The Core Connect Podcast

Welcome to the very first episode of The Core Clinic, a brand-new segment of the podcast where Marianne offers real-time guidance to people navigating pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, and other core concerns.

In this episode, Marianne welcomes Zoe Davies, a 40-year-old mother of two and Pilates & yoga instructor trainee, who recently underwent reconstructive pelvic floor surgery. 

Together, they explore what her ideal postpartum care could have looked like 12 years ago, and what others can learn from Zoe's journey today.

All mothers who have delivered vaginally, especially with the assistance of forceps, and those experiencing incontinence, heaviness, or prolapse symptoms will find practical, compassionate insights inside.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has undergone pelvic floor surgery, is considering it, or wants to take conservative steps to support pelvic health before reaching that stage. 

⏰ Timestamps

• 02:09 – Zoe’s journey: from postpartum recovery to surgery
• 11:02 – Discussing stages of prolapse 
• 12:17 – The #1 risk factor for rectal prolapse
• 16:17 – At-home pelvic floor release exercise (rear-end special)
• 23:55 – Why “holding your pee” is outdated advice
• 27:09 – Pelvic floor health, femininity, and sexual wellbeing

➕More information

🎙 To Practice Better Pelvic Floor Exercises:S1E19 Beyond Kegels: 3 Simple Pelvic Floor Episodes

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/beyond-kegels-3-simple-pelvic-floor-exercises/id1766482868?i=1000674250480

💌 Want to be next on the Core Clinic?

If you don’t know where to start, have been told “it’s normal,” or are weighing your options and would like to get both personalised guidance and to help others through your story, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Contact Marianne at [email protected] or send a message on 

Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/

It's Q&As time!

Last month, Marianne received a flood of thoughtful questions on Instagram. 

In this episode, she's picked out 5 of the most common ones to walk you through. 

She'll cover what the science says, what leading medical guidelines recommend, and of course, her perspective from years of working with pregnant women in clinics and in the studio. 

• 02:07: Diastasis Recti Explained: How to Prevent a Significant Abdominal Separation
• 04:13: Why Exercising During Pregnancy is a Scientifically Proven Must.
• 08:55: Running in the Third Trimester: Pros and Cons
• 12:46: The Epidural 
• 16:29: Prenatal Reformer or Regular Reformer?

If you have more questions:🔗 Connect with Marianne on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/?hl=fr

🎧 Have a listen to the episodes referenced today:S1E24: Should I train my abs during pregnancy?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/12wbZqOGv4AQYqUSxMRneC?utm_source=chatgpt.com

S1E35: Birth Timing & Intuition: Navigating Labour with Doula Stevie McKenzie

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Gd5UFKMrR0N3uznkgqolv?si=3ee57c8a07a247af

In this episode, Marianne welcomes Ava Rodriguez, industry titan, fine educator, powerhouse of mobility and inspiring mother of two teenage daughters.

Together, Ava and Marianne explore what it really takes to:

• Rise above industry trends and be recognised for your expertise
• Balance raising a family with teaching and mentoring other instructors
• Build a method that truly changes lives

But beyond her credentials, this episode is about discovering Ava’s personality: her drive, her grounded approach, and the authenticity that makes her unforgettable.

Here’s the exciting part: Ava is coming to Dubai soon for a workshop with Bodyhack. So if you’re looking to sharpen your skills, grow your brand, and be inspired by one of the best, this conversation is your perfect starting point.

Connect with Ava: https://www.movebeyondwithava.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoolv47Y_NckYFunsgTY-H_V7Wn2BME2cvHOKD5SynXtvXgZ3cBM

Ava's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/movebeyond.withava/

🎧 And if you're a mobility fan, have a listen to this episode: Still in Pain? Discover Brain-Based Mobility with Osteopath Kevin Hendry. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/still-in-pain-discover-brain-based-mobility-with/id1766482868?i=1000714756562

Too many new mothers are told to “just start doing Kegels” within days of birth.

But this advice can do more harm than good. 

In this episode, Marianne breaks down the myths around pelvic floor recovery and offers a realistic, research-backed timeline for the first 3 months postpartum.

Drawing on the work of leading expert Kari Bø and her own years of supporting 2,280 women, she explains why active recovery works in the early days postpartum in the same way active recovery works for athletes post-event. 

She suggests a timeline for isolated pelvic floor training that actually makes sense, and how to safely progress toward functional strength. 

Whether you’ve had a straightforward delivery or an instrumental one, this episode will give you clarity and confidence about what your body truly needs in these early months.

• 02:34 – Phase 1 (0–6 Weeks): Why Your Pelvic Floor Needs Rest, Not Squeezes
• 07:45 – Vaginal Resting Pressure: How It Changes in the First Year Postpartum
• 10:25 – Phase 1 Tools: Activating and Loading the “Neighbours” (Deep Abs & Hips)
• 12:43 – Phase 2 (6 Weeks+): When and How to Start Isolated Pelvic Floor Exercises
• 15:30 – Phase 3 (10–12 Weeks+): Functional Prep for Lifting, Running & Daily Life

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🎧 If you are in phase 2, listen to S1E9:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000674250480

🎧 You might also be interested in listening to:

S1E17 Healing Your Pelvic Floor with Claire Sparrow

https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/healing-your-pelvic-floor-with-claire-sparrow/id1766482868?i=1000681063526

S1E23

https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000687380937

📝 Dive Deeper with the article from Kari Bø et. al.: 

Recovery of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength and Endurance

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00192-022-05334-y?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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🔁 Don't forget to share this episode with friends and family who may find it useful. 

Your share makes a huge difference to how many women can access this information!

To connect:

https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/?hl=fr

Meet Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, a Boston-based neuropsychiatrist, engineer, 4x health tech founder, and cancer survivor whose story and insights are nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, Marianne and Reza cover everything from the surprising #1 risk factor for Alzheimer’s (it’s not your genes), to simple morning routines for brain health, to why your 40s are the decade to invest in yourself. 

Reza also opens up about surviving cancer, reshaping his life’s purpose, and how he uses his own journey to guide others.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• 02:37: Alzheimer’s: Why hearing loss in midlife is a higher risk factor than the APOE4 gene
• 05:31: How to stimulate your brain to avoid or delay the onset of dementia
• 08:35: Why your 40s are the critical time to invest in yourself
• 09:15: A simple morning routine for brain health
• 10:15: BDNF and what happens to your brain when you exercise
• 13:30: Dealing with addiction & the power of motivational interviewing
• 17:00: Reza’s story: surviving cancer and finding his calling

Reza shares incredible daily posts on neuroscience, health, and technology. 

You can follow his work here: Reza’s LinkedIn

If you liked this episode, consider sharing it on social media or with your friends.

Especially those caring for elders or supporting loved ones through addiction

We talk openly about ACL tears and their recovery protocols.

But pelvic floor tears? That silence is costing women time, confidence, and long-term health.

In this episode, Matt Marney, Pilates educator, personal trainer, meditation teacher, and founder of Wellness Education Dubai, interviews Marianne Tafani, women’s health advocate and creator of the Core Connect postnatal method and studio.

Marianne shares the personal story that led to the creation of her postnatal courses.

Together, they explore:

• Realistic timelines for postnatal recovery
• The role of Pilates in rebuilding strength and confidence after birth
• The issues with common Pilates cues when it comes to pelvic floor health
• Why education, individualisation, and patience are essential to healing
• How movement professionals can better support women during the vulnerable postpartum window

If you're feeling lost about what steps to take after childbirth to return to exercise or are a practitioner working with postpartum clients, this conversation is filled with clarity, empathy, and practical tools.

Connect with Matt on Instagram: 

⁠https://www.instagram.com/wellness_education_dubai/⁠

Find out more about Matt's educational programmes: 

⁠https://www.wellnesseducationdubai.com/about-me

Do you ever wish you could skip your period? Or wonder why your moods, energy, and focus seem to change throughout the month? What if you could use your cycle to enhance your sports performance, fertility, or even daily life?

👀 In this episode, Marianne is joined by Chantal Blake, a menstrual health specialist, former nurse, environmental engineer, mother of three, and author of Peaceful Period. Chantal’s journey spans the globe—from New York City to Algeria, Oman, Yemen, and now Senegal—and her wisdom on the menstrual cycle is both deeply scientific and profoundly empowering.

✨ There’s something primal and beautifully transformative about respecting and honoring your cycle.By understanding who you are at different phases—Day 1, Day 14, Day 21—you can connect with your body in ways that unlock your full power. Chantal helps us explore how to embrace the science of menstrual health while offering practical tips to reconnect with the innate wisdom of your body.

With her soothing voice and actionable insights, Chantal guides us through the seasons of the cycle—winter, spring, summer, and fall—and shares practices that will help you harness the full potential of your body and mind.

🎧 Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s episode:

• 03:15 Chantal’s background: From NYC to med school and environmental engineering 
• 10:32 Leaving a “good job” to move to Yemen in 2008
• 16:37 Turning personal loss into a career in menstrual health education

• 20:45 The benefits of vaginal steaming for fertility
• 22:40 Winter: 3 practices to honor your period
• 25:38 Spring: Bonding, connecting, and reading the room
• 31:18 Fall: Embracing the inner critic and using this phase to regroup
• 49:52 A heartwarming story: Chantal’s grandmother’s first period experience
• 55:31 How fasting, spirituality, and your cycle intersect

This episode is a celebration of self-awareness and the magic of cycles. Get ready to unlock tools for personal empowerment and a deeper understanding of your body.

Resources from the Episode📖 ⁠Order Chantal’s book ⁠⁠Peaceful Periods⁠📱 ⁠Connect with Chantal on Instagram⁠🎙️ ⁠Episode #2 with Dr. Aarti on fasting and your cycle⁠

If you’re ready to embrace the full spectrum of who you are throughout your cycle, this episode is for you. Tune in and join us on this empowering journey!

Today’s episode is part of the special Studio Owner Series.

In this episode, Marianne chats with Jill Harris, a powerhouse of creativity in the Pilates world. With 30 years in the industry, 25 years as a studio owner, and a gorgeous smile on social media, Jill’s impact is profound.

Jill is also the visionary behind FitSprings, a piece of equipment developed over nearly a decade to support those with impairments or recovering from injuries, or simply those who like to feel lighter during fun workouts.

You won’t want to miss this conversation. Jill shares the challenges she’s faced, including a recent traumatic attack in San Francisco that led to a shoulder injury. Jill is open, generous, resilient, and her insights are invaluable, especially for fellow entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and strength.

Whether you’re a fitness professional, an entrepreneur, or someone on a health journey, this episode is packed with wisdom.

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Discover the world of FitSprings here:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/fitsprings/⁠

Jill's Instagram page: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jillharrispilates/⁠

What does it really take to build strong bones and age well? 

In this episode, I sit down with Gemma Pearson, a clinical Pilates specialist and former dancer, who now runs a thriving practice supporting students with osteoporosis from her home in the South of France.

But this conversation is about so much more than osteoporosis. 

It’s about the power of training your feet and shifting your mindset in the face of conditions and injuries.

It's about redefining strength as we age. 

It's about lifestyle, the Reformer (and whether it's enough for bone health), and why your 1 Rep Max and core strength matter more than you think for balance and mobility.

If you’re a woman with bones (which, let’s assume you are) and want to move well for life, this episode is for you!

• ⏳ 02:21 Loss of Estrogen and At-Risk Populations
• 🤰 03:31 Postpartum and Osteoporosis
• 🩰 05:16 From Cruise Ships to Osteoporosis Pilates—Gemma’s Journey
• ❌ 09:16 Old-School Contraindications (Are they still relevant?)
• 🏋️ 16:15 3 Key Exercises for Osteoporosis Clients
• 🚶‍♀️ 21:05 The Dreaded Lunge & Why Strike Matters
• 🦶 26:45 Why You Should Train Barefoot
• 👣 32:47 Longevity Tip: Keeping Your Big Toe Strong!
• 💪 37:53 Strength Training & the 1 Rep Max
• 🏋️‍♂️ 42:10 Barbells and Osteoporosis—A No-Go?
• 🌀 44:44 Strength Training: Is the Reformer Enough?

Find Gemma at ⁠https://www.osteoporosispilates.com⁠ oron Instagram at  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/osteoporosis.pilates⁠

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, check out:

• Heba AbdelGawad on Understanding Pain and NeuroPilates ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000673395437⁠

• Erik Korem on Sleep, Fitness and Modern Parenting  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000675162281

This week, Marianne welcomes Zeina Maktabi, functional nutritionist, registered dietician, and newly minted Pilates mat instructor .

With a deep passion for health that’s spanned decades, sharpened during COVID, Zeina brings clarity, compassion and calm to the often-noisy world of wellnessadvice.

In this conversation, she busts one of the biggest myths circulating among health circles: you do need that breakfast.

Especially as a woman. Zeina explains how skipping it can elevate cortisol at the wrong time, disrupting your hormonal balance and energy levels. But cortisol isn’t the enemy. It’s also essential for wakefulness and hormonal cascades. It’s all about balance and pace.

Zeina's mantra? Slow is the fastest way.

Here are her 5 simple yet powerful tips:

• ✨ Tip 1: Master your circadian rhythm.
• 🥚 Tip 2: Don’t skip breakfast.
• 🌈 Tip 3: Choose the right breakfast: think protein forward and fiber-rich with colour.
• 💊 Tip 4: Supplement smartly: individualized, seasonal, and not forever.
• 🚶🏽‍♀️ Tip 5: Movement is fuel too.

Whether you're navigating hormonal changes, revisiting your nutrition, or just want to feel more grounded in your daily routine, this episode is a must-listen.

If you liked this episode:

🎧 Listen to Episode 10 with Dr Erik Korem to dive deeper into the science of circadian rhythms.

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000675162281⁠

🎧 Try Episode 14 with Chantal Blake for a supportive conversation about harnessing the power of our menstrual cycles. 

⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-core-connect-podcast/id1766482868?i=1000678559124⁠