78. A Squirrel, A Bomb, & The Politics of Laughter with Comedian Tony Casillas Artwork

Sex, Drugs, & Soul

Welcome to Sex, Drugs, & Soul—where the sacred gets spicy, the healing gets real, and the self-discovery comes with a side of mischief. I’m Kristin Birdwell—author, mystic, tantrika, story doula, and professional line-blurrer between the profane and the profound.

For years, I thought I had to choose between my wild, rebellious nature and my deep spiritual calling. Turns out, the magic happens when we embrace and integrate the two. This podcast is where we break the rules, shed the shame, and get intimate with our truth—whether that’s through soul-stirring conversations, sensual exploration, or the occasional existential crisis (served with a wink and a cocktail).

I bring you raw stories, deep wisdom, and unfiltered conversations with fellow seekers, healers, and pleasure revolutionaries. We’re talking spirituality, sexuality, self-expression, and all the beautifully messy things that make us human.

So, if you’re ready to rewrite the story, drop the ‘shoulds,’ and live a life that turns you on—welcome. Let’s get wild, raw, and soulfully reclaimed.

IG: @kristinbirdwell_ | kristinbirdwell.com

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Sex, Drugs, & Soul

78. A Squirrel, A Bomb, & The Politics of Laughter with Comedian Tony Casillas

June 16, 2025 • Kristin Birdwell • Season 3 • Episode 15

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In this episode of Sex, Drugs, and Soul, I talk with stand-up comedian Tony Casillas about the courage it takes to be funny when the truth isn't always comfortable.

We unpack how personal experiences, from strict religious upbringings to flawed sex education, inform the jokes comedians tell and the deeper truths behind them. From bombing on stage to navigating audience dynamics, this is a conversation about vulnerability, resilience, and using humor to cope with the chaos of being human.

Topics we explore include:
✦ How comedians use personal stories as social commentary
✦ Why religion, politics, and parenting are comedy gold…and landmines
✦ The role of selfishness and responsibility in today's society
✦ Why we need more nuance (and more laughs) in political discourse

Whether you’re a comedy nerd or someone trying to understand or survive the world through laughter, there’s something here for you.

Connect with Tony:
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