Why does certainty feel so good when we don’t trust ourselves?

There’s no shortage of people willing to tell us exactly what our bodies need. What to eat. How to train. When to rest. What’s “healthy.” What needs fixing.

And when you don’t feel good—or you don’t understand yourself—having someone confidently say I know the answer can feel like relief.

But what happens when getting help slowly becomes outsourcing your relationship with yourself?

In this solo episode of Connecting the Thoughts, I follow that question through my own relationship with health: growing up in a body I learned needed correcting, finding freedom and capability through sports, eventually finding bodybuilding and becoming very good at controlling my body…before having to ask whether controlling her and caring for her were actually the same thing.

They weren’t.

And figuring that out changed much more than the way I exercise.

It changed the way I think about health. Coaching. Helping people. Rhythm Wellness. And what it actually means to trust yourself.

Because maybe good support isn’t supposed to make someone dependent on another voice telling them what’s right.

Maybe it helps them understand themselves well enough to eventually notice:

I need rest.

I need to move.

I can push harder than I thought.

I’m avoiding this because I’m scared.

This doesn’t feel good anymore.

Something has changed.

This episode is about the space between control and care, certainty and curiosity, expertise and self-trust—and why I think knowing yourself is something you have to actively participate in.

I became the person I needed when I was younger.

Not because I finally figured out all the answers.

Because I stopped believing having all the answers was the point.

Health is personal. Being human is complicated.

Let’s connect the thoughts between them.

Hosted by Megan Canell, RN, NC-BC
Founder of Rhythm Wellness | Host of Connecting the Thoughts

What happens when you stop trying to fit yourself into one box and finally give yourself permission to become all of who you are?

In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, I sit down with Melissa Lori for an honest conversation about reinvention, personal healing, spirituality, body image, entrepreneurship, and the experiences that shape the work we eventually feel called to share with others.

Melissa opens up about the struggles she has experienced firsthand, including competition, body dysmorphia, pain, fear, and the feeling of being behind. She shares how practices such as Reiki, meditation, essential oils, crystals, plant medicine, somatics, and time in nature have supported her, and why she now wants to make holistic healing feel more approachable for people who are curious but may not know where to begin.

They also explore the importance of combining Eastern and Western approaches to wellness. Medicine and medical professionals remain essential, but true well-being can also require a deeper look at the body, nervous system, energy, environment, daily habits, and the stories we carry.

Melissa also introduces Mel’s Mystics, her growing online space for conversations and education around metaphysical and holistic practices. Her vision is to create an accessible hub where people can ask questions, learn without judgment, experience these modalities safely, and decide what resonates with them.

This conversation is ultimately about remembering that support can help guide us- but no one else can do our healing for us. Others may help fill the cup, but we are still the ones who must hold it, drink from it, and choose to begin.

You do not need to have everything figured out.

You do not need a large audience.

You do not need to stop being afraid.

Start today. Start scared. Start with one follower, one video, or one small decision to believe in yourself.

Connect with Melissa

Find Melissa Lori across social media under Melissa Lori.

Visit MelsMystics.com to subscribe to her free weekly newsletter featuring mantras, meditations, and approachable information about essential oils, crystals, natural relaxation, and holistic wellness.

Connect with Megan Canell, RN NC.BC, NASM CPT

Follow Megan and Connecting the Thoughts for more conversations exploring health, healing, personal growth, nursing, identity, spirituality, and what it means to come home to yourself.

This conversation is for educational and personal-experience purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or mental-health care.

Chapters

00:00 — Meet Melissa Lori
03:18 — Refusing to Be Put in One Box
07:42 — Reinvention, Ambition and Always Wanting More
12:36 — The Experiences That Shape Who We Become
17:28 — Body Image, Competition and Body Dysmorphia
22:41 — When Personal Struggle Becomes Purpose
27:55 — Spirituality, Healing and Following Curiosity
33:08 — Reiki, Energy and Holistic Practices
38:24 — Learning to Slow Down and Receive
42:47 — Giving Yourself Permission to Be All the Things
46:15 — Building Mel’s Mystics
49:02 — Making Metaphysical Wellness Less Intimidating
51:31 — Combining Eastern and Western Medicine
54:09 — No One Else Can Do Your Healing for You
56:12 — Where to Find Melissa
57:02 — Start Today, Start Scared

Most women don't realize pelvic floor therapy exists until they're already struggling.

In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, I sit down with pelvic floor occupational therapist Anna Hurka to talk about motherhood, healing, entrepreneurship, and why so many women silently live with symptoms they assume are "just part of being a woman."

We explore:

• What pelvic floor therapy actually is
 • Why postpartum care shouldn't stop after delivery
 • Pain, leaking, scar tissue, and reconnecting with your body
 • The connection between the nervous system and healing
 • Building habits that actually fit into busy lives
 • Starting a business while navigating pregnancy and motherhood
 • Why women need community—and practitioners who truly understand what they've lived through

This conversation is about far more than the pelvic floor.

It's about learning to listen to your body instead of pushing through it.

Because healing isn't about doing more.

Sometimes it's about finally giving yourself permission to receive support.

Connect with Anna Hurka:
wholepelvicwellness.com
@wholepelvicwellness_

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Anna's (Background on 12 years as an occupational therapist across pediatrics, rehab, and acute care leading into pelvic floor therapy)

04:54 — Navigating Motherhood and Professional Growth (Balancing post-grad coursework, motherhood, and launching a business while pregnant)

09:48 — Overcoming Obstacles and Personal Resilience (Facing fertility challenges, home displacement due to Hurricane Helene, and a difficult pregnancy)

14:42 — The Reality of Pelvic Floor Therapy (The three main functions: elimination, insertion, and physical/organ support)

19:36 — A New Mom's Perspective and Managing Care (Dealing with a third-degree tear, postpartum recovery, and prioritizing self-care during COVID-19)

24:30 — Habit Stacking and Removing Barriers (Practical home exercise integration, habit stacking while brushing teeth or waiting for groceries, and the benefits of a mobile practice)

29:24 — Trust, Connections, and Finding the Right Therapist (The importance of feeling safe, finding the right practitioner fit, and local recommendations)

34:18 — Listening to the Body and Holistic Health (Navigating IVF protocols, pregnancy preparation, therapy, yoga, and nervous system regulation)

39:12 — Building Community and Knowing When to Reach Out (Recognizing stress coping mechanisms like pulling away, and the vital role of a women's support tribe)

44:06 — Conclusion and Final Remarks (Wrapping up the conversation and where to connect with the guest's practice)

In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, host Megan, RN, sits down with Anna Allen, founder of Body Mind Spirit Connected. Anna shares her powerful story of navigating a challenging divorce while raising three young children, and how the physical "breaking" of her back—three herniated discs—became a catalyst for a deep, natural healing journey. 

We dive into:

• The Emotional-Physical Connection: How a lack of emotional support manifested as spinal issues. 
• Natural Healing Modalities: Anna’s experience with acupuncture, the Eden Energy Method, and intuitive massage. 
• The Power of "Health Work": Why listening to your body and taking care of yourself is the best advertisement for your business and life. 
• Leading by Example: How choosing self-care teaches our children to do the same. 

Connect with Anna Allen:

• Website: Body Mind Spirit Connected
• Phone: 813-215-5050 (Text for best response)
• Location: Off Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL

Episode Chapters

• 01:15 – Meet Anna Allen: What is "Body, Mind, Spirit"?  
• 02:15 – The Breaking Point: Divorce, Herniated Discs, and No Insurance  
• 04:30 – Starting a Business with "Not a Penny to My Name"  
• 07:00 – Finding the Eden Energy Method & Natural Healing  
• 10:42 – Intuitive Massage: "My Hands Just Know What to Do"  
• 13:00 – Educating Clients: Looking Beyond Physical Symptoms  
• 15:00 – Understanding Auras and Distance Healing  
• 17:11 – Eastern Modalities & Clearing Energy Blockages  
• 21:27 – The Spine as Support: Connecting Emotions to Physical Pain  
• 24:00 – Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Humility  
• 28:17 – The Miracle of Working Without Pain  
• 32:39 – Lessons for Mothers: Choosing Yourself to Teach Your Children  
• 37:16 – Diversifying a Purpose-Driven Business  
• 39:23 – Overcoming "Head Chatter" and Negative Self-Talk 
•  39:23 – Overcoming "Head Chatter" and Negative Self-Talk 
•  41:43 – Lessons from the "Dark Night of the Soul": Finding Joy in the Struggle 
•  43:00 – Keeping Your Own Cup Full: How Caregivers Give Their Power Away 
• 44:09 – Finding and Losing True Love: Processing Grief and Ongoing Connection 
•  45:30 – Facing Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Listening to the Body When There Are No Signs 
•  47:00 – Post-Surgery Recovery: Using Light Therapy and Natural Healing to Return to Work
•   49:00 – Understanding Boundaries: Learning What You Can and Cannot Give
•   51:07 – Practical Techniques: Using Facial Points to Affect the Full Body 
•  54:00 – The "Board Meeting" With Yourself: Looking at Business from a Leadership Aspect 
•  56:15 – Celebrating 30+ Years in Business: Retirement vs. Staying on Purpose 
•  58:00 – Creative Outlets: The Healing Power of Quilting, Gardening, and Fresh Herbs 
•  01:00:30 – The Importance of Grounding: Why We Need to Feel Supported 
•  01:03:00 – Final Thoughts: Choosing What Lights You Up and Finding Peace 

Most women in health and wellness hold back their true power because they’re afraid to fully shine. What if revealing your authentic self is the secret to your most explosive growth? Sarah Breshears, a multi-million dollar mentor for health entrepreneurs, shares the raw truth about how embracing her past — from clinical work to healing her money mindset — transformed her into a magnetic leader.In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, Sarah opens up about her journey from burnout to brilliance, revealing how she’s expanded her capacity for abundance, trust, and authenticity. You’ll discover the pivotal moments that pushed her to say “enough is enough,” and how she used somatic practices, yoga, and water therapy to heal her nervous system and unlock her true potential.We break down:

• How her clinical experiences in pediatrics, NICU, and palliative care shaped her approach to serving women with powerful gifts

• The real story behind busting through financial limiting beliefs rooted in childhood poverty

• The mindset shifts that helped her scale from $355 monthly packages to high-ticket offers — one small step at a time

• The importance of slowing down, resting, and creating safe spaces within — including her favorite yoga practices that reignite her glow

• Practical tools to quiet the inner critique, listen to your intuitive North Star, and confidently say no without guilt

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or feeling like you’re hiding your magic behind a mask, this episode is your permission slip to step into your full power. Sarah’s story reminds us that transformation requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to be vulnerable.Perfect for women entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and wellness leaders ready to break free from hustle culture and tap into their limitless capacity. Whether you’re seeking clarity on your next move or yearning to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your unique journey and shed the masks that hide your brilliance. Sarah Breshears is a mentor to health and wellness entrepreneurs, known for helping women build authentic, bold online brands while healing mental and emotional blocks along the way. Her approach combines clinical insight, somatic healing, and spiritual authenticity, making her a trusted guide for women ready to own their magic.Join us to uncover how your deeper stories, healing practices, and self-trust can elevate your business and life, because your magic is already within you, waiting to be unleashed.Ready to walk in your truth? Click play and start transforming your mindset, capacity, and influence today.

Episode Summary

Join Megan (RN & Somatic Conditioning Coach) and guest Abby Clapper as they explore the intersection of personal training and neurodivergence. In this episode, they debunk the "all-or-nothing" fitness trap and discuss why novelty and individualization are the true keys to long-term health for high-impact women and unique nervous systems.

Chapters/Time-Stamps

00:00 — Introduction: Connecting the Thoughts and Rhythm Wellness

00:45 — From Corporate Wellness to Accidental Entrepreneurship 03:06 — Finding a Niche: How a Client Inspired Abby to Focus on Neurodivergence

05:01 — The Snowflake Theory: Why No Two Brains (or Workouts) are Alike

06:48 — Entrepreneurship Real Talk: Navigating the Instability of Business

09:25 — Breaking the All-or-Nothing Mindset in Fitness and Life

11:22 — Listening to the Body: Training Around Chronic Conditions & Flare-ups

12:20 — Individualizing the Masses: Challenges of Group Fitness & Corporate Settings

18:25 — The Importance of Preparation: Whiteboards and Environmental Safety

22:31 — Clinical vs. Cert-Only: The Value of an Exercise Science Background

25:45 — Overcoming "Gymtimidation": Building Confidence for Beginners

27:12 — The "Gymtimidation" Root: Why a bad first experience stops people from starting

30:15 — Somatic Awareness: Learning to differentiate between "pushing through" and "listening to" the body

34:40 — High-Performance Pressure: How leadership roles can lead to a disconnect from the self

38:50 — The "Masculine Energy" Trap: Moving out of the "strict box" and into a fluid rhythm

42:15 — Small Wins: Why starting with 10 minutes of movement is more effective than an hour of force

46:30 — The Nervous System "Safety" Cue: Creating an environment where neurodivergent clients can thrive

51:10 — Practical Advice: Abby’s favorite "entry-level" somatic habits for busy leaders

55:02 — Debunking the Myth: Why "Fitness" doesn't have a specific look or body type

 56:45 — Closing: Where to find Abby and how to subscribe to Connecting the Thoughts

Final Quote & Takeaway

Highlights & Key Quotes

• "All of our brains are like a snowflake or a thumbprint. They're all so unique. So we all need something different."
• "Fitness is for every body and brain, even if you feel like you're 'not a fitness person.'"

About Your Host

Megan Canell is a Registered Nurse, Board Certified Nurse Coach (NC-BC), and founder of Rhythm Wellness. She specializes in somatic conditioning for high-impact leaders, helping women move from chronic overdrive into regulated power.

Connect with Rhythm Wellness

• Book a Clinical Interview: Let’s look at your unique stress patterns and capacity.
• Website: https://rhythmwellnesstpa.com/?selected_service=4&latepoint=instant
• Instagram: @rhythmwellnesstpa
• Podcast: Connecting the Thoughts (Available on all platforms)

Connect with Today’s Guest

Abby Clapper is a Personal Trainer specializing in neurodivergent clients.

• Resources: Check out Abby's "Free Resources" tab to start building your own individualized workout. @coachabbyclapper

#SomaticConditioning #NeurodivergentFitness #NervousSystemRegulation #RhythmWellness #ConnectingTheThoughts #NurseCoach

In this insightful conversation, we explore the journey of transitioning from traditional roles to purpose-driven leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and how creative outlets like writing can serve as powerful tools for self-regulation and growth. Our guest shares personal stories, practical advice, and the transformative power of aligning with one's true passions.

Chapters

00:00 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
05:11 Finding Alignment in Work and Passion
12:31 Combining Skills and Passions
20:57 Navigating Midlife Transitions
24:50 The Role of Leadership in Personal Growth
39:27 Creating Vulnerable Spaces for Growth
42:23 Inviting Reflection and Change

Welcome back to Connecting the Thoughts, a space curated by Rhythm Wellness for women in health and leadership to reconnect with their minds, bodies, and truths.

In this episode, host Megan, RN (Somatic Conditioning Coach and Founder of Rhythm Wellness) sits down with Dr. Jordan Matthew of Thistle Family Chiropractic. This conversation is a deep dive into the Rhythm Wellness philosophy: exploring how our bodies speak to us through stress and how we can use somatic awareness to find our rhythm again after life’s biggest pivots.

Dr. Jordan opens up about the "tornado" of navigating three consecutive miscarriages while launching a business, and how she moved from "survival mode" to regulated healing. We discuss the physiological reality of "mom brain," the importance of nervous system regulation, and why community is the ultimate resource for a healthy recovery. Whether you are navigating a career shift, a fertility journey, or the beautiful chaos of motherhood, this episode will help you connect the thoughts between your physical symptoms and your emotional well-being.

Find your rhythm with us:

• Rhythm Wellness: https://rhythmwellnesstpa.com/
• Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectingthethoughtspod/
• Connect with Dr. Jordan Matthew: @JordanMatthewDC

Timeline:

00:00 – Introduction: Reconnecting mind, body, and truth.

01:25 – The Pivot: How a family tragedy led Jordan to Chiropractic care.

08:37 – Thistle Family Chiropractic: Treating the nervous system, not just the spine.

13:28 – The Reality of Loss: Navigating three miscarriages while building a business.

20:19 – Postpartum Mental Health: Breaking the stigma of PPA, PPD, and medication.

28:18 – The Balancing Act: Managing mom guilt, solo-practice life, and Lachlan.

30:50 – Reclaiming Self: Moving from "avid athlete" to 15-minute grace-filled movement.

33:47 – Mom Brain & Breastfeeding: The physiological drain of long-term nursing.

35:35 – Survival Mode: Finding safe co-sleeping resources and better rest.

39:17 – ADHD Burnout: Using meditation and movement as grounding tools.

45:29 – The Birth Worker Brew: Building a community referral system.

48:49 – Hospital Births & Anxiety: Making the safe choice for your "rainbow baby."

50:38 – Closing: Where to connect with Dr. Jordan Matthew.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Aissa shares her journey from an uncertain beginning in physical therapy to becoming a holistic fitness coach and author. She discusses the importance of understanding one's body, asking the right questions in healthcare, and the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Dr. Aissa emphasizes the role of movement in healing, the challenges of motherhood, and the significance of self-discovery and community support. Her book, 'Connect the Body Dots,' serves as a guide for individuals seeking to take control of their health and wellness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Aissa and Her Journey
03:04 The Struggles of Understanding One's Body
05:56 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
09:10 Inspiration Behind the Book
11:51 Connecting the Dots: Holistic Health
14:57 Motherhood and Teaching Healthy Habits
17:59 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Alignment
20:56 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
26:01 From Grind Mode to Balance
30:06 The Power of Movement and Recovery
33:55 Listening to Your Body's Needs
39:07 Understanding Pain and Injury
41:55 The Importance of Holistic Health
46:14 Empowering Clients for Independence

What happens when curiosity about the brain leads you back to the body?

In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, I sit down with physician Juliette to explore her unconventional path through medicine—from a deep fascination with biology and the mind, to general surgery, plastic surgery, and ultimately opening her own wellness-forward practice.

We talk about:

How stress can become a catalyst for growth rather than burnout

Why understanding the brain without the body is incomplete

What Juliette learned moving through different surgical disciplines

How body scans, regenerative medicine, and nervous-system awareness are changing the way we approach health

And what it really looks like to step outside traditional systems and build something aligned

This conversation is for anyone who’s felt called to question the path they were placed on—and listen more closely to what their body has been asking for all along.

🎧 Listen with curiosity.
🧠 Reflect with intention.
🌿 Reconnect to your own rhythm.

How has your relationship with stress shaped the way you care for yourself today? Let us know in the comments.