Live Your Love Story

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

“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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

“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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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/id100577843Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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/id100577843Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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-awakeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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-bodyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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-part2Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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-part1Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com

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-sacrificeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com