rest another form of self-improvement. Through a raw discussion of my personal struggles with overworking, we question the hustle culture and remind you that your value is not determined by productivity. So, take a breathe, relax, and remember rest is about simply being.

I'm looking forward to my own rest now as we close out the year. And I look forward to spending time with you in the new year!

Thank you for supporting the mission through your monthly contribution and by inviting your friends.

Remember, your value does not come from what you do or how much you do. Your value comes from who you are.

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

What happens at the intersection of spirituality, sexuality, and unapologetic queerness? We're about to find out, as we chat with the one and only Kaelan Strouse, a.k.a Ecstatic Self.

As a tantra and spirituality coach, Kaelan shares the wisdom he has gathered on his personal journey, igniting a path for us to explore our own spirituality and sexuality without judgment or fear.

In this episode, Kaelan guides us to a deeper understanding of human connection, intimacy, and vulnerability. He advocates for the celebration of sexuality as a crucial part of our spiritual life, eroding the shame typically associated with it.

If you feel intimidated talking about sex in this way, or your past has left you jaded and hesitant to anything spiritual, I think you'll really appreciate Kaelan's approach.

We also discussed cultural appropriation in spirituality. Kaelan has some great tips on respecting other cultures while learning from them.

So, join us today for your own self-discovery, transformation, and unlearning as we queerize Tantra and Spirituality with Kaelan Strouse.

Connect with Kaelan:
Website: https://ecstaticself.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/ecstaticself
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ecstatickae

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

Get ready for a journey into the life of Morgxn Thicke, a queer, femnasty individual with Butch Queen tendencies who's making waves the gay porn industry. Morgxn's real, raw, and riveting insights about life behind the scenes and beyond the spotlight will transform your understanding of this industry. From their queer persona to the highs and lows of their private life, Morgxn's authenticity will leave you captivated.

Your gonna love Morgxn's insights on open communication in intimate relationships and its undeniable influence in the adult entertainment industry. Morgxn takes us through their adventures since breaking into the industry in 2019, revealing their experiences with initiating critical sex work conversations, and the tightrope walk between embracing new experiences and confidently upholding their own boundaries. We journey further into the world of sexual intimacy and gender confidence, exploring Morgxn's approach to creating chemistry and passion in their work.

Something I really appreciate about this conversation with Morgxn is how they underscore the significance of self-love, and pursuing what genuinely ignites joy. We round out our discussion by celebrating Morgxn's contribution to the industry and their impact in fostering a safe haven for sexual exploration. Prepare to have your perspective broadened and your understanding deepened in this enlightening episode.

Connect with Morgxn:
Linktree
Instagram
Twitter
More links on my website.

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

This episode is on embracing vulnerability to foster connection and love.

Dropping the armor is about allowing yourself to be human, and following the advice you give to others.

It's empowerment through imperfection.

This is what authenticity looks like.

Mentioned in this episode:
Brené Brown on The Tim Ferriss Show Podcast Instagram Clip
Listen to the full episode here: Brené Brown — Striving versus Self-Acceptance, Saving Marriages, and More (#409) or watch on YouTube

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

Flamy Grant is the first drag queen to ever top the iTunes Christian singles and albums charts! Flamy's story isn't just about music; it's about resilience and authenticity in the face of adversity and online trolling. It's about refusing to compromise on true identity despite societal pressures. If you grew up evangelical christian, you won't want to miss this episode.

It this episode Flamy takes us deeper into her personal life, exploring her battles with religious trauma from evangelicalism and her journey into the transformative world of drag. Hear how Flamy uses this platform to express herself and challenge gender stereotypes, even in spaces where acceptance is hard to find. And that's only the tip of the iceberg. She's got the best advice I've ever heard for dealing with haters and trolls online.

We dive into Flamy's creative process and the nostalgic elements in her music, the struggle of reconciling faith with sexuality and gender identity, and her role as a queer voice in the evangelical space. We end with a heart-touching discussion of her song 'Holy Ground,' a song that unveiled part of Flamy even before the creation of Flamy herself.

She also set a record for being the first guest to ever make my cry on my podcast. Grab a tissue box y'all!

Referenced in this episode:
Here’s the video with the woman freaking out about candles at Bath & Body Works
Flamy’s favorite song is 'Holy Ground'
Flamy’s new single 'Fortune Teller' is OUT NOW everywhere you like to listen.

Connect with Flamy:
Website: flamygrant.com

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

This episode is all about cover coming the fears, embarrassment, and discomfort that hold you back from being authentic.

We all know what it's like to be judged or shamed simply for being your authentic self. I was just eight(ish) when my passion for the Princess Jasmine dress earned me shame rather than applause. This childhood encounter and similar episodes throughout my life taught me that authenticity often comes with a price. Today we're taking that embarrassed boy who loved a princess dress to an adult who finds joy in vibrant eyeshadow.

Fear of authenticity is a common thread uniting many of us. In this episode you'll learn to embrace the 'confident queer' in you through authenticity, acceptance, and self-love.

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

Have you ever wondered how your upbringing and identity shape your financial journey? My guest, financial planner Melissa Gonzalez, shares her inspiring story of shifting from viewing money as a negative force to understanding it as a tool for empowerment and opportunity. Raised in a predominantly female household, Melissa provides a unique perspective on the impact of family and identity on one’s financial journey.

Melissa openly discusses her experiences as a queer woman in the financial industry, highlighting the importance of leading with identity. She offers valuable insights on overcoming the fear surrounding finances and approaching goals with an abundance mindset. Her candid reflections on her own experiences of workplace challenges post coming out as lesbian, and her journey to financial confidence, will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

In the latter part of our episode, we focus on the financial challenges unique to the queer community. Melissa shares her wisdom around topics such as estate planning, adoption, emergency funds and workplace harassment. She also offers practical advice for budgeting, financial planning, and finding a financial advisor who understands your unique needs. Plus she answers the big question: 'Do you need to invest in real estate in order to create financial freedom?' Trust me, you won’t want to miss Melissa’s empowering story and tips for planning a better financial future. Join us to overcome your financial fears and leave feeling confident.

Connect with Melissa:
melissagonzalez.nm.com
Linkedin
Instagram: @melissagonzalezofficial
Email: melissa.gonzalez@nm.com
Linktr.ee

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

Are you trapped in the vicious cycle of self-sabotage? Imagine turning your perceived flaws into your greatest gifts. This episode is all about breaking free from that negative pattern, shedding the shame that's been holding you back, and learning to love and appreciate yourself, scars and all.  In this episode you'll learn a unique four-step process to help you see your flaws as your super powers.

Do you find yourself avoiding confrontations or procrastinating? These behaviors, deeply rooted in our beliefs, can significantly impact our self-confidence and keep us stuck in self-sabotage. But, what if we told you that you could transform these behaviors into your secret superpowers and use your unique strengths to your advantage? This episode will help you identify these hidden strengths and gives you the tools to harness them. Whether you choose to work with me one-on-one or utilize these tools on your own, this journey will lead you to feeling a whole lot more confident. Get ready to embrace your individuality and turn your flaws into gifts.

If you're hiding from your sexual health (like I've done) Mistr is an excellent judgement free resource. You can get tested for HIV & STIs for FREE in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Everything is handled online and through your at home test kit. No doctor's office, no needles, no paperwork and free delivery. And you can even get PrEP totally free with or without insurance.
Mistr is for all adults 18 and older. And Mistr can provide you with care no matter what your HIV status is.

Mentioned in this episode:
Episode 51 - Edging

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

Welcome to a hilarious behind the scenes chat with Quincy Bazen, the multi-talented stand up comedian and co-host of the Dom Pop podcast. Take a peak into his world growing up a Navy brat, to co-creating a hit podcast, and making the daring move of relocating to sunny Los Angeles. There's never a dull moment as Quincy humorously shares his experiences, whether it's about his desire to pretentiously add accents to his name or his personal journey with ADHD.

This episode takes a deeper dive into Quincy's love for the performing arts and his knack for balancing multiple careers. You'll hear about his personal growth through his acting career, his passion for writing and directing, and his web series 'Rest in Pieces'. But that's not all, Quincy also opens up about his liberating journey of coming out, the struggles, and the joys of embracing his queer identity. Our conversation is sure to keep you gripped as we navigate the challenging terrain of authenticity, social expectations, and the journey to self-confidence.

We also delve into the realities of living a public life, dealing with people’s perceptions, and the relentless pursuit of self-acceptance. Quincy and I share our experiences, the highs and lows of performing in front of vast audiences, and the strains of managing an online presence. We also discuss how therapy, and plastic surgery played roles in  boosting his confidence. Expect a heartening chat full of laughs, insights, and a whole lot of inspiration.

Connect with Quincy:
Linktree (for upcoming shows and more)
Instagram
TikTok
X

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com

Have you been feeling like you just don't know how you can possibly handle all of life's stressors? Feeling like you just don't got this anymore? Tired of faking like you have it all figured out? That's what we're talking about on today's episode.

Join me as I share my own story of grappling with accepting help. We cover everything from anxiety episodes to understanding how dependency, codependency, independency play a part in your overwhelm. I reveal in my personal journey  how acknowledging the need for support has been pivotal in my healing process.

The second part of our discussion revolves around the varied nuances of dependency, codependency, independence, and the less acknowledged, interdependence. We'll take a look together at the difference between "I've got this." and "We've got this." And delve into the significance of interdependence - a balanced and healthy way of relating to others. Interdependency is about balance - relying on others emotionally while not losing sight of your individuality.

Discover how acknowledging your need for support will actually empower you, not hinder you. And by the end of this episode I hope to change your mantra from "I've got this", to "We've got this".

Get on the best email list for building your confidence, sign up and receive my free 21 Sassy Affirmations for Confidence

Got a guest nomination, question, or topic idea? Email podcast@coachalexray.com

Get the inside scoop, join the Instagram Broadcast Channel 🦄

Instagram | TikTok | coachalexray.com