In this episode, Nyssa and Kelly talk about what it means to be together as a companion to their previous conversation on being different.

They share memories of how they met, how Thai massage shaped the early days of their connection, and how each of them first encountered the idea of conscious relationship.

The conversation moves through their personal histories, key teachings from John Welwood, and the role of Real Dialogue in navigating conflict, intimacy, and growth.

Main Topics Covered

• How a Thai massage class, grief, and a post-pandemic hug-fest led to a surprising love story
• What “conscious relationship” actually means (and why both hosts made it their #1 non‑negotiable)
• The three dimensions of conscious relationship from John Welwood: evolutionary, personal, and sacred
• Why your most intimate relationships might be your deepest spiritual path
• How unresolved childhood wounds show up in partnership—and what to do when they do
• Conscious vs. unconscious relationship: projection, blame, and “cleaning up your side of the street”
• A middle‑of‑the‑night Advil incident as a perfect example of taking ownership instead of blaming your partner
• The role of dialogue as the core of communication in conscious relationships
• How to honor “being different” while staying deeply together

Links:

• Episode 2: www.nyssahanger.com/podcast/ep2
• Ordinary Magic by John Welwood
• Love Between Equals by Polly Young-Eisendrath
• Bodhi Sangha Thai Massage School (Ariela Grodner)
• Matlock on CBS / Paramount+

Stay in Touch:

Nyssa Hanger: www.nyssahanger.com | IG: @nyssahanger

Kelly Brady: www.kellybrady.me | IG: @drkellybrady