The Relateful Podcast

Episode 10: "Building Relateful Communities" with James Dial

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:50:00 -0400

In this intimate, vulnerable and emergent conversation, Liz and Philip discussed their experiences building Relateful communities with facilitator and founder of Relateful Charlotte, James Dial. James left a successful job at FritoLay to dedicate himself full-time to the practice of Relatefulness. This conversation was a raw exploration of how it has been for him to build a community in Charlotte, North Carolina, and how it has been for Philip and Liz building communities in Latin America.

They touched on subjects like:

-Trusting emergence and timing vs. trying to force things to happen

-Embodying the practice as a way of organic community-building

-Their own growth edges around inclusion, empathy and boundaries

-Creating community from a place of self-nourishment and enjoyment

and much more!

For opportunities to practice Relatefulness online and in-person, please visit relateful.com

Episode 9 : "Welcome to Relatefulness" with Shane Orton

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:05:00 -0400

Welcome to Relatefulness! We're so glad you're here. Whether you're new to this practice or you've been doing it for years, it can be really nourishing to explore what it's like to initially dive into a Relateful space, and what can be helpful when doing so.

For this episode, Liz and Philip sat down with Relatefulness facilitator and "present, self-development nerd" Shane Orton for a lively, candid conversation on starting out with relational presence practices such as Circling and Relatefulness. They all share stories about their first experiences as well as pointers and tips for newcomers. As Shane likes to say: "If all you do is say 'I feel _____' and share what you're feeling (an emotion or sensation in the body) you'll be able to master this practice. It's really that simple, and of course it's super complex and nuanced.."

To practice and train in relational presence with us, check out relateful.com or reach out to us at info@relateful.com

Episode 8: "Adventures in Relational Practice" with Marco Beneteau

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 22:15:00 -0400

Marc "Marco" Beneteau is a long-time practitioner and thought leader in the world of relational practice. In this conversation with Marco, Philip and Liz explore the relationship between Relatefulness and other relational practices like Circling and Authentic Relating, discuss experiences bringing these practices to business settings and intentional communities and even engage in a bit of "noticing practice" which even in its simplicity can often be very profound. : ) For more, please check out relateful.com

Episode 7: "Erotic Wholeness" with Annabeth Novitzki

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Relatefulness facilitators and musicians Annabeth, Liz and Philip discuss the concept of erotic wholeness, emphasizing the importance of being present and non-goal oriented in sexual experiences. Their conversation explores how cultural perspectives shape our understanding of sexual energy and the potential for reconnecting with eroticism in a healthier way. Practical exercises and the significance of consent and communication in intimacy are highlighted, along with the importance of self-discovery and understanding one's desires. The episode concludes with thoughts on future workshops and the ongoing journey of exploring erotic wholeness.

Key Takeaways

Erotic wholeness involves being present with one's desires.

Sexual energy can be expansive and not solely goal-oriented.

Cultural upbringing influences our relationship with sexuality.

Practicing slowness can enhance intimacy and connection.

Desire is fluid and should be explored in the moment.

Consent should be an ongoing conversation, not a one-time agreement.

Relatefulness fosters deeper connections in relationships.

Exercises can help bring presence and clarity to intimacy.

Understanding one's true longings is essential for sexual health.

Workshops can provide tools for exploring erotic wholeness.

Episode 6: "What's it Like to be a Murder Trial Juror?" with Chad Phillips

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode Liz and Philip interview entrepreneur, software engineer and Relatefulness facilitator Chad Phillips about his experience being on the jury for a murder trial.

Chad co-founded CircleAnywhere with Jordan Myska Allen over a decade ago, and developed the amazing technology that was used for the first iterations of the platform that is now RelatefulAnywhere.

Besides discussing many of the fascinating details of Chad's first-hand experience in the trial, they delve into the moral and psychological implications of developing emotional intelligence and of the choices we all make.

For more on the practice of Relatefulness and all we have to offer, please visit relateful.com

Episode 5: "Relatefulness and Rationality" with Pete Michaud

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:10:00 -0400

In a world increasingly driven by technology and superficial interactions, the quest for authentic human connection has never been more vital. In this conversation with Liz and Philip Watson, Pete Michaud (co-founder of CFAR and UpTrust) shares his transformative journey into relational meditation practices.

Pete's background in software engineering intersects with his journey into Relatefulness. He observed a disconnect among his peers in the tech world, where intellectual discourse often overshadowed emotional connection. Recognizing the importance of addressing this gap, he sought to share the essence of being human beyond mere intelligence. "I knew it had to be different than just doing really good math," he asserts. This perspective drives his commitment to fostering genuine connections in a technology-driven society.

For more, please check out relateful.com

Episode 4: "What's in the Way of Us Being Closer?" with Valerie Daniel

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode Valerie Daniel, master coach, senior facilitator and managing director at The Relateful Company shares her journey from life as a corporate executive to discovering meditation, coaching and spiritual practices and eventually the practice of relational meditation.

She also shares a powerful and intimate practice that she calls "What's in the way of us being closer?" and models it beautifully in the moment in connection with Philip.

Episode 3: "Recognizing Fullness" with Annabeth Novitzki

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:45:00 -0400

In this heartfelt conversation with Liz and Philip, singer, coach and Relatefulness facilitator Annabeth Novitzki speaks about the transformative journey of healing her relationship with food. She vulnerably explores the miracle of recognizing fullness and the relationship to the emotional hunger that has shaped her life. This episode dives into her insights, offering valuable lessons for anyone struggling with their relationship with food and more broadly with any kind of addictive or compulsive behavior.

The discussion also touches on the significance of group support in healing. Annabeth likens the experience of sharing her journey with others to belay climbing, where support from others allows for deeper exploration of oneself. This relational aspect of healing has enabled her to confront fears and emotions more bravely, fostering a sense of safety and connection that enhances her self-discovery.

Ultimately, she reminds us of one of the basic tenets of Relatefulness: the power of being with what's here, even when "what's here" is an experience of "not being OK," and doing so in connection with others.

For more on the practice of Relatefulness, and to connect with Liz, Philip and Annabeth check out relateful.com

Episode 2: "Sex, Relatefulness and Shadow" with Jordan Myska Allen

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:20:00 -0400

In the quest for personal and spiritual growth, we often encounter the concept of shadow work. In this enlightening conversation with Jordan Myska Allen, founder of The Relateful Company and UpTrust, hosts Philip and Liz delve into the intricate relationship between awareness and our hidden shadows. Join us as we explore how embracing our shadows can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Key takeaways:

- Awareness and shadow work are distinct yet interconnected.

- Shadows encompass both the darker aspects of our personality and the light we fail to acknowledge.

- Our relationships can reveal our shadows, offering valuable insights for personal growth.

- Embracing our shadows allows for a more authentic and fulfilling life.

For more on Relatefulness and shadow work, check out relateful.com

Episode 1: "Eating Karma" with Jason Minnix

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:10:00 -0400

In today's fast-paced world, understanding the dynamics of our relationships can feel overwhelming. In a recent conversation with counselor and Relatefulness facilitator Jason Minnix, hosts Liz and Philip Watson explored the concept of "eating karma" as it relates to our interactions and emotional experiences. Through practical insights and personal anecdotes, they delve into how recognizing our inherited patterns can transform our connections with others. This episode also offers a nice introduction to the practice of Relatefulness.

Key Takeaways

The insights shared by Jason Minnix illuminate the importance of understanding karma as a tool for enhancing our relationships. By recognizing the emotional weight we carry and engaging in practices like Relatefulness, we can cultivate deeper connections and navigate challenges with greater ease. The journey of "eating karma" encourages us to embrace our emotions, fostering acceptance and compassion in ourselves and others.

For more about the practice and opportunities to connect with us, check out relateful.com