What if your greatest strength could also be your greatest weakness? In this episode, Alex talks with Andrew Ragan, founder of Soul Centered Strength, about his journey from physical strength to emotional and spiritual healing. Andrew shares his moving story about the birth of his son, which led him to discover deep, buried emotions that he had hidden with too much strength training. This episode shows how personal growth can bring new insights and life changes.

Andrew Ragan is a skilled personal trainer with a degree in Psychology. Over the past 15 years, he has changed his practice from just strength training to also include yoga, breath work, and TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises). Andrew talks about his idea of “working in and working out,” which blends physical and emotional exercises to create a balanced life. He also shares his experiences working with local police departments, where he teaches TRE and breath work to help officers deal with stress and trauma.

In this episode, Andrew gives useful tips on how to add TRE and breath work into daily routines for better emotional and physical health. He explains the importance of a whole-body approach to strength training that includes the mind and emotions. Andrew's story and advice offer inspiration for listeners to explore new ways of personal growth and healing. Don’t miss this conversation that mixes personal stories with practical tips, perfect for anyone wanting to improve their overall well-being.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Andrew Ragan and Soul Centered Strength
• 02:15 - The Birth of Andrew’s Son and Personal Transformation
• 05:45 - From Physical Strength to Emotional Healing
• 09:30 - Rebranding the Business: Soul Centered Strength
• 12:50 - Integrating Yoga, Breath Work, and TRE
• 16:00 - Working In and Working Out Explained
• 19:20 - Andrew’s Work with Local Police Departments
• 23:45 - Benefits of TRE and Breath Work for Stress Management
• 27:30 - Practical Tips for Daily Emotional and Physical Health
• 31:15 - The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Strength Training
• 35:00 - Inspiring Stories of Personal Growth and Healing

Links and Resources: 

• Soul Centered Strength Website: https://www.soulcenteredstrength.com 
• Integrative Breathwork: https://www.integrativebreathwork.com
• Rhythmia Life Advancement Center: https://www.rhythmia.com
• TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises): https://traumaprevention.com

In this episode, Alex Greene is joined by Dr. Amanda Blake, author of 'Your Body Is Your Brain' and a master in the field of somatic leadership coaching. Together, they take a deep look into the intersection of neurobiology, experiential learning, and leadership, unpacking how self-awareness and embodiment can be critical tools for personal transformation and effective leadership. 

Dr. Blake shares her journey from studying human biology and psychology to developing her unique approach to coaching, emphasizing the impact of embodying positive qualities like joy, confidence, and ease. The conversation also explores her game-changing research on embodied self-awareness, its correlation with emotional and social intelligence, and the outstanding results from integrating body-oriented practices into coaching.

Listeners are invited to embark on a journey of personal growth and discovery, inspired by Dr. Blake's innovative work and insights.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Unlocking Joy and Confidence: The Power of Practice
• 00:32 A Deep Dive with Dr. Amanda Blake: Exploring Body and Brain Connections
• 04:51 Embarking on a Journey: From Biology to Leadership Coaching
• 23:10 The Genesis of 'Your Body is Your Brain': Bridging Skepticism and Science
• 28:31 The Scaffolding of 'Your Body is Your Brain': A Guide to Embodied Intelligence
• 40:02 Exploring Biobehavioral Blind Spots
• 43:34 The Intersection of Psychotherapy and Personal Growth
• 44:39 Introducing the Body Equals Brain Course
• 49:44 Deep Dive into Doctoral Research Findings
• 01:12:37 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

Links and Resources: 

• Book: Your Body is Your Brain https://www.amazon.com/Your-Body-Brain-Intelligence-Relationships/dp/0999368109/ 
• Website:  https://embright.org/  

What happens when your career conflicts with your deepest values? In this episode, Jacob Strong shares how leaving his job as a civil engineer led him to a new life filled with purpose and connection. His journey shows how movement and somatic practices can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world.

Jacob Strong, now a somatic coach and men's work facilitator, started his career in environmental engineering in Sydney, Australia. Disillusioned by the industry's approach, he moved to Portugal and began exploring movement and embodiment. Jacob's path included yoga teacher training in Ibiza and intensive study with movement experts like Ido Portal. Today, he is part of the Red Beard Team, offering somatic coaching and men's retreats.

Listeners will hear about Jacob's personal transformation from being emotionally unavailable to becoming empathetic and connected. He explains how practices like yoga, dance, and martial arts helped him reconnect with his body and emotions. Jacob also discusses the importance of men's work, emphasizing how it helps men balance their masculine and feminine energies and foster deeper relationships.

Curious to learn more about Jacob's journey and how these practices can help you too? Listen to the full episode for practical insights and inspiration.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 00:27 - Jacob Strong and His Journey
• 01:04 - Jacob Joins the Red Beard Team
• 01:30 - From Civil Engineer to Somatic Coach
• 02:32 - The Turning Point: Leaving Engineering
• 03:57 - Discovering Yoga in Ibiza
• 06:19 - Awakening to Environmental Conflicts
• 09:11 - The Role of Movement in Personal Growth
• 10:27 - Understanding the Body-Mind Connection
• 13:23 - Learning from Indigenous Australian Wisdom
• 16:34 - Training with Ido Portal
• 19:00 - Developing Empathy through Movement
• 21:52 - Insights from Chandler Stevens' Eco-Somatics
• 28:35 - Unpacking Relationship Dynamics
• 36:50 - The Power of Men's Work and Retreats

Links and Resources: 

• Connect with Jacob: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/team/jacob-strong 
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jacob.alchemy 
• Website: https://alchemybrothers.org/ 

Imagine transforming your everyday movement into a joyful, mindful practice that nurtures both body and soul. In this episode, Alex Greene sits down with Reneé Tillotson, the inspiring founder of Still and Moving Center in Honolulu. Reneé shares her fascinating story of how she turned a personal passion for movement into a thriving community, offering insights on self-coaching and mindful living.

Reneé's journey begins as a gymnast, eventually leading her to discover NIA, a unique practice blending dance, martial arts, and healing arts. She discusses the creation of the Still and Moving Center, a hub for diverse movement practices that serve as moving meditations. Reneé also introduces the Academy of Mindful Movement, where she trains instructors in mindful techniques to enhance their teaching. This episode is filled with wisdom on finding joy in movement and the power of self-coaching.

Don't miss the chance to hear Reneé's full story and learn about her upcoming book, "Mindful Movement: The Art of Self Coaching." Listen now to explore how you can transform your relationship with movement.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 02:00 - Early Background 
• 08:40 - Discovery and Passion for NIA
• 14:56 - Founding the Still and Moving Center
• 22:24 - Adapting During the Pandemic
• 27:00 - Academy of Mindful Movement
• 36:15 - Principles of Mindful Movement
• 54:00 - Self-Coaching and Body Whispering
• 1:00:00 - Upcoming Book and Programs
• 1:02:00 - Closing Remarks

Links and Resources: 

• Still and Moving Center: https://stillandmovingcenter.com/ 
• Academy of Mindful Movement: https://academyofmindfulmovement.com/

Have you ever wondered about the origins of TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises)? In this podcast, Alex interviews Joan McDonald, one of the pioneers of TRE, who shares the fascinating story of how she got involved and the challenges and triumphs of the early days. Joan also discusses the potential of TRE in various applications, including 

Joan McDonald, a registered social worker with a long career in education, is one of the early pioneers of TRE. She reflects on her journey with TRE, from its humble beginnings to its global reach today.As a supervising trainer, Joan mentored Alex during his journey to become a TRE trainer. Joan's passion for TRE stems from her understanding of its potential to help people in various contexts, including humanitarian work. The podcast explores the challenges and tribulations of the early days of TRE, as well as its current standing and future prospects.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Joan's international experience with TRE and her insights on its potential applications. 

Key Highlights:

• 00:40 - Introduction of Joan McDonald
• 01:13 - Alex describes his experience training with Joan
• 03:42 - Joan discusses her initial encounter with TRE
• 04:44 - Joan details her first connection with David Berceli
• 07:46 - Distinction between TRE and bioenergetics
• 08:48 - Joan describes her personal experience with TRE
• 15:36 - Becoming a TRE trainer
• 20:40 - Joan discusses her role in training other TRE trainers
• 22:49 - Evolution of TRE
• 33:04 - Joan fulfills her dream of bringing TRE to Nepal
• 36:41-  Humanitarian Work in Nepal (00:)
• 47:10 - Humanitarian Opportunities in Canada and the US 
• 52:08 - Collective Trauma and Thomas Hubl's Work
• 57:21-  Future Plans for Joan and TRE 

Links and Resources: 

• TRE Canada: http://trecanada.ca/ 

Dive into the transformative world of somatic healing in this compelling episode of our podcast. Join host Alex as he engages with Stephanie Scarminach, a seasoned expert in somatic psychology from Santa Cruz, California. Stephanie shares her journey from personal struggles to finding her path in healing others through body awareness and psychological healing. This episode promises not only to enlighten but also to inspire anyone interested in turning inward to facilitate deep personal change.

In this insightful discussion, Stephanie outlines her academic and professional background, including her impactful studies at Naropa University—one of the few institutions offering a program in somatic psychology. She explains the concept of dissociation, the therapeutic power of physical presence, and her method of integrating body and mind to address trauma. Alex and Stephanie explore the growing trend of somatic practices in mental health and discuss real-life applications that demonstrate the healing potential of somatic work. The conversation is rich with personal stories and professional experiences that illustrate the significant benefits of somatic therapy.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about somatic healing from a leading expert in the field. To listen to the full episode and discover how somatic practices can enrich your life or aid in your healing journey, click here [Insert Link to Full Episode]. For more resources and information about Stephanie's work, visit her website at Stephanie Somatics [Insert Link to Website], and explore upcoming opportunities like her masterclass on understanding and applying somatic principles. Join us and step into a world where body awareness can lead to profound healing and transformation.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Stephanie and Somatic Healing 
• 00:52 - Stephanie's Background and Education
• 01:04 - Understanding Somatic Psychology 
• 02:33 - Personal Journey into Somatic Healing 
• 06:21 - Early Challenges and Therapeutic Breakthroughs 
• 11:24 - Experiential Learning and Teaching Methods
• 19:21 - The Healing Potential of Somatic Work
• 15:27 - Distinguishing Somatic Healing from Traditional Therapy 
• 22:26 - Stephanie's Approach to Client Work
• 25:18 - The Impact of Psychoeducation in Somatic Therapy 
• 28:56 - The Process of Reassociating with the Body
• 33:34 - Building and Offering the 30-Day Somatic Course
• 40:15 - Personal Growth and Evolving Perspective on Healing
• 47:50 - Looking Forward: New Projects and Masterclasses 

Links and Resources: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesomatics/
• Website: https://stephaniesomatics.com/
• Course: https://stephaniesomatics.com/courses

In this episode of our podcast, Alex welcomes back Nicolette de Saint-Amour, affectionately known as Niki, to dive into the intricate world of the Feldenkrais method. Fresh from completing their four-year professional training in Kelowna, Canada, Alex and Niki share their experiences and compelling insights they've gained along the way. As two individuals who started their Feldenkrais journey during the early stages of the pandemic, they've developed a deep compatibility as learners and explorers of this nuanced method. Their collaboration has not only been educational but also a great source of fun and discovery.

Throughout the podcast, Niki discusses her approach to teaching Feldenkrais classes through Red Beard Somatic Therapy, emphasizing how the method enhances sensory awareness and functional movement. Alex and Niki explore crucial concepts for beginners, such as the differences between Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and Functional Integration, two fundamental components of Feldenkrais practice. They highlight how these practices promote bodily integration and improved functionality, making everyday movements more efficient and comfortable.

Interested in understanding how gentle movements can radically improve your life? Then this episode is a must-listen! Dive deeper into the world of Feldenkrais by listening to the full episode where Alex and Niki break down complex ideas into understandable insights that can be applied immediately. Discover the upcoming lessons mentioned like "Uncommon Sensing," and explore more about Red Beard Somatic Therapy to enrich your learning. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your awareness and movement

Key Highlights:

00:00 Introduction of Nicolette de Saint-Amour
01:34 Exploration of Feldenkrais Classes
02:16 Discussion on Creativity and Course Design
04:42 Applying Feldenkrais Principles Post-Training
06:45 Functional Integration in a Virtual Setting
07:55 Reversibility and Movement Options
11:06 Unique Aspects of Feldenkrais for Beginners
16:23 Kinesthetic Appreciation and Learning Efficiency
20:36 Long-Term Benefits and Methodological Learning
24:43 Integration of Teleceptors in Movement
31:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Links and Resources:
 
Join Niki’s Internal Coherence Workshop in Red Beard Somatic Therapy: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/workshops

In this episode, Alex sits down with Doshin Shim Roshi to explore the role of the body in Zen Buddhist practice, and its intersection with Hawaiian spirituality. 

Alex and Doshin Shim Roshi discuss their shared experiences training in the Chozen-ji style of Zen Buddhist meditation. They share stories of rigorous training, spiritual insights, and the integration of life lessons derived from both Zen and Hawaiian practices. The conversation reveals how these traditions emphasize the physical body's role in spiritual enlightenment and the subtle ways cultural legacies shape personal and spiritual identity.

Engage directly with the rich traditions of Zen and Hawaiian spirituality by listening to the full episode available here. Expand your spiritual horizons and embrace the lessons discussed by two profound practitioners of Zen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:23 Early Days and Introduction to Zen Training

03:18 First 21 Days of Live-in Training

06:03 Return to Training and Commitment

08:16 The Role of Live-in Training

10:09 The Importance of Kiai and Hara

11:59 Zen Ken Sho: Zen, Sword, and Brush

22:20 The Importance of Hara

25:31 The Connection Between Martial Arts, Fine Arts, and Sitting

29:47 The Healing Arts in Zen Training

38:37 Dub and Audrey's Influence in Healing Arts

41:48 Discovering True Self

43:28 The Unknown and Intuitive Perception

45:12 Breaking Free from Dualistic Thinking

46:40 The Importance of Hara and Intuition

50:40 Zen Integration Bodywork

53:09 Beyond Form in Martial Arts

55:04 The Mind of Intention Having no Dwelling Place

56:35 The Unknown and Intuitive Perception

58:23 Hawaiian Spirituality and Zen

01:05:28 Hawaiian Ancestry and Zen Lineage

01:08:43 Sailing and Teaching the Younger Generation

01:15:44 The Meaning of Nawelu Nakai

01:20:47 The Importance of Daily Meditation

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Mohammed Salah, the first certified TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) provider in the Arab region and the founder of TRE Arabia. Mohammed shares his transformative journey with TRE, starting from his initial skepticism to how it profoundly changed his life, leading him to spread the practice across 22 countries. He discusses the benefits of TRE not just for trauma recovery but as a holistic tool for enhancing overall well-being, including better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved physical health.

Mohammed and Alex delve into the upcoming TRE initiatives aimed at broadening the reach and understanding of TRE in the Arab world. They highlight the significance of the five-day TRE workshop in Dubai, which marks a pioneering step towards integrating TRE into various sectors such as healthcare, emergency services, and athletics. Furthermore, Mohammed outlines the structure and goals of the online TRE certification training for the Arab region, emphasizing the importance of making TRE accessible to a diverse audience, from professionals experiencing burnout to individuals seeking personal growth.

The conversation also touches on the broader vision for TRE Arabia and the potential of TRE to foster resilience and healing across cultural and professional boundaries. Mohammed's commitment to training more TRE providers in the Arab region is a testament to his belief in TRE's power to improve lives. The episode is a compelling invitation for listeners to explore TRE, whether as a tool for personal development or as a pathway to becoming a certified provider.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 01:31 History and First Experience with TRE
• 09:33 Work in Rehab Centers
• 14:02 Teaching TRE in Chiang Mai
• 16:38 Bringing TRE to the Middle East
• 24:07 Founding TRE Arabia
• 24:43 Teaching TRE in Jeddah
• 25:07 Introduction to TRE in Jeddah
• 26:21 Mission and Vision for TRE Arabia
• 27:14 Certifying Providers in the Middle East
• 28:13 Expanding TRE in Riyadh
• 29:05 Targeting Specific Groups for TRE
• 30:26 Making TRE Accessible to Everyone
• 32:15 Certifying Trainers in the Region
• 33:06 Applicability of TRE in Different Settings
• 34:34 Compassion Fatigue and Hospital Systems
• 35:32 TRE for First Responders
• 36:22 TRE for Athletes
• 37:14 TRE for NGOs and Refugees
• 39:32 Benefits of TRE for Everyone
• 41:30 Finding Home Within Yourself
• 43:27 Fascination with Personal Stories and Experiences
• 45:22 Acceptance and Results of TRE
• 47:27 Upcoming TRE Workshop in Dubai
• 49:10 Module 1 Certification Training in July
• 51:27 Expanding TRE in the Arab Region
• 51:52 Closing Remarks

Links and Resources: 

TRE Workshop in Dubai

• Dates: May 27th to May 31st
• Location: Kan Yoga Wellness Center, Dubai
• Details: A five-day workshop open to everyone, with specific days dedicated to different groups such as hospital staff, athletes, police officers, and others. The workshop will feature Dr. David Bercelli, the founder of TRE, along with eight TRE providers from TRE Arabia and other regions.

TRE Online Certification for the Arab Region

• Module 1 Dates: July 19th and July 20th
• Format: Online, conducted in English
• Instructors: The certification will be led by Mohammed Salah, in collaboration with other experienced TRE professionals.

In this compelling episode of the podcast, host Alex sits down with Julia Yanker, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, coach, and self-described adventurologist, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of nervous system work, somatic experiencing, and the draw of adventure sports. Julia shares her personal journey from a stress-filled childhood to her explorations in yoga, Buddhism, life coaching, and eventually, somatic experiencing, which she sought after experiencing traumatic incidents in skiing and whitewater sports. Her story is one of self-discovery, learning to meet her own needs, and the profound impact of somatic experiencing on her life and relationships.

The conversation delves into how adventure sports served as a pathway for Julia to explore her inner landscape, revealing the neurobiology behind being an "adrenaline junkie" and how trauma can be processed without directly confronting the event. Alex and Julia discuss the importance of the relationship with the self and others in healing and personal growth. Julia's experiences highlight the transformation from seeking extreme experiences for fulfillment to finding joy and satisfaction in gentler, more introspective activities.

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode to hear Julia's fascinating insights and her journey through somatic experiencing, adventure sports, and self-healing. For those interested in exploring somatic experiencing further or seeking guidance in their own journey towards healing and self-discovery, resources and links mentioned in the interview can be found below.

Don't miss out on this profound conversation full of personal insights and professional wisdom. Listen to the full episode now to dive deeper into Julia Yanker's journey and the transformative power of somatic experiencing.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:30 - Somatic Experiencing Journey
• 02:51 - Adventure Trauma
• 04:16 - Ski Incident
• 06:38 - Relationship Dynamics
• 08:13 - Choosing SE Therapy
• 10:08 - Stonewalling Pattern
• 11:59 - Whitewater Insights
• 16:15 - Inner Landscape Exploration
• 21:00 - Shift in Adventure Pursuits
• 25:00 - Self-validation Practice
• 33:47 - Training in SE

Links and Resources:  

• Website: https://www.juliayanker.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julia.urbanski3/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-yanker-964021bb