The Shadow Side with Safrianna

Guest — Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH The Buddha's Medicine: thebuddhasmedicine.com Living Seasons Project: thebuddhasmedicine.com/offerings-events/the-living-seasons-project ---In this episode of The Shadow Side with Safrianna, host Safrianna Lughna, LCPC, MS, welcomes back returning guest Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH — triple board-certified physician and director of The Buddha's Medicine clinic in SE Portland, Oregon, with more than 15 years of Ayurvedic study and practice — for a frank, wide-ranging conversation about the intersection of U.S. policy, environmental health, and individual wellbeing. Recorded in mid-March 2026, the episode takes a clear-eyed look at the wave of regulatory rollbacks affecting air quality, water safety, pesticide protections, and healthcare access — and asks the pointed question: what does all of this mean for our bodies? Dr. Matt brings both clinical expertise and Ayurvedic wisdom to the conversation, grounding the discussion in the foundational importance of clean air and breath, and tracing very real health consequences — from respiratory disease to endocrine disruption — when environmental protections are stripped away. Together, Safrianna and Dr. Matt examine the impact of PFAS (forever chemicals), glyphosate and pesticide deregulation, cuts to federal health agencies, and the ongoing erosion of healthcare affordability. They also address the outsized influence of industry lobbying on public health policy and nutritional guidelines, and what it means for ordinary people when those structures operate without accountability. The conversation doesn't stop at the problem. Safrianna and Dr. Matt close with grounded, accessible guidance for navigating these challenges: building community and mutual aid networks, eating seasonally and simply, voting with your spending, reducing plastic and chemical exposure at home, and bringing mindful, energetic intention to how we nourish ourselves. Dr. Matt also shares details about his newly launched Living Seasons Project — an Ayurvedic seasonal preventive health program available through The Buddha's Medicine. The episode ends with a call to collective resilience: we are still here, we still have each other, and that is where hope lives.

In this episode of The Shadow Side, Safrianna sits down with Adriana Keefe — the Human Design Priestess — for a rich, wide-ranging conversation about what it means to be wired for rebellion, and how the wounds that shape us can become the very source of our power.Adriana opens up about her history of surviving sexual and physical abuse, and the long arc of her healing journey — from a young woman who kept moving forward without fully understanding why, to a mother whose daughter's birth became the catalyst for finally speaking out. Together, Safrianna and Adriana explore how generational trauma, the wound of receiving, and disconnection from the womb and sacral center intersect with both personal healing and collective transformation.The conversation weaves through human design — particularly the sacral center as the seat of joy, creativity, passion, and life force — and what happens when survivors are cut off from that space. Adriana speaks candidly about the layers of her own money journey, her experience as a mixed-race (half Puerto Rican) white-presenting woman navigating identity and belonging, and how she is learning to trust herself as a voice in the world — cautiously, deliberately, and authentically.Safrianna and Adriana also reflect on the shadow side of self-development culture: the trap of constant healing work as a substitute for actually living, and the radical act of letting life be easy. The episode closes with an invitation to approach shadow work with curiosity and play rather than a fixing mindset — and a reminder that the power to rebel already lives inside you.CONNECT WITH ADRIANAAdriana Keefe — Website: https://adrianakeefe.comThe Magnetic Rebellion Community: https://themagneticrebellion.comPodcast: The No BS Human Design Podcast — available on major platformsInstagram: https://instagram.com/adrikeefeCONNECT WITH SAFRIANNAWebsite: https://Safrianna.comSubstack: https://Safrianna.substack.comEmail: [email protected] Hub: https://the-shadow-side-with-safrianna.captivate.fm/listen

Dr. Melissa Bird — lay preacher, public speaker, author, podcaster, and congressional candidatehttps://drmelissabird.com---Season 2, Episode 1 | “Imagining Our Way Through” | Guest: Dr. Melissa BirdIn the first episode of Season 2, Safrianna Lughna welcomes back Dr. Melissa Bird — returning guest, dear friend, and fellow disruptor — for a wide-ranging conversation about imagination and creativity as radical, healing acts for turbulent times.Drawing on Dr. Bird’s concept of the “creativity timeline” and Safrianna’s own journey toward writing her second novel, the two dig into why adults are conditioned to abandon creative play — and how that conditioning is rooted in white supremacist, patriarchal systems that reserve artistic freedom for a narrow class of people. They explore how reclaiming imagination isn’t escapism; it’s resistance. It’s alchemy. It’s what keeps us from taking our darkness out on each other.The conversation moves through shadow work, the soul’s calling, the seduction of overconsumption, the “shitty shoulds,” self-made prisons (hello, Devil card), and the both/and nature of being human in a turbulent moment. Dr. Bird reflects on running for Congress, needle felting as stress relief, and meditating to Metallica. Safrianna reflects on unhooking from the American Dream and the urgent, tearful realization that now is the time to write.They close with card pulls from their respective decks — Transformation (Living Altar Oracle) and the Sword of Light (Gateway of Light Activation Oracle) — both pointing toward the fire of this moment and what it’s asking of us.A joyful, grounded, and fiercely honest Season 2 opener about why your creative expression matters — not just for you, but for the collective.

Building the World We Actually Want — The Shadow Side with Safrianna, Season 1 Finale (Ep. 21) In this Season 1 finale, licensed trauma therapist and Queer-Spirit Guide Safrianna Lughna reflects on the collective uncovering that unfolded across 20 episodes of The Shadow Side — and makes the case for what comes next: building the world we actually want to live in. Safrianna synthesizes the major shadows named throughout Season 1 — from the profit-driven healthcare system and domestic abuse tactics operating at a governmental scale, to the BITE model of authoritarian control, the quick-fix trap, and the generational trauma cycles that keep us stuck. She highlights the healing frameworks, tools, and wisdom that every guest brought to the table, from spiritual awakening and seasonal rhythms to neurodiversity, intergenerational healing, and inclusive community building. From there, she introduces the concept of regenerative activism versus reactive activism — exploring how sustainable change requires us to move beyond the urgency of rage into long-term, self-care-rooted action. She makes the case that individual healing IS collective liberation, and that the quality of our inner work is what separates sacred activism from performative activism. The episode closes with practical guidance for listeners ready to build a better world, including guarding your energy as sacred, building support systems before crisis, honoring your seasons, questioning hierarchy, practicing joy as resistance, and finding people who can hold both your shadow and your light. She Discusses: — A synthesis of the collective shadows uncovered across Season 1 — Reactive activism versus regenerative activism — and why sustainability matters — How individual healing moves into collective liberation — The difference between sacred activism and performative activism — Practical steps for building the world we actually want — Why compassion must start with yourself before it can extend outward — Joy and pleasure as resistance, not reward This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space. Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com

When Gaia Suffers — The Shadow Side with Safrianna Ep. 20In this solo episode, licensed trauma therapist and Queer-Spirit Guide Safrianna Lughna explores what happens to highly sensitive people when the planet itself is suffering. Drawing on her own lifelong connection to earth energy — from childhood days in the branches of her "mother maple" to her work with clients navigating climate grief — Safrianna introduces the concept of Earth Sense as one of three foundational intuitive gifts every human carries.She breaks down the difference between empathy, energy sensitivity, and earth sense, and explains what it means to be a "trifecta" — someone carrying all three. For those with earth sense, environmental disasters aren't just sad news events. They land in the body as grief, dread, and overwhelm sourced directly from the planet herself.Safrianna offers grounding practices, practical tools for managing energetic and informational overload, and a guided breathwork and visualization to help listeners reconnect to the earth, send healing energy, and come home to themselves.She Discusses:— The three foundational intuitive gifts: empathy, energy sensitivity, and earth sense— What it means to be a trifecta and why it hits differently right now— Why doom scrolling is an energy leak, not an act of care— How to create containers around news consumption— The difference between self-sacrifice and sustainable activism— Why ceremony and community are acts of resistance— A guided grounding practice to send healing through the rootsThis podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Content Warning: This episode discusses climate grief, environmental anxiety, and collective suffering.Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com

In this rich, wide-ranging conversation, Safrianna sits down with Women's Empowerment Coach and Executive Coach Johanna Lyman (she/they) to explore what men really want — and why the answer might surprise you. Spoiler: it's not what society has been telling us.Johanna brings 20 years of experience as an executive coach, a mystery school background, a stint as an exotic dancer, and a trauma-informed lens to this conversation. Together, Safrianna and Johanna unpack the distortions patriarchy has placed on masculine identity, the epidemic of male loneliness, and why "men only want sex" is actually a profound misreading of the human need for connection.They discuss the divine masculine and divine feminine — energies that live within all of us regardless of gender — and how toxic masculinity has warped those energies into something that harms everyone, men included. From Brene Brown's research on shame to the incel movement to the miniseries Adolescence, they trace how unhealed trauma and emotional starvation are playing out at a cultural and political level.Johanna shares how her time as an exotic dancer taught her that men's deepest longing isn't sex — it's to be seen, heard, and truly known. She and Safrianna explore how sex workers and healing practitioners sometimes provide the only space where men feel safe enough to be vulnerable, and what that says about how we've failed men emotionally.The conversation also addresses the educational system's neglect of boys, the loneliness epidemic among cis straight men, compulsory sexuality, sexual trauma, the scarcity mentality driving "us vs. them" culture, and how building robust support systems — not just depending on a partner — is essential for everyone's healing.This is a conversation with compassion at its center: seeing the trauma underneath the behavior, without excusing the harm it causes.Topics Covered:—Divine masculine and divine feminine energy — and how both have been distorted—The male loneliness epidemic and the epidemic of "no homo" culture—What Johanna learned from dancing: men want connection, not just sex—Brene Brown's research on shame and the male "don't be weak" box—Toxic masculinity as the patriarchy's legacy — and how it harms men too—The incel movement, Andrew Tate, and the trauma underneath the rage—Compulsory sexuality and its role in sexual trauma—Why emotional education has been withheld from men — and what that costs everyone—The scarcity myth: justice work for one group doesn't diminish another—Practical tools: journaling, community, professional support, and the Mankind Project—Building support systems beyond your romantic partner—Hope and healing through curiosity, compassion, and connectionContent Warning: This episode discusses sexual trauma, sexual assault, compulsory sexuality, political violence, and the incel movement. Please care for yourself as you listen.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Connect with Johanna Lyman: linkedin.com/in/johannalymanContact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.com

Welcome to The Shadow Side with Safrianna, where we illuminate what others too often keep hidden in the dark. I'm Safrianna Lughna—licensed therapist, CEO of Living LUNAs, and your guide into the world of shadow work. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Eryn Anatavi, neurodiversity advocate and business operations expert from Seattle, to explore what it means to lead while being different in a world that demands conformity. As two neurodivergent leaders who understand the struggle of navigating systems not built for us, we dive deep into the beautiful necessity of diversity and how it strengthens everything it touches. Eryn shares her journey of discovering her autism diagnosis just two years ago and how it completely reframed her understanding of her lifelong passion for social justice and equity. We explore the powerful analogy of biodiversity in gardens and ecosystems—how different "bugs" serve different purposes, how various plants need different conditions, and how this mirrors the human collective's need for neurodiversity. We Discuss: The Superpower and Kryptonite Balance We discuss how neurodivergent traits come with both incredible strengths (hyperfocus, creativity, pattern recognition) and challenges (burnout, decision paralysis, sensory overwhelm). Eryn emphasizes that you can't love the superpower without having a plan for the kryptonite—and why leaders need systems that support both. Universal Design for Leadership Using brilliant analogies of cookie bars, gym equipment, and elevators, Eryn illustrates why building for the minority makes it better for the majority, but building for the majority alienates the minority. We explore how accommodations that help neurodivergent individuals actually benefit everyone in an organization. Breaking Down Artificial Hierarchies We challenge the notion that differences create hierarchies of value. Just as a garden doesn't rank plants by importance, human communities shouldn't rank people by how closely they fit a "normal" mold. Innovation doesn't come from sameness—it comes from embracing and leveraging our differences. Practical Systems for Neurodivergent Leaders Eryn shares concrete tools she's developed at Sapphire Solutions, including: Daily intentions practice (not task lists—intentions) Fire suppression tracking to identify patterns in what derails you The Clarity Matrix framework (brilliance, shiny objects, monotone, and shattered quadrants) Proficiency + Positivity = Brilliance in your work How to prevent team turnover by addressing monotone work before burnout hits The Profitability of Embracing Neurodiversity We bridge the gap between two camps that often stay separate: the "efficiency and productivity" side and the "self-awareness and wellness" side. Eryn demonstrates why you need BOTH proficiency and positivity to run successful companies, and how understanding where your team members are working (in brilliance, practicing, or struggling) directly impacts retention and results. The Extinction Burst We address the current political and social climate, understanding attacks on diversity and inclusion as an "extinction burst"—the last desperate grab before harmful systems finally die. We discuss how to keep fighting through this difficult period while maintaining hope for what comes next. This conversation beautifully illustrates that leading while different isn't a deficit—it's exactly what the world needs. When we create systems that honor neurodiversity, build for equity rather than equality, and allow people to work within their unique strengths, everyone benefits. This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space. About Eryn Anatavi Eryn Anatavi is a neurodiversity advocate, business operations expert, and founder based in Seattle, Washington. Diagnosed with autism about two years ago, Eryn has transformed her understanding of her natural drive for equity and justice into powerful systems that support neurodivergent leaders and entrepreneurs. As someone who describes herself as part of the "complicated, difficult humans" classification, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her advocacy work, believing in leaning into our differences, honoring both our superpowers and our kryptonite, and building business systems that prevent burnout rather than cause it. Through her company Sapphire Solutions, Eryn has developed innovative frameworks including the Clarity Matrix (mapping work by proficiency and positivity), daily intentions practice, and fire suppression tracking—all designed to help neurodivergent individuals and teams thrive in business environments that have traditionally been hostile to different ways of thinking and working. Her work focuses on helping leaders, business owners, and teams create sustainable success by designing workflows that accommodate the full spectrum of human cognitive diversity. Connect with Eryn: Website: https://choosesapphire.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eryn-anitavi/ Content Note: This episode discusses neurodivergence, systemic oppression, workplace challenges, and current political climate with honesty and hope. Connect with Safrianna: [email protected] | Safrianna.com

Episode 17: Intergenerational Healing with XeresWelcome to The Shadow Side with Safrianna, where we illuminate what others too often keep hidden in the dark. I'm Safrianna Lughna - licensed therapist, CEO of Living LUNAs, and your guide into the world of shadow work.In this episode, my guest Xeres Villanueva and I explore the complex journey of intergenerational healing, examining how generational trauma ripples through families and communities while also discovering pathways to liberation. Xeres shares her transformative story of deep self-inquiry, beginning with her grandmother's death in 2014, which initiated a profound process of uncovering family dysfunction, medical challenges, and the reclamation of ancestral wisdom.We dive into how community-based art became a vehicle for healing, the importance of understanding our own privilege and marginalization, and how personal shadow work naturally evolves into activism and justice work. Xeres discusses her journey from struggling with identity within patriarchal Christianity to reclaiming pre-colonial Filipino spiritual practices and priesthood that honors community empowerment rather than control.This conversation beautifully illustrates how knowing ourselves deeply—including our sticky places and areas beaten down by society—leads to authentic justice work. We explore how white men's lack of questioning themselves perpetuates systems of harm, while marginalized communities are forced into the gift of deep self-inquiry that becomes the foundation for collective liberation.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.GUEST INFO: Xeres Villanueva is a leadership development coach and community organizer based in Los Angeles who serves clients everywhere. Her work supports people in discovering their genius and creating lives and work that honor their journey of liberating their soul. Xeres focuses on ancestrally rooted and culturally rooted approaches to transformation.With extensive experience in community organizing, nonprofit organizational development, and small business support, Xeres brings a deep understanding of how systemic change and personal healing intersect. Connect with Xeres:Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/the_estuary_constellationsYouTube: www.youtube.com/@theestuaryconstellations1228LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/xvilla1228 Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.com

**Content Warning: This episode discusses bullying, emotional abuse, childhood trauma, and mentions of violence. Please practice self-care while listening.Welcome to The Shadow Side with Safrianna, where we illuminate what others too often keep hidden in the dark. I'm Safrianna Lughna - licensed therapist, CEO of Living LUNAs, and your guide into the world of shadow work.In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dāli Rivera, parenting coach and bullying awareness advocate, to tackle one of the most pervasive yet under-addressed issues facing our children and communities: bullying. With a mental health epidemic affecting young people and bullying playing a significant role, this conversation couldn't be more timely or necessary.Dāli shares her expertise on recognizing bullying behaviors, understanding their long-term impacts, and most importantly, giving parents and kids practical tools to stand up against bullying wherever it appears. We explore how bullying erodes self-worth over time, creating patterns that follow people into adulthood and affect everything from career choices to relationship dynamics.What We Discuss:— How bullying impacts develop over time, from childhood through adulthood— The connection between self-love, boundaries, and standing up to bullies— Practical scripts and responses kids can use when facing bullying— Why some populations face disproportionately higher rates of bullying— The importance of teaching emotional regulation and conflict resolution— How cultural patterns around authority can enable or prevent bullying— Why bullies need help too, and what happens when they don't get it— Red flags for parents to watch for in their children's behavior— How to respond when your child reports being bullied (and what NOT to say)— The critical role of at least one supportive person in a bullied child's life— Digital citizenship and cyber bullying in our connected world— How self-advocacy for ourselves advocates for everyone elseDāli brings both professional expertise and raw honesty to this conversation, breaking down the micro-habits and cultural patterns that allow bullying to thrive. From recognizing backhanded compliments to understanding gaslighting, she provides vocabulary and frameworks that help both kids and adults name what's happening to them.We also address the uncomfortable truth that bullying isn't just a "kids being kids" issue - it's a form of abuse with serious, lasting consequences. The 84-year-old man still crying about high school bullying. The parent triggered by their child's experience because of their own unhealed wounds. The patterns of accepting mistreatment that begin when we're told we're not worth standing up for.This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, anyone working with children, and adults still carrying the weight of childhood bullying experiences. It's also for anyone who wants to understand how the patterns of accepting abuse begin early and how we can interrupt those cycles.About Dāli Rivera:Dāli Rivera is a parenting coach specializing in bullying awareness and prevention. She founded her organization and the Diversity and Anti-Bullying Academy in 2017, though her work in this space began long before. Dāli is passionate about teaching families that bullying is a form of abuse that can be life-altering, starting as early as preschool and contributing significantly to the current mental health epidemic among young people.Through her work, Dāli provides parents, educators, and children with concrete tools for recognizing, responding to, and preventing bullying. She emphasizes teaching self-love, boundary-setting, and emotional intelligence from an early age. Her book, Confident Bulletproof Kids, offers scenarios, prompts, and practical scripts to help families navigate difficult conversations and build confidence in children.Dāli advocates for addressing bullying at its roots - teaching empathy, kindness, and emotional regulation while also supporting bullies themselves, who are often hurting and lack proper role models. Her research-informed approach highlights how conservative social environments correlate with increased bullying against LGBTQ+ youth, Black and brown children, and girls, and she works tirelessly to create safer spaces for all children.Beyond prevention, Dāli helps families understand the long-term impacts of bullying and provides pathways for healing. She believes that with the right support - even just one trusted person - children can overcome bullying experiences and thrive.Connect with Dāli:Instagram: @DaliTalksWebsite: DaliTalks.comBook: Confident Bulletproof Kids (available on Amazon)https://www.dalitalks.com/store https://www.amazon.com/Confident-Bully-Proof-Kids-Workbook-Parents/dp/B0CGKVFW8V?ref_=ast_author_mpb This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.com

Resources:Join the Passionista Sisterhood: https://go.lunatrk.com/aff_c?offer_id=2695&aff_id=2966The Passionistas Podcast - https://www.thepassionistasproject.com/passionistaspodcastPassionista TV Network - https://www.youtube.com/@ThePassionistasProject/Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.com---Episode 15: Creating Inclusive Community with the PassionistasWelcome to The Shadow Side with Safrianna, where we illuminate what others too often keep hidden in the dark. I'm Safrianna Lughna - licensed therapist, CEO of Living LUNAs, and your guide into the world of shadow work.In this episode, originally recorded in early 2025, I sat down with sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington, co-founders of the Passionista Project—a truly inclusive community that launched in 2024. We dove deep into the messy, beautiful reality of building spaces where women from all backgrounds can show up authentically without perfection.I've been a member of the Passionista Sisterhood since late 2024, and throughout 2025, this community became one of my anchors. Amy and Nancy's approach to building inclusive space has profoundly influenced how I show up in my own community work—and this conversation captures why.Amy and Nancy shared their journey from entertainment industry careers to creating a sisterhood built on one core rule: kindness. We explored the uncomfortable truth that building inclusive communities means sometimes excluding those who can't practice tolerance, the difference between healthy community and cult-like control, and why rupture and repair—not just harmony—creates real connection.This conversation tackled the hard questions: How do you create space for difficult conversations? What do you do when members disagree? How do you handle the paradox of being inclusive while standing for something? In This Episode, We Discussed:- Why conformity destroys community (and Amy's experience being "one of the guys")- The catalyst moment: how the 2016 election and Me Too movement sparked their mission- Building community through listening rather than prescribing answers- The difference between cults and community - Why people weed themselves out when kindness is non-negotiableThis podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Guest Information:Amy and Nancy Harrington are sisters, entertainment industry veterans, and co-founders of the Passionista Project. They've conducted over 1,500 celebrity interviews, host the Passionistas Podcast, run annual Women's Equality Summits, and created the Passionista Sisterhood—an online community where women from diverse backgrounds connect, support each other, and lift each other up. Learn more at https://www.thepassionistasproject.com/

Episode 14: The Season of Darkness with Camille A. SaundersWelcome to The Shadow Side with Safrianna, where we illuminate what others too often keep hidden in the dark. I'm Safrianna Lughna - licensed therapist, CEO of Living LUNAs, and your guide into the world of shadow work.In this episode, sex and relationships therapist Camille A. Saunders joins me to explore winter as a season of rest, reflection, and necessary darkness. We discuss how modern society's relentless productivity demands clash with nature's call to hibernate, and why honoring seasonal rhythms is essential for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.Together, we examine the pressure to maintain high energy during the darkest time of year, the importance of setting boundaries during holiday obligations, and how to find balance between preparation and actual rest. Camille shares her experience navigating winter in the Pacific Northwest, while I discuss the grief and family dynamics that often surface during this season.We explore winter through four bodies—physical (managing darkness and vitamin D), mental (resisting premature goal-setting), emotional (allowing the full range of feelings including grief), and spiritual (going inward for reflection and shadow work). This conversation challenges the commercialized holiday hustle and invites listeners to honor winter as a time for genuine hibernation and inner work.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.comGuest BioAbout Camille A. SaundersCamille A. Saunders is a sex and relationships therapist, gardener, cat mom, witch, and bisexual human navigating life in the Pacific Northwest. She brings a holistic approach to her therapeutic work, honoring the intersection of nature's rhythms, personal healing, and relational wellbeing. Camille believes in creating space for the full range of human emotions and experiences, particularly during challenging seasons—both literal and metaphorical. https://www.camilleasaunders.com/Looking for Ways to Connect with the Wheel of the Year? Join Safrianna and Dr. Melissa Bird for their eight ritual series. For more information, visit: https://safrianna.com/seasonal

Breaking the Cycle of Violence with Heartly House - The Shadow Side Ep. 13Content Warning: This episode discusses intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and trauma in detail. Please care for yourself while listening.In this essential episode, licensed trauma therapist and domestic violence survivor Safrianna Lughna sits down with Caroline Dato, MSW (she/her) and Natalie Feit (she/her) from Heartly House, a nonprofit agency providing free services to survivors of intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual violence, and human trafficking in Frederick County, Maryland.Drawing on both her clinical expertise and lived experience, Safrianna creates space for an honest, comprehensive conversation about the realities of intimate partner violence, the barriers survivors face when trying to leave, and the pervasive nature of abuse in our society.In This Episode, We Discuss:— The difference between domestic violence and intimate partner violence— Why it takes survivors an average of seven times to leave an abusive relationship— The cycle of violence and why the "honeymoon phase" keeps people trapped— How financial abuse occurs in many intimate partner violence cases— The connection between childhood abuse and adult abusive relationships— Why male survivors of childhood sexual abuse take 20-25 years on average to come forward— The role of consent in preventing all forms of violence— Human trafficking realities that don't match the stereotypes— How to support survivors without re-traumatizing them— The power of simply saying "I believe you"Caroline and Natalie share information about Heartly House's comprehensive services including their 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, case management, youth prevention team, abuser intervention program, and support for secondary survivors (those supporting survivors in their lives).This conversation goes beyond awareness to provide practical education on recognizing abuse, understanding trauma responses like freezing, and building community support that can literally change the trajectory of a survivor's healing journey.Guest Bios:Caroline Dato, MSW (she/her) is the Community Engagement and Prevention Lead at Heartly House, where she trains individuals who live, work, or go to school in Frederick County on supporting survivors and recognizing abuse patterns.Natalie Fight (she/her) is a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in social work at Hood College and served as a Community Engagement Intern at Heartly House.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. Connect with Safrianna at [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.comResources:Heartly House 24/7 Hotline: 301-662-8800If you live outside Frederick County, Maryland, you can still call the hotline to be connected with resources in your area.National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Episode 12: Dating and Trauma with Miran DalleyIn this illuminating episode, licensed therapist Safrianna Lughna sits down with Miran Dalley, fellow therapist and owner of Inner Self Healing Center and coach for Healing Hearts Dating, to explore how trauma impacts our dating lives and relationships.Drawing from their professional expertise and personal experiences, Safrianna and Miran discuss the concerning trends they've observed in online dating communities—where fear, hypervigilance, and misused terminology like "narcissist" and "gaslighting" have created a culture of disconnection rather than connection.In This Episode, We Discuss:- How past trauma creates patterns that show up in new relationships- The difference between genuine red flags and trauma responses- Why seeking validation from Facebook groups can increase anxiety- How to distinguish between your intuition and your trauma telling you stories- The importance of communication over "testing" your partners- Why instant gratification culture makes dating harder- Breaking free from gender norms and societal expectations in relationships- Building self-love as the foundation for healthy partnerships- The "burned haystack method" and why immediate rejection isn't always the answerMiran shares wisdom about finding connection instead of disconnection, staying curious instead of defensive, and empowering ourselves to set boundaries while remaining open to authentic relationships.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Connect with Miran Dalley:Inner Self Healing Center - https://www.innerselfhealing.center/Healing Hearts Dating: https://HealingHeartsD­ating.comConnect with Safrianna:[email protected] | https://Safrianna.com

Episode 11: The Power of Self-Love Vs. NeglectIn this deeply personal and timely episode, licensed trauma therapist Safrianna Lughna addresses the critical importance of self-care versus self-neglect during times of collective turmoil.Recording during a period of significant political upheaval in early 2025, Safrianna explores how systems of oppression benefit from our depletion and how reclaiming our power starts with genuine self-love.Drawing on her own journey of leaving a burnout-inducing therapy practice and rebuilding a soul-aligned business, Safrianna discusses how society trains us into self-sacrifice through productivity culture, hustle mentality, and the false promise of external validation. She reveals how chronic self-neglect manifests in our bodies, leading to conditions like fibromyalgia and burnout, and shares her personal experience with medical debt that further trapped her in exhausting cycles.Key Topics Explored:— How self-neglect keeps us from challenging injustice and creating change— The difference between performative, consumer-based self-care and genuine rest— Understanding body wisdom and what our physical symptoms are trying to tell us— The power of boundaries as acts of self-love (not restrictions on others)— Ancient wisdom about sustainable caregiving and community care— Practical, free tools for self-care including breathwork and the "no tiger twist"— The critical phrase: "If someone does not respect your no, they do not deserve your yes"— How intergenerational trauma shapes our relationship with productivity and self-worthSafrianna pulls three oracle card readings that emphasize the need for evolution, personal connection with the divine, coming together in harmony, and clearing karmic patterns. She challenges listeners to anchor into unconditional love—not as passive acceptance, but as a radical act that honors boundaries while refusing to participate in cycles of harm.This episode is essential listening for anyone experiencing burnout, struggling to set boundaries, or wondering how to maintain their energy and values during overwhelming times.Safrianna's ultimate message is that true resistance and lasting change require us to care for ourselves first, so we have the capacity to show up for collective healing.Content Note: This episode discusses burnout, chronic illness, medical debt, political stress, and systemic oppression.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | https://Safrianna.com | https://LivingLUNAs.com

Recognizing Authoritarian Control - The Shadow Side with Safrianna Ep. 10Licensed trauma therapist and domestic violence survivor Safrianna Lughna delivers an essential education on recognizing authoritarian control wherever it appears—from intimate relationships to religious organizations, from hobby groups to governmental systems.Drawing on her extensive background working in domestic violence shelters and surviving cult-like control herself, Safrianna breaks down the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control from Freedom of Mind: Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotion control. She reveals how these manipulation tactics show up not just in obvious cults, but in churches, families, social groups, and political structures.As someone who has both provided clinical services to abuse survivors and personally escaped controlling environments, Safrianna brings clarity to patterns many people don't realize they're experiencing. She explores how control can appear innocuous at first—dictating hairstyles, limiting information sources, discouraging questions—before escalating to more severe manipulation and harm.She Discusses:— The four pillars of the BITE Model: Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotion control— How behavior control ranges from dress codes to physical punishment— Information manipulation through censorship, propaganda, and limiting outside sources— Thought control tactics like "us vs. them" narratives and thought-stopping clichés— Emotional manipulation through guilt, fear, love bombing, and phobic indoctrination— Why questioning authority is healthy, not disrespectful— How "us vs. them" thinking enables authoritarian control— Red flags that distinguish healthy community from cult-like control— The difference between chosen community participation and coerced conformity— Why people who grew up in trauma are especially vulnerable to these patterns— Practical ways to recognize if you're in a controlling situation— Resources for exiting negative environmentsSafrianna Lughna is a licensed trauma therapist, coach, healer, author, and speaker dedicated to helping people recognize manipulation and reclaim their autonomy. She combines clinical expertise with lived experience to illuminate the shadows we don't want to talk about.Connect with Safrianna and find support resources at https://livinglunas.com & https://safrianna.comFor information on the BITE Model, visit https://freedomofmind.comNational Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (thehotline.org)988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Connect with Ikenna: https://www.ikennagraycounseling.com/---The Truth About HierarchyIt's Time to Break Free from Artificial Power Structures!Join licensed trauma therapist Safrianna Lughna and counselor Ikenna as they dive deep into the destructive nature of artificial hierarchies that divide and control our society.In this powerful episode of The Shadow Side, they expose how hierarchical thinking creates an "us versus them" mentality that keeps us disconnected from our true collective potential.They Discussed:— How hierarchies are human-created constructs that don't exist in nature— The origins of us versus them mentality in childhood and societal systems— Inherited power structures and how they perpetuate inequality— The myth of human supremacy and our relationship with the natural world— How curiosity and unconditional love can break down hierarchical barriers— Practical ways to recognize and challenge hierarchical thinkingThis conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about social structures, power, and human connection. Safrianna and Ikenna offer a radical vision of equality that goes beyond surface-level diversity to true mutual understanding.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | https://Safrianna.com

Resources:Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, political violence, and systemic oppression in detail.Connect with Safrianna and find support resources at https://livinglunas.com & https://safrianna.comFor crisis support: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233---Collective Power and Control - The Shadow Side with Safrianna Ep. 9Licensed trauma therapist and domestic violence survivor Safrianna Lughna delivers a hard-hitting solo episode examining how classic abuse tactics are being deployed at a governmental scale.Originally recorded on Inauguration Day 2025 with a September update, Safrianna draws on her extensive clinical experience working with hundreds of domestic violence survivors to analyze current political dynamics through the lens of the Power and Control Wheel.As someone who spent years providing shelter services, running survivor groups, and counseling those affected by intimate partner violence, Safrianna brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this urgent conversation. She connects the dots between individual relationship abuse patterns and collective manipulation, revealing how media obfuscation, economic control, and systematic targeting of marginalized communities follow the same playbook used by domestic abusers.She Discusses:— The TikTok situation as a case study in media manipulation and narrative control— How billionaire influence mirrors economic abuse tactics in domestic violence— Specific power and control strategies being used against LGBTQ+ communities— The intersection of Christian nationalism and systematic oppression— Why the domestic violence framework accurately describes current governmental tactics— Nine-month update showing how every predicted pattern has intensified— Practical steps for personal healing and community resistance— The myth of external salvation and why the work starts within— Finding joy and practicing pleasure activism as forms of resistanceSafrianna Lughna is a licensed clinician, domestic violence survivor, author, and social justice advocate dedicated to collective liberation work. She combines clinical training with lived experience to help people understand power dynamics and build resilient communities.Connect with Safrianna and find support resources at https://livinglunas.com & https://safrianna.com

Resources:To Connect with Dr. Matt, visit The Buddha's Medicine: https://www.thebuddhasmedicine.com/Connect with Safrianna and find support resources at https://livinglunas.com & https://safrianna.com---The Unhealth Industry - Why Healthcare Keeps Us Sick with Dr. Matt Van AukenJoin licensed trauma therapist Safrianna Lughna in a candid conversation with Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH, triple board-certified physician and clinical director of The Buddha's Medicine. Together, they pull back the curtain on what they call the "unhealth industry" - exploring how profit-driven healthcare systems prioritize financial gain over patient wellbeing.In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Van Auken shares his journey from conventional medicine to private practice, revealing the impossible constraints that insurance companies place on providers who genuinely want to help their patients. Safrianna discusses her own experience fleeing insurance-based therapy after being forced to see 40+ clients per week while earning unsustainable wages.They Discussed:— The "omega shadow" of profit-driven healthcare— How insurance companies control medical decisions despite never seeing patients— Why so many healthcare providers are leaving the field— The cycle of provider burnout and patient dissatisfaction— Practical steps individuals can take to reclaim their health— The importance of community and systemic changeBuilding hope while navigating a broken systemGuest Bio:Dr. Matt Van Auken is a medical doctor, master of public health, and clinical director of The Buddha's Medicine, an Ayurvedic integrative medicine practice in Portland, Oregon. He advocates for justice-oriented healthcare and patient-centered care outside traditional insurance models.

Connect with Jess Marie: https://www.themerakimethod.net/---The Quick-Fix Trap | The Shadow Side with Safrianna Ep. 6In this eye-opening episode, Safrianna sits down with Jess Marie, a dedicated Vedic counselor and founder of the Merakai Method, to expose the dark side of how ancient healing wisdom gets commodified in modern culture.What You'll Discover:— Why Ayurveda and yoga can't be standardized or simplified without losing their essence— The dangerous "M&M effect" - cherry-picking sweet parts while ignoring the whole system— How inadequate training is flooding the market with under-qualified practitioners— Why the same herb (like ashwagandha) works for some but not others— The difference between authentic Vedic sciences and watered-down Western adaptations— Red flags to watch for when choosing an Ayurvedic practitioner or yoga teacher— How to approach ancient wisdom with discernment and respectJess Marie breaks down the misconceptions around doshas, constitutions, and the true holistic nature of Vedic sciences, while sharing why our quick-fix culture struggles with practices that require deep commitment and individualized approaches.This is a great episode for: Anyone interested in Ayurveda, yoga, holistic health, or questioning the authenticity of wellness trends they've encountered.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | https://Safrianna.com | https://LivingLUNAs.com

Karen Foote's business: https://www.moonmagicwellness.com/ and https://rebalancewithreiki.com/Instagram: @MoonMagicWellness Louise Hay's "You Can Heal Your Life""Perks of Being a Wallflower"---Episode 5: Spiritual Awakening With Karen FooteIn this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Karen Foote, spiritual intuitive healer and massage therapist, to explore the messy reality of spiritual awakening. We dive into Karen's journey that began in 2008 when she felt called to become a "spiritual intuitive healer" - and how that calling nearly broke her marriage when her husband responded with skepticism and atheistic pushback.This episode tackles the uncomfortable truths about awakening that no one wants to talk about: the relationship challenges, the years of working through triggers, and why you can't just "stay high vibe" your way through growth. Karen shares how community became her lifeline when home wasn't safe for her spiritual exploration, and we explore why shadow work isn't optional, but essential.We also discuss Karen's recent experience as an advocate when her local school board was threatened by extremist takeover, fighting for her trans daughter's safety and the rights of all students. This conversation beautifully illustrates how our personal healing work prepares us to stand up for what's right in the world, even when it's uncomfortable.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.com

You can get your signed copy of Safrianna's poetry book, Daddy's Girl, at: https://livinglunas.com/store/p/daddysgirlTo purchase on Amazon, head to: https://amzn.to/46cZk3bThe Daddy's Girl soundtrack is available at: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9t6DmrQPHrIpkX5Xsz396VupQylkY9AM----Episode 4: The Shadow of My FatherIn this vulnerable and powerful Shadow Side episode, Safrianna shares the deeply personal story behind her poetry collection "Daddy's Girl"—a three-year journey of grief, shadow work, and generational healing that began when she received the call that her father was dying of cancer.Safrianna opens up about her complex relationship with her father, the toxic lessons he unknowingly passed down about money, sacrifice, and masculine energy, and how his death pulled her back into childhood trauma patterns she thought she'd already healed.The episode delves into why some family members tried to discourage her from publishing the book, her decision to break generational silence despite the pushback, and how the writing process became her most intense shadow work yet. Safrianna discusses her evolution from being a "daddy's girl" as a badge of honor to recognizing it had become a "mantle of martyrdom," and shares how she transformed that energy into healthy boundaries and authentic self-expression.She also answers listener questions about her creative process, how trauma informed her work as a healer, and why she's prioritizing her author identity to create wider impact in a world struggling with pervasive generational trauma.This episode is essential listening for anyone dealing with family wounds, struggling to break generational patterns, or wondering how to honor their truth while navigating family loyalty. Safrianna champions speaking our stories and choosing healing over silence.Content Warning: This episode discusses family trauma, sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, and grief.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.com

Episode 3: The Disempowered Mind with Claudia-SamWelcome to The Shadow Side with Safrianna, where we illuminate what others too often keep hidden in the dark. I'm Safrianna Lughna - licensed therapist, CEO of Living LUNAs, and your guide into the world of shadow work.In this episode, my guest, Claudia-Sam Cataford Sauvé, and I discuss how to overcome the disempowered mind when people feel overwhelmed. We explore the difference between spiritual bypassing and truly empowered action, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's own responses rather than just reacting to external chaos.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.com---About Claudia-Sam Cataford SauvéClaudia-Sam is a Soul Connection Coach who works with driven women dreamers who know deep down they're here for a bigger reason and are trying to figure out their next right step. She helps them tune-in to their intuition so they can always feel like they're making the right decisions for themselves, without guilt and with alignment, using her Tune-In Method. She's also the Host of The Be Happy Now Show.Beyond her professional work, Claudia-Sam describes herself as a present-moment paddle-boarding avocado lover who meditates daily and knows the series Friends by heart.Some fun things that make her human:She used to hate meditation and yoga because she couldn't "just do nothing"...until she had panic attacks and her perspective changed in 2013She once debated either taking a yoga teacher training or a professional makeup artist courseShe body surfed at a Bon Jovi concert… and dragged her mom into it!She lived for 60+ days in Nepal and took many cold showers from a bucketShe once peed her pants laughing so hard in her apartment hallway because she and her friend couldn't figure out how to unlock their new Dutch doorHer boyfriend used to call her Ariel because she had bright red hair for like 10 yearsClaudia-Sam offers a free mini intuition audit through her coaching application process, where potential clients can tune-in to where they're at on their journey to "figure out what's next for them." You can learn more about working with her at https://claudiasamsoulcoaching.com/apply-for-coaching. Find out more about Claudia-Sam, your Soul Connection Coach by visiting her website. You can find her free resources, including links to her podcast, the Be Happy Now Show at: https://claudiasamsoulcoaching.com/resources

Episode 2: Navigating the Unknown with Dr. Melissa BirdWelcome to The Shadow Side with Safrianna, where we illuminate what others too often keep hidden in the dark. I'm Safrianna Lughna - licensed therapist, CEO of Living LUNAs, and your guide into the world of shadow work.In this episode, my guest, Dr. Melissa Bird, and I discuss navigating uncertainty and the collective challenges facing society. We explore how integrating both light and shadow aspects of ourselves is essential for creating positive change in our communities and moving through these uncertain times with grace.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | Safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.comDr. Bird's Substack; https://substack.com/@birdgirl1001Dr. Bird's Website; https://www.drmelissabird.com/Passionistas Affiliate Link; https://go.lunatrk.com/aff_c?offer_id=2695&aff_id=2966Don Miguel Ruiz 5 Agreements: https://amzn.to/45Riawl

Episode 1: The Shadows We FaceWelcome to The Shadow Side with Safrianna, where we illuminate what others too often keep hidden in the dark. I'm Safrianna Lughna - licensed therapist, CEO of Living LUNAs, and your guide into the world of shadow work.In this debut episode, I explore the collective shadows facing us in 2025, including the impacts of corporate greed, hyper-consumption, climate change, and the divisive "us versus them" mentalities that keep us fighting each other instead of addressing root causes. We'll dive into topics like greenwashing, infighting, and how to break free from toxic systems while building genuine community.This podcast is for anyone ready to explore uncomfortable truths, do the inner work, and contribute to collective healing. If you're tired of surface-level conversations and ready to go deeper, this is your space.Contact: [email protected] | https://www.safrianna.com | LivingLUNAs.com----- Kim Paget's Unveiled Deck: https://amzn.to/4kXb3H8Kim Ashlee Piper's Give a Shit Book: https://amzn.to/4kByyWz Ashlee Piper's Favorite Brands for Consumption: https://www.ashleepiper.com/favorite-sustainable-products