Sara Sessions: Soulful healing conversations

Unlock what it really takes to become a world champion in massage — from a competitor turned judge whose journey spans just four years and includes winning awards, teaching globally, and transcending traditional boundaries of the craft. In this captivating episode, Len Liang, a multiple award-winning massage therapist and a charismatic powerhouse in the industry, shares his extraordinary story of rapid rise — going from mere practice during lockdown to clinching international titles in less than two years. Discover how Len's diverse background in dance, music, and even crocodile wrangling shaped his fearless, creative approach to massage, blending cultural traditions and modern techniques. His perspective challenges everything you think you know about therapy, competition, and the true spirit of healing. You’ll uncover:

• The core concepts and philosophies that underpin Thai massage and how respect for tradition fuels innovation.
• The importance of foundation in mastering any modality — with comparisons to wine tasting that deepen your sensory awareness.
• Why competitions are not about ego but about shared learning, cultural exchange, and inspiring a deeper connection to the craft.
• How vital it is for practitioners to embrace diverse styles, learn from multiple teachers, and keep humility at the core of their practice.
• Practical insights on energy, body awareness, and maintaining presence — essential skills for massage therapists at any level.
• The power of community, resilience, and dedication in both personal growth and professional success.
• Real talk on navigating the emotional and energetic toll of the industry, with tips on sustaining your passion without burnout.

Perfect for aspiring massage practitioners, seasoned therapists, or anyone curious about the intersection of performance, healing, and cultural legacy — this episode is your blueprint to elevating your craft beyond technical skills into a soulful, inspired practice. Whether you're seeking motivation, deeper understanding, or a fresh perspective on bodywork, Len’s honest, heartfelt insights will leave you inspired to push boundaries and connect more authentically. Join us as Len Liang, a true ambassador of Thai massage and a globally recognized champion, reveals the secrets behind his swift ascent and enduring love for the art. Get ready to see massage in a new light — as a dance, a form of storytelling, and a sacred tradition worth honoring. This episode isn’t just about winning medals; it’s about winning at life — through connection, humility, and relentless dedication.

Follow Len Liang:

Instagram : Waikru.massage

Instagram: Bahnthaispaschool

In this episode, the conversation delves into Jennifer Setsuko's multi-talented journey from dancer to founder and teacher of one of Montreal's best English-speaking massage schools. We approach how life cycles complete unknowingly with our continuous push forward when our why is clear, the understanding of the five elements and its impact in TCM on our inner being and the intricate, important balance between movement and stillness. For the therapists out there, we explore her reciprocity of teaching and therapy, the negotiation of client expectations, and the body's storage of emotions and energy, influenced by yin, yang, and the elements and how to start tuning into them. The conversation delves into a multi-dimensional (vs holistic) approach to massage therapy, the impact of COVID on touch therapy, and the importance of continuing education and self-care for massage therapists. and finally I pick her brain about her participation in massage championships here and abroad and how that has impacted her philosophy, some advice to consider for massage therapists.

Ecole Setsuko: Instagram

www.Ecolesetsuko.ca or www.Setsuko.ca

Jennifer Setsuko Lee: Instagram

Takeaways

• Resilience and Adaptability
• The Power of Stillness Multi-dimensional approach
• Impact of COVID on touch therapy
• Continuing education and self-care for massage therapists

Chapters

• 00:00 The Influence of Yin, Yang, and the Elements
• 42:05 The Multi-Dimensional Approach to Massage Therapy
• 52:03 Addressing the Needs of Isolated Individuals
• 01:15:24 Advice for New Massage Therapists

In this deeply human and heart-centered Fren-glish episode of Sara Sessions, I sit down with longtime friend and colleague Marjorie Lauzon for a rich conversation about authenticity, balance, and what it truly means to feel safe in our bodies and in our lives.
Marjorie’s journey—from over 25 years in the health field, from nursing, osteopathy, and meta-osteopathy —is rooted in one essential question: How do we live in alignment with who we truly are, even when life is uncomfortable? Through stories drawn from personal experience, clinical practice, motherhood, and international community work, she explores how the body holds memory, truth, and untapped pathways to healing.

This episode dives into powerful themes such as:
• Authenticity as balance, and why we are not defined by the events that happen to us
• Discomfort as a teacher, not something to avoid—but something to meet with curiosity and compassion
• Emotional responsibility, boundaries, and the importance of not carrying what isn’t ours
• Presence and co-regulation, and how safety is created through being truly seen and witnessed
• Freedom as security, and how reconnecting with nature, meditation, sound, and energy work restores inner harmony
• Cycles, rest, and rhythm, especially through the lens of women’s bodies, hormonal shifts, and seasonal change

Together, Marjorie and I reflect on modern pressures around performance, productivity, and “being the best version of ourselves,” gently reframing them with kindness, realism, and respect for individual rhythm. They also explore leadership, community, and why real change often requires support systems rather than isolation.

Grounded yet expansive, philosophical yet practical, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with what brings you back into balance—again and again. Whether you’re navigating change, healing old patterns, or simply longing for more presence and ease, this episode offers a compassionate space to reflect, breathe, and remember who you are.

She will be one of 3 presenters during the Equinox Spring Blooming At Kio-o March 27, 28, 29 th 2026

Spring's Inner Blooming

For more of her teachings find her here on Youtube

(179) Marjorie Lauzon Ostéopathe - YouTube

Takeaways

• Embracing discomfort and fear leads to growth and self-discovery.
• Negotiating with reality and practicing self-compassion are essential for personal development. Cultivating presence is essential for creating harmony and co-regulation
• Community and connection play a crucial role in individual and collective emotional well-being
• Good leadership involves empowering and supporting others
• A support system is essential for personal growth and resilience
• Incorporating presence, connection, and co-regulation into daily routines is essential for well-being
• Different forms of rest and self-care are essential for regulating the nervous system
• Recognizing and accepting different phases and cycles in life is important for well-being
• The inspiration to work with human experiences and well-being drives the desire to embrace and enjoy every moment in life

Discover why traditional Chinese medicine offers timeless tools to restore your energy, balance your body, and navigate life's seasonal changes. If you’re tired of just managing symptoms with pills and want to reconnect with your innate vitality, this episode is your gateway to understanding how acupuncture, the five elements, and mindful practices can transform your health from the inside out.

Join me as I chat with Typhaine Benoist, a passionate acupuncturist and wellness guide, who shares her extraordinary journey from secretary to holistic healer. Typhaine reveals the fascinating principles behind Chinese medicine—how yin and yang, meridians, and the five elements influence everything from digestion to emotions. She explains how seasonal cycles affect your body’s energy and why honoring these rhythms can prevent burnout, enhance mental clarity, and boost overall well-being.

You’ll discover practical insights on how to tune into your body’s signals, why stress and emotional stagnation cause pain, and how small daily habits—like proper breathing, eating seasonally, or applying simple acupressure—can profoundly impact your health. Typhaine demystifies complex concepts such as meridians, the role of chi, and the importance of cycle awareness in a way that’s relatable and empowering.

This episode isn’t just about learning—it's about transformation. If you're seeking a holistic approach to wellness that honors your body's natural intelligence, this is your essential listen. Whether you're curious about acupuncture, exploring ways to balance your energy, or tired of the one-size-fits-all health advice, you'll find inspiration and practical tools to start nourishing your body and mind today.

Imagine a life where you listen to your body's whispers rather than ignoring them—a life of vitality, resilience, and harmony with the seasons. Tune in now to discover how embracing traditional wisdom can help you reconnect with your true self and create lasting balance.

And let us know your discoveries and insights in the comments below.

Change and shift of health often send us down unwanted spirals, but Ariane Kamba held strong and reconnected to cyclical living, tapping into inner wisdom and allowing intuition to guide towards better health, a new book and mission driven work for her country. Finding strength through trials is the best place to move up from. In this episode you will be taking a small ride into accidents, health tribulations and the building and regulating we hear so much about. Ariane Kamba is a holistic therapist and is presently in Montreal. You can find her on instagram @gypsysoul81 and get her self published book Heels Wheels and bad deals (helping women buy a better car and so much more) on Amazon.

You can also tune into her podcast Letters to Francesca.

enjoy the conversation and looking forward to hearing what you picked up in the comments below.

Podcast: Letters to Francesca

Book: Heels wheels and bad deals

https://a.co/d/i2sdIOM

Instagram: @gypsysoul81

Linked in: Ariane Kamba

Facebook: Ariane Kamba

In this deeply grounding episode of SaraSessions, I sit down with Sylvie Lahaie — a neuroscientist turned yoga and breathwork guide — to explore how the brain and body work together to shape our emotional world. Sylvie opens up about her own burnout and the science that helped her understand it: how stress rewires the nervous system, how breath can shift brain states in real time, and why emotional regulation is less about “fixing yourself” and more about creating safety within.
Together, we dive into neurofeedback meditation, the language patterns that amplify or soothe stress, and the simple, science‑backed practices that help us return to balance. This conversation is both a hug and a masterclass — a reminder that resilience is built through challenge, healing is a biological process, and your nervous system is always trying to bring you home.

Would love to hear your takeaways from this episode in the comments below. Also please like, follow and share so others can get a little support through these episodes.

Check out her podcast on Spotify @Building your best brain

Instagram: @synaptic.sylvie

You tube: (33) Building Your Best Brain - YouTube

Website: Yoga-with-synapticsylvie.square.site

Linked-in: Sylvie Lahaie (34) Sylvie Lahaie | LinkedIn

What if the moment you hit burnout is actually the moment your real life begins? In this deeply honest and uplifting conversation, Sara sits down with Daina to explore the kind of growth that doesn’t happen in the spotlight, but in the quiet, messy, transformative corners of everyday life.

Daina opens up about her journey from working in juvenile education to becoming a massage therapist and biohacking advocate — a shift sparked by exhaustion, curiosity, and a fierce desire to show up better for herself and her daughter. Together, they unpack the power of creating non‑negotiables in self‑care, the courage it takes to listen when your body says “enough,” and the beauty of choosing experiences over things when raising a child with intention.

This episode dives into resilience, mentorship, connection, and the art of rebuilding a life that actually feels like yours. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t a destination — it’s a practice. And every small choice you make can become the moment everything changes.

If you’ve been craving inspiration, permission to slow down, or a story that reminds you you’re not alone in your becoming, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

Facebook: (6) Facebook Daina K. Girard
Instagram: @dkgirard

Takeaways

Daina emphasizes the importance of self-care and creating non-negotiables in life.

Burnout can be a catalyst for change and personal growth.

Investing in experiences rather than material gifts creates lasting memories.

Quality time with loved ones is essential for emotional well-being.

Biohacking is about optimizing health and understanding one's body.

Resilience can be built through life's challenges and experiences.

It's important to listen to your body and honor its needs.

Creating a supportive environment is crucial for personal development.

Mentorship and sharing knowledge can empower others.

Every day is an opportunity to better oneself and inspire others.

00:00 Introduction to Healing Conversations

05:04 Dana's Journey: From Educator to Empowerment Advocate

11:08 Lessons from Juvenile Education: Skills for Life

16:34 Burnout and the Need for Change

22:47 Creating Non-Negotiables for Self-Care

30:29 The Importance of Connection and Quality Time

39:05 Understanding Biohacking and Its Benefits

46:58 The Power of Purpose and Mentorship

55:55 Planning for Life Experiences with Children

01:00:38 Building Resilience Through Life's Challenges

01:09:45 Investing in Skills for Future Success

01:18:10 Balancing Work, Life, and Self-Care

In this engaging conversation, Nadia Helal shares her inspiring journey from a sedentary lifestyle to completing her first triathlon, the San Francisco Escape from Alcatraz. She discusses her background in education, her transition to a healthier lifestyle, and the challenges she faced while training for the triathlon. Nadia emphasizes the importance of community support, nutrition, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout her journey. She reflects on her mental and physical transformation, the motivation behind her fitness goals, and her aspirations for future athletic s

@nomadnadia

@lafitnesserie

www.escapealcatraztri.com

Takeaways

Nadia transitioned from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one after winning a spot in a prestigious triathlon.

She faced challenges in training, including adapting to a new routine and overcoming fears related to swimming in cold water.

Community support played a crucial role in her journey, inspiring others to join her fitness endeavors.

Nadia's mental and physical transformation included gaining muscle and improving her overall well-being.

She emphasizes the importance of nutrition, particularly protein intake and hydration, in supporting an active lifestyle.

Nadia encourages others to start small with their fitness goals and gradually build up their routines.

She highlights the significance of maintaining a positive mindset to combat procrastination and negative thoughts.

Nadia's journey has inspired her colleagues and friends to pursue their own fitness goals.

She plans to continue participating in triathlons and exploring new locations for future events.

Nadia believes that staying active contributes to mental clarity and overall happiness.

Titles

From Sedentary to Triathlete: Nadia's Inspiring Journey

Conquering the Alcatraz Triathlon: A Personal Story

Sound bites

"I think I worship her now."

"I did not get any money for this."

"I gained a lot of muscle."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nadia Halal and Her Journey

02:58 Transitioning to a Healthier Lifestyle

05:55 Training for the Triathlon: Preparation and Challenges

08:56 The Experience of the San Francisco Triathlon

12:09 Inspiration and Motivation Behind the Journey

14:44 Mental and Physical Transformation Through Fitness

17:40 The Importance of Community and Support

20:46 Nutrition and Mindset for Active Living

23:31 Future Goals and Aspirations in Fitness

In this episode Oana Stoian and Sara explore the transformative power of holistic healing. From personal journeys of self-discovery to the impact of nutrition, writing, and somatic practices, this episode delves into the art of balancing mind, body, and soul. Discover how embracing diverse therapies can lead to profound personal growth and healing. Get curious and inspired by how writing is an essential in your daily toolbox for recentering.

For more info on 3 part workshop mid october, contact us or keep reading.

Oana Stoian : Insta: @the.oanasto

or through email: [email protected]

You can get details for workshop here:

Coming in slow...or contact any one of us for more details.

Please feel free to leave us a comment or review below about 1 piece of this conversation that inspired you, or how writing has impacted your healing journey. It is always a pleasure to read you and see how we can improve for the next episode.

Saranaz Mohammadi

Insta: @saranazm

website: www.sarasessions.com

In this episode I sit down with the luminous Loann Vu (@loannphoenix, @giftedimpact) — coach, guide, and host of Luna Gatherings, a community based on safe & nourishing space for connection, reflection & intention . Together, we journey into what it means to break free from the “comfortable misery” of old patterns, stories, and narratives and awaken to a life rooted in awareness, gratitude, and presence.

From the transformative silence of Vipassana retreats to the simple yet profound practices of breathwork, meditation, and journaling, Loann shares how she discovered her gifts and reclaimed her sense of self-worth after years of cultural pressure and people-pleasing. This conversation is both intimate and expansive — touching on spirituality, resilience, and the delicate art of belonging in a world that pulls us in every direction.

✨ A soulful invitation to pause, listen, and remember: you are not alone on this path.

Let us know in the comments your thoughts and what resonated.

We welcome you to like, share and subscribe

Insta @giftedimpact @loannPhoenix

@lunagatherings

Website: Gifted Impact | Career & Purpose Coach

Linked In: (12) Loann Phoenix | LinkedIn