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    connected

    Welcome to Connected, the podcast where vibrant hosts Giarne and Kimmy embark on an exciting journey through the intricate landscape of human connection. From self-discovery to the nuances of identity, intimacy, sex, partnership, friendship, and parenting, these dynamic women explore it all with their characteristic candor, compassion, and curiosity. Together, they create unscripted and warm conversations that invite you to eavesdrop, laugh, learn, and grow. Join them on this rollercoaster ride through life's stages.
    en8 Episodes

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    Episodes (8)

    The New Year

    The New Year

    We reflect on the launch of the podcast and the growth and change we have experienced in 2023. We delve into perspectives on New Year's resolutions and goal setting, emphasizing the importance of valued-based living and reflective practice. We  explore the relationship between joy and pain and the practice of maintaining hope. Kimmy shares her practice for New Years Eve, and how it might be something you would like to start too! The episode concludes with a message of gratitude and well wishes for the new year.

    Takeaways

    • Launching a podcast has been exciting and a transformative experience
    • Valued-based living and reflective practice can be more fulfilling than traditional goal setting.
    • Embracing both joy and pain is essential for personal growth.
    • Writing as a reflection tool can provide hope and serve as a snapshot of personal growth.
    • Expressing gratitude and fostering connection are important for overall well-being.


    7. Nurturing Self-Growth & Relationships

    7. Nurturing Self-Growth & Relationships

    Summary

    In this conversation, Giarne and Kimmy discuss personal growth and transformation. We explore the discomfort that often accompanies growth and the desire for something different. The importance of cultivating supportive relationships and following the glimmers of curiosity. Giarne and Kimmy share experiences with self-nurturing practices and the balance between growth and self-care. The conversation highlights the rewards of reflective relationships and the impact of personal growth on parenting.

    Takeaways

    • Personal growth often involves discomfort and the desire for something different.
    • Cultivating supportive relationships and following curiosity can lead to transformative growth.
    • Self-nurturing practices, such as reading and moving the body, can support personal growth.
    • Navigating social interactions during growth requires being selective and prioritizing self-care.
    • Reflective relationships can provide validation and support during the growth process.


    6. Navigating Low Libido and the Journey through a Sexless Marriage

    6. Navigating Low Libido and the Journey through a Sexless Marriage

    Summary
    The conversation explores the experience of libido in long term relationships. We discuss Kimmy's experience living in a sexless marriage and how different libido's can have shame and challenges that can arise from it. Giarne and Kimmy talk about societal expectations and the role of imagination in maintaining desire. The importance of being connected in the body and the need for emotional and physical connection in relationships are highlighted. We delve into coping mechanisms, anger, and shame, as well as the different needs we all may have in relationships. We wrap up with a focus on self-discovery and making difficult decisions.
    In this conversation, Kimmy and Giarne discuss the importance of recognizing needs as essential rather than mere wants;. Kimmy shares her journey of self-discovery and finding fulfilment, and the potential challenges of having a partner who cannot meet certain needs. 

    Takeaways

    • Living in a sexless marriage can lead to feelings of shame and a sense of failure, but libido needs are different for different people.
    • Imagination can play a significant role in maintaining desire and connection in a relationship.
    • Being connected in the body is crucial for positive sexual experiences.
    • Different individuals have different needs in relationships, and it is important to communicate and understand these needs.
    • Coping with a sexless marriage can involve finding alternative ways to meet emotional and physical needs. Recognize and prioritize your needs as essential rather than mere wants.
    • Self-discovery and fulfilling personal needs can lead to a sense of calmness, joy, and fulfilment.
    • Having a partner who cannot meet certain needs can be challenging, but open communication and understanding are key.
    • Maintaining a healthy relationship requires conscious effort and the willingness to change dynamics to meet everyone's needs.
    • Harmonious co-parenting is possible with open communication and a focus on meeting the needs of all family members.

    5. Feminism - Embrace or Challenge?

    5. Feminism - Embrace or Challenge?

    Summary
    This conversation explores the topic of feminism and the different perspectives and definitions associated with it. We discuss our personal experiences and beliefs, including the importance of autonomy and choice, the impact of gender discrimination, and the need to acknowledge differences in treatment based on gender. Giarne and Kimmy also touch on the challenges of overcorrecting and the importance of considering the needs of men in the feminist movement. This conversation highlights the complexity of feminism and the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives.

    Takeaways

    • Feminism encompasses a range of perspectives and definitions, lets have open and respectful conversations about what it means to be a feminist.
    • Treating people differently based on their gender is not fair or acceptable, but it is also important to acknowledge that it does happen.
    • The fight for equality should include the freedom to make choices and have autonomy over your life.
    • Anger can be a valid response to discrimination and mistreatment, but it is important to channel that anger into productive conversations and actions.
    • Understanding and valuing the perspectives and experiences of others is crucial in creating an inclusive and validating  society.

    4: Leaving the Kids at Home - Selfish or Self-Care?

    4: Leaving the Kids at Home - Selfish or Self-Care?

    Summary
    The conversation explores the experience of being away from your child for the first time and the emotions that come with it. Kimmy and Giarne delve into the concept of guilt and selfishness in parenting, highlighting the importance of meeting one's own needs. This episode looks at the the gradual separation of parenting, the development of resilience, secure attachment and the changing needs and desire for independence as a parent. We wrap up with the joy of reuniting with a child and the privilege of being a parent.

    Take-aways: 

    • It can be emotionally challenging to separate from your children but it is the rupture and repair that helps grow resilience
    • The role of guilt to help modify behaviour, rather than how it is often experienced in parenting
    • The slow break up - decades long separation of dependence to independence in raising children
    • It's not just our kids needs that are important, but as parents our own
    • The balance or the juggle of work and family 
    • Secure attachment foundations and how rupture and repair facilitates resilience building for our kids. 
    • It's okay to miss your kids, and the joy that coming back together can be after caring for yourself and your needs.

    3: Libido and Being Connected with our Body

    3: Libido and Being Connected with our Body

    Summary
    This conversation explores the topic of libido and its impact on intimate relationships. Giarne and Kimmy discuss the societal expectations surrounding libido and the pressure it can create. We share experiences of different libidos in relationships and the challenges that it can bring. The conversation delves into the purpose of sex and connection, the role of self-pleasure, practices to feel more connected to your body and offer tips for initiating conversations about sex with partners. We explore unconscious beliefs about desire, trusting your body, and how to stay connected to ourselves.

    Takeaways

    • Not all men have a high libido, and not all women experience a low libido - it is unique to each person
    • The purpose of sex doe snot have to be solely for orgasm but for connection and communication.
    • Self-pleasure can be a valuable practice for understanding our own desires and needs.
    • Initiating conversations about sex with partners requires trust, open communication, and an exploration of personal beliefs and values.
    • Societal expectations and unconscious beliefs can impact your connection to your desire and the ability to trust your body. Consulting our body can open up a whole new way of being and help to be in tune with our desires.
    • Embodying practices, can help us feel at peace in our bodies.
    • Staying connected to our bodies has impacts on not just intimate relationships, but also on everything we do.

    2: Breastfeeding Journey

    2: Breastfeeding Journey

    Summary
    The conversation explores the personal experiences and challenges of breastfeeding, including the impact on body image and relationships. Giarne and Kimmy discuss the intensity of breastfeeding and their emotional journey's of weaning. They also address the stigma and judgments surrounding breastfeeding duration.
    Overall, the conversation highlights the complex and individual nature of the breastfeeding experience. Exploring various aspects of breastfeeding, including the unique properties of breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding beyond nutrition, challenges and personal choices in breastfeeding, breastfeeding in public, changing perceptions of breasts, the practicality of breastfeeding, and capturing breastfeeding memories.

    Takeaways

    • Breastfeeding can have a significant impact on body image and the way you view your breasts.
    • The breastfeeding journey can be intense and challenging, requiring dedication and support.
    • There is stigma and judgment surrounding breastfeeding duration, with societal expectations often influencing decisions.
    • Weaning can be an emotional process, and its okay to experience a range of feelings, including shame, grief and/or loss.
    • However you feed your baby, is a personal and individual experience, and each person's journey is unique. 
    • Breastfeeding provides benefits beyond nutrition, including comfort and connection.
    • It is important to prioritise mental health and the well-being of both mother and baby.
    • Breastfeeding in public is becoming more openly discussed and accepted. Mothers have the right to breastfeed wherever they feel comfortable.
    • Breastfeeding can change the perception of your breasts, shifting the focus from a sexual nature to a more functional role. 
    • It can be incredibly exhausting!
    • Capturing breastfeeding memories through photos can help to document your journey and cherish the special moments.

    1: Courage & Vulnerability

    1: Courage & Vulnerability

    Summary:
    In this conversation, Kimmy and Giarne discuss the courage to be seen, building trust through vulnerability, and the fear of putting themselves out there. As the first episode, Giarne and Kimmy explore the importance of being brave and honest with oneself, as well as the motivation behind starting a podcast. Touching on the beauty of authentic conversations, the challenge of presenting a curated version of oneself, and  being vulnerable while respecting others' stories. Thank-you for joining this first episode.

    Takeaways:

    • Building trust requires vulnerability and sharing little vulnerabilities can lead to deeper connections.
    • Trusting oneself is essential before authentically trusting others.
    • Starting this podcast felt impactful as a way to share meaningful conversations.
    • Taking action and embracing imperfection is more important than waiting for perfection.
    • Being vulnerable and authentic in conversations can create a sense of wholeness and integration.
    • Respecting others' stories and experiences is crucial when sharing personal stories.