Kevin Hauber's chronic pain began over two decades ago after a botched vasectomy operation. In the following years, he experienced extreme, nearly debilitating pain that changed his life. His healing journey included multiple reconstructive operations, over 200 medications, and also many alternative methods. This journey eventually led him to the yoga and somatic techniques that he teaches and practices himself. It also led him to write a book about his experience and vasectomies in general. In our conversation, he tells the story of his operation and recovery. He also shares his general approach to health that is rooted in listening to what the body really needs.

Kevin’s Website: https://www.abundanthealthslo.org/

If you are interested in joining our men’s group, email Kevin at [email protected]

Learn more about the Four Gardens at https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/

Kevin's book on vasectomies: https://www.amazon.com/If-Works-Dont-Fix-Vasectomy/dp/0741418002

First Interview with Kevin on this podcast on Men's Work Watsu Massage on this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fourgardens/episodes/10-Kevin-Hauber-on-Healing-and-Transformation-through-Mission-focused-Mens-Work-and-Watsu-Aquatic-Therapy-e17lqqf

Video from this podcast of Kevin leading the Positive Intent Process: https://youtu.be/rynRObyHiL4

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nVQDoUWrB54

Kevin Platt is a bodyworker, movement teacher and human experience enthusiast. He has deep respect for the wisdom that lives in the human body and spirit with special interest in learning the subtleties of the human nervous system.

When Kevin was 19, he suffered a spinal infection that required hospitalization and temporarily took away his freedom of movement. In our conversation, we trace how that health episode changed his perspective and guided his work in the world. He talks about how his approach to health is rooted in listening to his body in order to find balance. Kevin shares about how growing somatic awareness is an active practice, and he offers practical examples of how he has cultivated awareness in his life. We discuss a few of our shared passions such as conscious dance and men's work, and Kevin shares his background and grounded insights on each of these subjects.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider donating to the podcast:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jakeifshin

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOGZ1HODVSw

Follow Kevin Platt on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kplattintheflow/

Learn more about the Four Gardens at fourgardenspodcast.com

Ari Rubens is a high-performance fitness coach, yoga teacher, and certified badass. He's also the co-host and producer of this podcast. In this conversation, we discuss the brand new season of this show, which will be focused on health. Ari shares how you can shift your goals and mindset in order to achieve amazing fitness outcomes. We talk about common misconceptions people have about topics like weight loss and stress reduction, and how Ari helps his clients in these areas. We each share what a healthy day looks like for us and current practices that our improving our experience of our health.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider donating to the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jakeifshin

Learn more about Ari at https://www.arirubens.com/

Follow him on Instagram @arirubensfitness

Learn more about the Four Gardens at fourgardenspodcast.com

Sonia Zilberman is somatic therapy practitioner, relationship coach, and sacred medicine facilitator helping people cultivate authentic self-expression, intimate relationships, and ease in their lives. This is a powerful conversation I recommend to anyone looking for new insights into their intimate relationships. Sonia starts by sharing her approach to relationships as a "sacred and courageous undertaking" that are a window into the most challenging places inside us. She shares vulnerably about her journey through divorce and radical career change into finding deeper purpose, love, and spiritual connection in her life. We reflect on how the "shit" that comes up during relationships can be composted and turn into a powerful fertilizer to help us grow and heal. Sonia introduces the different modalities she weaves together to support her clients and her vision for her work.

Watch the full episode here YouTube: https://youtu.be/AkVexFX6UDM

For more information about Sonia, visit her website at: https://www.therisingjourney.com/

Please join Sonia’s Facebook community—Journey Into Love—to access her Free Master Classes, talks, and other free interactive content on relationships, healing old patterns, and somatic modalities!

To learn more about the Four Gardens visit our website here

Sonia’s Full Bio

Sonia Zilberman is somatic therapy practitioner, relationship coach, and sacred medicine facilitator helping people cultivate authentic self-expression, intimate relationships, and ease in their lives.

She works with 1:1 clients, couples, and groups to break through old patterns, stories, and defense mechanisms within the mind-body construct in order to build a life of deep connection, empowerment, and abundance.

Sonia’s brilliance lies in her ability to connect to her clients in ways that feel safe and easeful to each individual. She is an empathetic listener, and enjoys bringing light hearted humor into her practice. Her integrated approach to working with the mind, body, and spirit works on both conscious and unconscious levels to facilitate powerful, lasting change. She employs body based techniques that allow for a deeper and quicker healing then regular talk-therapy.

She is trained in in somatic therapy at the Core Energetics Institute, in sacred sexuality with the International School for the Temple Arts, and with numerous teachers in Shamanic modalities of healing and empowerment. Sonia has been practicing Vipassana meditation for over 20 years, is a Certified Yoga Teacher, and feels deeply connected to Nature.

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Conscious dance has been a transformational practice for me. As someone who is regularly caught up in the invisible world of my thoughts, conscious dance practices have invited me to return to the wisdom of my body and the moment. On the dance floor, I find my way back to joy through connecting to the music, to my feet, to my breath, and to community. The experience of dancing without drugs and alcohol while holding the intentions of healing, play, and meaningful connection, has been a blessing for me.

Omar Aena, founder of Dance Lab in Brooklyn New York, rejoins the podcast to discuss conscious dance and share a special DJ set he created for this episode. Omar and I have a conversation about what we mean when we say "conscious dance," and explore the defining features we value about it. Omar shares the ancient history of the practice and his uncomfortable initial reaction when he was first introduced to 5Rhythms. We also discuss how consent and listening play a critical role in creating transformational dance experiences. At the end of the episode, Omar plays an Original DJ set that will support you to experience conscious dance wherever you are in the world.

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iCOGg2f59YM

If you enjoyed this episode, don't miss my first interview with Omar Aena about his journey to the Middle East to reconnect to his roots and family: https://youtu.be/itL0wxwWUfY

Link to the Crowdfunding Campaign for the documentary about Rumi & The Whirling Dervishes:

LaunchGood.com/semadoc

Link to DJ sets on Omar’s SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/omaraena

Follow Dance Lab on IG @dancelab_nyc or on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DanceLabCommunity/

Learn more about the Four Gardens at https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/

In this episode, Jake Ifshin shares a morning journaling practice he created to grow self-awareness, clarity on what you want, and ideas on how to cultivate yourself today.

Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/RSualr01P_Y

Five Part Morning Journaling Practice Overview

Part 1 - Observations: Free writing on everything you are noticing about how you are feeling in the present moment.

Part 2 - Themes and Intentions - write down a theme or intention for the day, one phrase that captures what you are wanting overall.

Part 3 - Four Gardens Self Cultivation Map - Write the actions and experiences you could create in each garden today for yourself (map pictured)

Part 4 - Project: What is the project/challenge you are going to tackle today?

Part 5 - Gratitude: long list of what you are grateful for

Learn more about the Four Gardens: https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/

Intro music by bensound.com

Jake Ifshin, host of the Four Gardens Podcast, shares a creative journaling and breathwork practice to help you tend to yourself when you are overwhelmed by a challenge. In this practice you will distinguish what part challenge is under your influence and what part is out of your control and can be released. 

Watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/E-IhlSwV4aY

Podcast Interview on Nervous System Regulation with Eleanor Bramwell: https://youtu.be/DJGIFefcFeM 

Learn more about the Four Gardens: https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/Intro music by Bensound.com

Sarah Miller was catapulted into a journey of self-healing and spiritual growth through the loss of her entire family (Dad, Grandpa, Mom, Grandma), all before the age of 27. Along her own journey of healing through loss she found her true purpose in life -- to help others heal. For this she knows to be true, healed people heal the world. Sarah is a Certified End of Life Doula, Life Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master, and Inner Dynamics Parts Practitioner. 

In our conversation, Sarah explains the various important roles an End of Life Doula can serve for individuals and families. She shares more about her moving story of loss, and how she found her strength and higher purpose in facing this great adversity. We discuss the experience of "re-grieving" and each share personal examples relating to the loss of a parent. We also touch on parts work, life coaching, and the healing modalities that Sarah offers clients. She also discusses her work in the business world as a creativity catalyst using design thinking to reimagine projects and access emotional intelligence.

Watch the Full Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/1ioQ6SmQnvs

Follow Sarah on Instagram: @districtdoula

Sarah's Website: https://www.coachsarahmiller.com/

Email: [email protected]

To learn more about the Four Gardens visit: https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/

Videos I referenced: 

Positive Intent Process with Kevin Hauber: https://youtu.be/rynRObyHiL4

Lunar and Solar Creativity with Zach Townesmith: https://youtu.be/3jByauolGDM

Full Bio: Sarah Miller studied at the Conscious Dying Institute to earn her End of Life Doula Certification. She also studied with the iNLP Center, where she became a Certified Life Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master, and Inner Dynamics Parts Practitioner. She holds a dual Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Public Relations from SUNY Oswego. Currently, Sarah is working on her Hypnotherapy Certification from the iNLP center and studying spiritual hypnotherapy with her mentor.

During the day, Sarah inspires people to solve problems creatively and with empathy as a Design Thinking facilitator. In her free time you may find her dancing zouk, chasing after her therapy-dog in training, or fighting for a place to sit between her two couch hogging cats.

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Lesley Younge has been a progressive educator in independent schools for 16 years. She is passionate about interdisciplinary education, experiential education, community engagement, mindfulness and global competency. Career highlights include starting a garden and food justice community engagement program, organizing professional development in Malawi, serving as a Teacher in Residence at the Smithsonian Freer Sackler Museum of Asian Art, and helping found a school. She is also the author of two books.

I was grateful to have been Lesley's collaborator on the garden program I mentioned above. At that time, she was a teacher at my alma mater Sidwell Friends Middle School. We built a partnership between my business Engaged Ecology and the school that supported on an onsite food garden and community-wide engagement with food justice and the urban agriculture movement.

In our conversation, Lesley shares how her personal educational philosophy shapes the way she relates to the world. She tells me about her involvement with the Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project, and we reflect on how learning local history is an important tool for anti-racism work. She gives me a sneak peak of her two upcoming books that will be released in 2023. We talk about how parents can discuss the challenging issues in our world with their children and create authentic engagement.

Visit Lesley's website: https://teacherlesley.com/

Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project: https://mdlynchingmemorial.wixsite.com/montco

Learn more about the Four Gardens:  https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/

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Marta Pascual Barea is the executive director and founder of School of Wonder, a social enterprise that creates immersive experiences and games to play in the fresh air in which kids and families become protagonists of imaginative stories full of fun missions that activate their imagination and connect them to the world they explore. I was fortunate to be able to help lead an adventure this fall in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York. It brought me so much joy to take part in the rich journey Marta offered the children, who were invited to discover the secrets of Gaia through a series of magical experiences that unfolded throughout a beautiful day filled with nature, laughter, art, and science.

In my conversation with Marta, she shares the journey and motivation behind creating School of Wonder. We reflect on the importance of offering immersive nature experiences to children, and what partnerships and strategies make that possible in today's world. We revisit powerful moments we shared working with children together this Fall and unpack the significance of choices we make as adults facilitating children. Marta shares what's next for her and School of Wonder, such as re-imagining theme parks.

Watch the full video of this podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/6n7Wtf2Okys

School of Wonder's website: https://www.theschoolofwonder.com/

Read more about Marta in her bio: https://www.theschoolofwonder.com/the-founder

Learn more about the Four Gardens: https://www.fourgardenspodcast.com/

Marta's Full Bio:

Marta Pascual Barea  is an experiential educator and learning experience designer, with a solid background in K-12 Education innovation and school system reform.

She has 12+ years of international experience as a specialist in school evaluation, curriculum and assessment frameworks, and implementation of innovative solutions in classrooms. In these capacities, she has contributed to important education policy reforms (UK Department for Education and NJ Department of Education) and participated in cutting-edge projects in leading ed-tech companies of the United States (Amplify Education, Edpuzzle, Nearpod and Google Expeditions). She started her career as strategic consultant at Boston Consulting Group and became passionate about K-12 Education after co-creating the Spanish version of Teach for America (“Empieza por Educar”) in 2009.

Intro music by Bensound.com