Moving from anxiously attached tendencies to more secure tendencies is not an easy path. It takes awareness, lots of self compassion, and devotion. My still evolving journey to find security within myself has changed me in ways I am unable to fully put into words. ​ Which is why I invited Diana on my podcast today. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Diana Eskander, Expert Love Coach and Founder of The School of Love™, has helped thousands of women around the world meet their matches and access deeper layers of love in their existing relationships. She’s been named Top 2 Love Coach by Yahoo, selected as a TEDx speaker and featured on Global TV, making her the reference for women who crave a different approach to love - one that gets them out of their heads, and into their hearts. ​ In our conversation Diana shares her personal transition from anxious attachment tendencies to a secure relationship with herself, her partner, and her business as a prominent love coach. We tease out what is secure for each of us and explore how having a secure attachment affects our perspective of the world and universe. ​ In her journey to find "home, adventure and unconditional love" from a partner she faced the difficult questions of how can I create the feeling of home within me, how am I not showing up for myself, how am I not supporting myself, how am I creating my own attention for me, and how can I give myself unconditional love? ​ ​ There were so many gems in this conversation including: 🌸How to more deeply trust the universe is just asking me to make a clear declaration of what I am ready for right now. 🌸Learning to sit with detachment so that we aren't blocking ourselves from out desires 🌸Projecting your anxious tendencies to other places besides your romantic relationships (business, money, children) 🌸How to recognize what your own anxiety feels like in the body 🌸Why self reflection is where we have the most power to create change 🌸Shifting from performing to receive love/ be loved to being open to receive the love you desire 🌸The importance of spaciousness ​ She shares openly about how she parents her 2 children to foster secure attachment within them and the invitation to go deeper within herself to heal her own inner child wounding. A mind blowing moment for me was recognizing as a society we reward the quiet, contained child. We assume they don't have needs, or needs are met because they are quiet. But in reality they could be detached, in freeze, and/ or realizing they have learned they must take care of my their own needs. ​ ​ ​ Last but not least, Diana tests my own tendencies through a fun "game" where you guys get to hear my deeper shadows about love and trust (yikes!) with an opportunity for you to do the same (this is a questionnaire you don't want to miss!) ​ This is obviously a packed episode you don't want to miss! ​ Books mentioned in today's podcast: Radical Forgiveness book ​ How to work with Diana: https://www.instagram.com/dianaeskander_/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/fearlesslovewithdiana https://dianaeskander.com/ ​ How to work with Lesha: https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/ https://leshanelson.com

Welcome today’s episode where I introduce and explore Attachment Theory. ​ Relationships are challenging, but understanding Attachment Theory and where you sit on the attachment continuum can make them easier to navigate. By understanding our own attachment style and the attachment styles of those around us, we can better understand our own emotional needs and those of our loved ones. This can help us communicate more effectively, build stronger emotional connections, and navigate conflicts more easily. ​ I know for me when I started to understand my own attachment style tendencies ALL of my relationships changed for the better. It allowed me to move to more secure attachment and become more compassionate towards others behaviors and their own styles. ​ Attachment Theory was first introduced in the 1950s by John Bowlby, a British psychologist. It is a theory that explains how our early relationships with our primary caregivers shape our emotional and social development throughout our lives. A secure attachment style, for example, is associated with better emotional regulation, higher self-esteem, and more satisfying relationships. ​ In this podcast, we will dive deeper into Attachment Theory and its different attachment styles. We will also discuss how it applies to different areas of our lives, such as our romantic relationships, friendships, and our relationships with our children. Understanding this can help you navigate the complexities of parenthood and how to raise more securely attached children. ​ Attachment Theory can be a powerful tool in improving our relationships with others, as well as our relationship with ourselves. Whether you are a parent, a partner, or simply someone interested in improving your relationships with others, Attachment Theory is a valuable framework to explore. ​ Thank you for joining me today on this introduction to Attachment Theory, and I look forward to exploring this topic further in future episodes.

The moment you meet Cheleste you feel seen. She has a way of holing space for you, that no matter where you are in your journey, you know you are not alone on your path. ​ A seasoned "traditional" midwife, now a free birth facilitator, butcher, mountain mama, and tallow maker, it is an honor to be her friend. ​ In today's episode she shares her story of personal transition from midwife, through conscious conception, to free birthing her own baby alone with the father of her child in her greenhouse. Even if you are not in the pregnancy world, you don't want to miss our conversation. ​ ​ Cheleste did not plan on free birthing, but was moved and guided as she walked the medicine path of pregnancy. Rather than scans and appointments she chose to work with me healing her trauma, womb and ancestral healing, healing relationships, chiropractic and pelvic floor PT, and a lot of time alone in nature to connect with her own intuition. ​ ​ ​ We dive into some controversial topics such as: The drama triangle within the midwifery practice (collectively projecting victimhood onto women birthing) and moving toward the empowerment triangle (women realize their own power in the birth space). How this world would change if every woman recognized just how powerful she is. ​ Nutritional support during pregnancy and why veganism can't support a healthy pregnancy or postpartum. ​ ​ It is important to name if you can't or choose not to free birth we are not saying you did not do the work well enough or you are doing it wrong. Our medicine walks are not all the same and differing birth experiences might be the catalyst you need to create healing in your life. ​ This episode is an opportunity to ask yourself (pregnant or not) are the choices I am making putting me in aligned action with what I want? It's a space to be curious about what is aligned action to you. It's a space to be curious about why you are attached to the things you think you cannot shift or change. ​ We have a lot of fun in the episode and I can't wait for you to take a listen! ​ Topics and links discussed in today's episode: Weston Price Book: https://www.amazon.com/Nutrition-Physical-Degeneration-Weston-Price/dp/0916764206/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=weston+price+book&qid=1684185678&sprefix=weston+price+%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1 Kate Kavanagh Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/41YNuYrfcrdnSrj3hROnrl?si=933a91b0bab34788 Research: Olsen & Clausen 2023: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000352.pub3/abstract ​ ​ Connect with Cheleste: https://www.instagram.com/tallow_for_the_people/ and https://www.instagram.com/mysticalmatriarch/ ​ Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/ www.leshanelson.com

How do we live in connection with self while living in a disconnected world? That is is what Cami likes to explore and share on my podcast today. ​ ​ Cami Talbot is a professional freelance Makeup Artist and Writer. With over 14 years in the cosmetic industry working with models, athletes, celebrities, and actors she has had the unique opportunity of witnessing the beauty/fitness/film/wellness industry from a different perspective than most. ​ In todays episode she shares some intimate interactions within her career, her own studies of the beauty industry and their marketing tactics, and how she found healing through embodiment; that all the answers she ever wanted were found from the very thing she was disconnecting from, her body. She brings a beautiful light to the humanness and inner critic that lives within us all- including those we idolize. ​ Cami shares of a journey from an eating disorder that meant eating 500 calories a day to choosing to connect to herself and her body. ​ What makes her story so unique is working as a makeup artist with movie stars, gold medalist, and runway models, she realized they have the same thoughts and issues as all of us. There is a deep collective wound around looks and "enoughness" for many women. Often we project ourselves onto wanting to be like them and look like them, but they are just like us with the same desires of perfection and "enoughness". As women, we have to address the underlying issues of not enough regardless of who you are and present to the world. ​ ​ ​ ​ To Cami, there is no end goal or end game so embodiment is about "getting out of the game". Embodiment is a personal stepping into where you know you are enough and choosing to feel the pleasure in your body. ​ How to connect:   General inquires @camianntalbot Keep up with her new book launch @enigma.ofher Her portfolio and more www.camianntalbot.com ​ Topics and podcasts mentioned in today's show: Life without Ed ​ ​ ​ Burnout The Beauty Myth ​ Interception episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mUTpNQ0DH2HnqUPtjvHof?si=e67721147f67464d Women, weight + conditioning episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3SqgoihnfqZf1sOlkvagI4?si=5adfbfa863154461 ​ If you love today's episode please consider writing a review. Connect with me more on instagram and check out my website to set up your free consultation call.

The question I get asked the most is, "what is craniosacral therapy?" I realized I have shared that a lot while on other podcasts but never on my own. ​ Craniosacral Theraoy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that facilitates the body's natural ability to heal. It releases tension in the central nervous system so the entire body can relax, self-correct, and improve whole body health and performance. Therapists work with the pulse rate of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), or the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to release restrictions in the body. This fluid protects our brain and spinal cord and interacts with all other systems and functions of the body. By releasing restrictions in the brain and spinal cord, the body and all of its systems are allowed to perform at their best; this naturally eliminates pain and stress, bolsters resistance to disease, and enhances health and well-being. ​ In today's episode I share about my own journey becoming a craniosacral therapist, what it is, core concepts of the practice, and why I love it, especially for babies. ​ I hope you enjoy! ​ Referenced in today's episode: https://www.upledger.com/ and click on "find a therapist" Somatic Trauma Resolution Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5C1WnGUv5Si76j6f05oD0w?si=cfa9307bd3524e86 Interception Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mUTpNQ0DH2HnqUPtjvHof?si=07bbfd3306ba4424 ​ ​ To connect with me and ask more questions to see if a session is something you would like to explore: https://www.leshanelson.com/schedule ​ Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/

The choice to conceive. I am not sure what could be more taboo than admitting you don't want children for a cisgendered woman. But when my next guest Dr. Sarah Coxon publicly admitted this on a social media post, it was her most liked and commented post. In a vulnerable conversation, Sarah and I discuss our personal experiences in making this complex decision, and the societal pressures and expectations that come with it. IF we have a choice and we make the choice not to, it speaks volumes to who we are, our priorities, social expectations and social conditioning. Sarah and I explore our fears and grief. We discuss concerns about others judging us as selfish or not "feminine" or "motherly" enough. We even consider the possibility that we may not be seen as "beneficial" for society. Furthermore, we address the lack of support for mothers in today's society and how it has impacted our own journeys. We also express our admiration for being an “auntie” and acknowledge the profound contributions of childless women in society. My hope is that this conversation will open the door to understanding the nuanced and valid choice that all women face. After speaking with Sarah I was reminded that no matter what you choose to do, everyone's perspective is valid and important. Everyone is coming from a different walk of life and perspective and so we will have different perspectives on this complex topic. There is no right or wrong. I love how we conclude by recognizing in recent years, there has been a shift among women away from judgement and towards supporting each other's choices. Whatever your truth is around this topic I have noticed the question becomes, how can we support each other in making the decision that is right for us? I hope by talking about taboo things we can continue to have open and honest conversations about this important topic, and strive to create a world where all women feel empowered to make the decision that is right for them. Sarah is an author, yoga teacher, trauma-trained somatic teacher, seasoned space-holder & business coach for healers. She lives in Portugal with her husband Mauro, and rescue pup Manny. She loves 80s music but disapproves of pineapple on pizza. You can connect with her via https://www.instagram.com/drsarahcoxon/ Her book The Way of the Priestess: https://a.co/d/0hnNa1v Website: https://www.drsarahcoxon.com/

Welcome to Episode 3 in the short series of taboo topics, and what could be more taboo than sex and sexuality? In a world that shames so many aspects around sexuality I thought this would be the perfect place to introduce my next guest Melissa Height. ​ Melissa is a spiritual practitioner, massage therapist, life coach, and sexuality professional. She has a holistic sex educator certification from the Institute Of Sexual Education And Enlightenment (ISEE). Beyond her education, she brings in her personal experiences ranging from instructing pole and legal sex work into her client sessions and classes. ​ What makes today's episode so different is Melissa answers YOUR questions. I took questions from listeners polled via Instagram and asked her everything YOU wanted to know. We address a wide range of topics from: 🌻How can women embrace their sexuality more 🌻How to increase our sexual confidence ​ 🌻Information on cycle tracking and sexuality for men for their partners ​ 🌻Education on open relationships 🌻Recovering trust in your partner 🌻Sex and postpartum ​ I learned so much from Melisaa and love her holistic approach that takes into account that sexuality and sensuality in not only our body but all of our dynamics in life. Most of us have a myopic view of what it is, but it is actually more vast and needs to encompass societal and global aspect as well. ​ I hope our Q&A session not only answers your questions but opens up your perspectives as well. Melissa is open to more questions and working deeper with you anytime. You can find her: ​ [email protected] https://www.melissalhite.com/ ​ Books + resources we discussed: Dr Joli Hamilton for Polyamory More Than Two by Franklin Veaux, Eve Rickert, et al. The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton ​ Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What It Means for Modern Relationships by Christopher Ryan, Allyson Johnson, et al. ​ If you have questions for me or want to connect you can find me: www.leshanelson.com https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/

"It is absolutely brave and courageous to treat yourself with kindness and care in a world that rewards self extraction" - Alyssa Pressmann ​ In a world that teaches us to self extract (i.e. completely wear yourself out and leave nothing for yourself or relationships) Alyssa shares the importance of honoring your own capacity and living life beyond burnout. ​ It was with working with others in their grief and her own chronic illness in her 20's that led Alyssa to the deep wisdom of listening to her body. She shares her own story of self extraction, navigating chronic illness, grief, questioning her own mortality and quality of life. Through learning to be with her anger and grief she discovered the importance of "relational work." ​ To her relational work means meeting or coming together, relating to one another, and seeing what can come of it. This is true of the self, body, people in your life, the work that you do, and especially your relationship to your own life. ​ Relational work allowed her the ability to create a perspective of what matters the most to her and how she most wanted to spend time...and it's not through self extraction. She recognizes it is being in relationship is "what makes life worth living. ​ We need each other and that is what makes our lives rich." ​ ​ ​ Allysa says the thing that needs to be said and normalizes the things that people don't talk about. So today as part of a small series of "taboo topics", we dive into what it means to normalize grief, being a human, and talking about ALL the things society says we shouldn't talk about. ​ ​ I wanted to call this episode "two girls shooting the shit" or "talking about heavy subjects in a lighthearted way". Although we are talking about chronic illness, grief, death, purity culture, and self extraction, we have a lot of fun. This is a fun conversation that normalizes being a human. And I hope that you have fun and gain insights for your own life. ​ ​ Alyssa is a certified therapist and coach with a history of working with grief and relationships. She offers both 1:1 work and small group coaching. You can find her and reach out if you are interested in working with her: https://www.instagram.com/alyssa.m.pressman/ ​ If you have questions for me or are interested in deeper 1:1 work with me you can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/lesha__nelson/ ​ Please consider writing a review and/or sharing this with your friends and family if you love this podcast.

Episode 1 of the series “taboo topics” starts with Caroline Ofenstein sharing on all things plant medicine. ​ ​ Caroline is a certified nutrition and integrative health coach who specializes in helping women reach their optimal health & wellness - from the inside out. ​ After her own journey of hopping from one extreme diet or fitness regimen to the next, she discovered the power of mindfulness, manifestation, and plant medicine and started to combine the science and spiritual aspects of health to reconnect mind and body. ​ She believes everyone has within them an innate power to heal and confidently lead in their life. Her unique and supportive coaching style will help you reawaken your inner healer, fully express the gifts, wisdom, and beauty you hold within, and design a life you love. ​ In this episode Caroline shares on her journey of plant medicines and how it healed her relationship with her body, specifically an eating disorder. She shares how she went from "full force" and achievement driven to more connected to her body and how she slowed down. ​ We dive into microdosing, ayahuasca, buffo, working with a shaman, and the importance of integration and intention setting. I also share on my own experiences and why I feel mushrooms are the great facilitators for brain healing especially with trauma. ​ ​ We close with talking about pregnancy, postpartum and microdosing because it can be so helpful with depression, anxiety, and creating play and bonding with their children in a time where there is so much lack of support. ​ It's important to share this is not the path for everyone, or the quick pill to fix your life. Not all journeys are "rainbows" and it's important to be prepared for this. Lastly, you can do as much plant medicine as you want, but if you come back to your life the exact same way and make no changes, everything will stay the same. You are responsible for your changes (or lack thereof). ​ ​ ​ ​ You can find Caroline on Instagram: https://instagram.com/carolineofenstein website: https://www.ccowellness.com and her own podcast called Macros, Muscle + Manifestation on Apple or Spotify ​ We’re both open to questions on this topic and hoping it helped create some curiosity for you.

On this episode of "Nurturing Resilience" I interview Kate Kavanaugh who is a farmer, butcher, entrepreneur, podcaster, and lifelong learner. She is the founder of Western Daughters in Denver Colorado and podcast creator and host of Mind Body Soil, which brings together the interconnected themes of our bodies, food, and land. She brings her experience in regenerative agriculture and nutrition along with her particular brand of storytelling to everything she does. She lives with her horses, goats, cows, and birds on a small farm with her husband Josh. Together we journey through a wide variety of topics including: Regenerative agriculture and why this style of farming is so important for our health of our bodies, the land, and animals Her own personal transition from vegetarian to carnivore The science of soil and the relationship to our own mineral depletion in our bodies Vilification of animal meats and fats Seed oils and their affects on our health, grain feeding, monocropping, and round-up Fertility, menopause, and death in a culture that does not handle grief well This episode is packed with so much knowledge on food, soil, and health as Kate eloquently connects all of the dots, backs it with research, and her own personal experiences. Even if you are already a meat eater, this is NOT an episode to be missed. Find Kate on Instagram and listen to her podcast (you won't be disappointed) If you are interested in working with me one one one, you can find me through my website and Instagram Never miss an episode and be notified in your inbox when new episodes are released Books Discussed on this Episode: Vegetarian Myth by Lierre Keith What Your Food Ate By David R. Montgomery, Anne Biklé, et al. The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes, Mike Chamberlain, et al. The Big Fat Surprise by Nina Teicholz, Erin Bennett, et al. The Salt Fix by Qarie Marshall, Dr. J. DiNicolantonio, et al. The Mineral Fix by Dr. James DiNicolantonio and Siim Land Count Down by Shanna H. Swan, Stacey Colino Many lives, Many masters by Brian L. Weiss MD Real Food Pregnancy by Lily Nichols