The Curious Collective - Veterans & First Responders

Welcome to the NEW season of The Curious Collective Podcast, where we explore the intelligence of the body and pathways to authentic healing. This season, we're diving deep into somatic practices, nervous system education, and transformative stories from the curious community.

Host Kate Chisholm brings together veterans, first responders, and holistic practitioners to share their expertise and experiences in body-based recovery. Through practical tools, nervous system education, and integrated approaches to well-being, we're creating a space for curious minds to explore their natural capacity for healing.

Featured topics Kate will teach & speak into include:

• Body-based recovery approaches
• Nervous system regulation
• Breath work integration
• Somatic practices
• The Compass methodology
• Skills-based wellness tools

Connect with us:https://www.facebook.com/curiouscollectiveauLinks to Connect - https://bit.ly/curious_collective

New episodes release weekly. Subscribe to stay curious and explore the wisdom of your body - Love Kate Chisholm

#CuriousCollective #SomaticHealing #BodyWisdom

In this insightful episode I connect with Phil Hedges, founder of Mind Mechanics, to discuss how hypnotherapy can help individuals transform their lives by tapping into the power of the unconscious mind.

[ https://fb.me/e/4CaapI73M ].

And give this podcast episode a listen! 🎧

Roz Bolton is a life coach, gong sound practitioner, and self-proclaimed rebel dedicated to helping people live their version of a "rebelicious life" - one filled with peace, love, joy, happiness, and good vibes. With her unique approach, Roz combines life coaching, essential oils, and the power of sound to create a safe space for her clients to offload their worries, anxiety, and fears.

As a gong sound practitioner, Roz harnesses the transformative power of sound and vibration to promote deep rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Through her intuitive and respectful approach to playing the gongs, she creates a calming and meditative environment that allows participants to release stress, find clarity, and reconnect with their inner selves.

Roz's gong sound baths offer numerous benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep quality, and promoting overall well-being. By setting intentions and embracing the experience with an open heart and mind, participants can experience profound healing and transformation.

With her warm and compassionate presence, Roz creates a judgment-free space where individuals can listen to their bodies, breathe through discomfort, and ultimately find the joy and inner peace they seek. Whether in her "rebelicious cave" or out in the community, Roz is dedicated to helping others live their best lives, one gong sound bath at a time.

"Sound for Mental Health: It's about having deep rest, deep relaxation, and just rejuvenating the mind and body. And the sound just works on. On the cells, so it's moving things through and people do leave feeling a lot lighter than when they came in."— Roz Bolton

07:31 Setting intention helps guide sound healing experience.

11:27 Seeking inner peace and calm, more rest.

13:35 8-hour gong session led to improvement.

19:01 Choosing a happy life with intention and action.

https://rozbolton.com.au/about

https://www.facebook.com/rozbolton1

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Book an Energy Reset with Kate - https://reset.curiouscollective.au/home

Meet the inspiring Josh Grandinetti, a fire captain and paramedic from Arizona, USA. With over 14 years of experience in the fire service and a deep passion for mindfulness meditation, Josh shares his journey of integrating holistic practices into the first responder community.

Tune in to hear how an unexpected injury gave him the opportunity to launch Foundation Fortified, a platform dedicated to bringing meditation to first responders worldwide.

Josh delves into the benefits of mindfulness, the unique challenges faced by first responders, and the potential for this practice to transform lives both professionally and personally.

Whether you're a first responder or just curious about the power of meditation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Welcome to The Curious Collective! Today, I connect with multidimensional healer Petra Tezak to delve into the profound connections between our DNA, body, and energy field. In this enlightening conversation, Petra unravels the mysteries of the "Matrix" within us, highlighting the essential role of trusting our bodies and distinguishing the 3D brain from our deeper essence.

Michael Sugrue, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, has led a life marked by international experiences and deep personal commitment. His story has brought him back to his roots, where he now serves as a national speaker. Sugrue dedicates his efforts to raising awareness about post-traumatic stress injury and suicide prevention, focusing on the unique challenges faced by first responders, military veterans, and active military personnel. His expertise and compassionate outreach have extended his influence beyond borders, earning him the distinction of an international bestselling author.

Michael's acclaimed book, "Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle against Frontline Trauma," co-authored with Dr. Shawna Springer, stands as a testament to his dedication to mental health advocacy and support for those who serve on the front lines.

06:08 Important to find compatible therapist with experience.

09:17 Sharing stories brings strength and courage.

13:11 Successful law enforcement career in California.

14:05 Years of unprocessed trauma leading to fatal incident.

23:11 Resources available for those struggling in silence.

24:25 Sharing your story can be healing.

28:17 Regret not asking for help sooner, be brave.

www.instagram.com/sergeant_michael_sugrue_

www.instagram.com/michael_sugrue_

www.instagram.com/relentless_courage_

https://youtu.be/RprAFn2IE44?si=IxNR2ViIhJxASiDv

Meet Brendon Whitmore, an expert in craniosacral therapy, prenatal and birth therapy, and ecotherapy! Brendon shares his profound story from serving in the New Zealand Defence Force to becoming a holistic healer.

Here are three key takeaways from this conversation:
🔹 The Body's Inherent Wisdom: Craniosacral Therapy is a light-touch therapy that harnesses the body's innate ability to heal itself. Brendon emphasises the importance of trusting our body's intelligence to address trauma and promote holistic wellbeing.
🔹 Attachment and Birth Trauma: Brendon's work focuses significantly on developmental trauma, attachment, and early life experiences. He highlighted how revisiting and re-patterning these foundational moments can lead to profound healing and transformation.
🔹 Rites of Passage and Integration: Brendon discusses the significance of rites of passage and the often-overlooked return phase. He draws parallels between his experiences as a veteran and the critical need for proper reintegration rituals to reclaim one's place in the community and oneself.

Tune into this full episode to dive deeper into Brendon's fascinating insights and transformative work.

06:05 14-year military career, including deployment to Kabul.

07:35 Increasing exercise frequency, seeking deeper behavioral understanding.

11:57 Curious about pre and perinatal work.

13:36 Trained in somatic therapy and ecotherapy outdoors.

19:29 Reflection on military experience and rite of passage.

24:42 Deep connection to embryology and attachment theory.

27:30 Finding playfulness in self-development, seeking inner adventure.

www.weavingsoul.earth/about

www.instagram.com/weaving.soul/

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When the life you've built no longer fits the person you're becoming, what comes next?

Nadine Muller, founder of one of Australia's fastest-growing personal and professional development companies, knows this crossroads intimately. In this raw and revelatory conversation, she shares how she became the one to break decades of intergenerational patterns—not through force, but through the courageous act of coming home to herself.

This isn't your typical transition story...

Nadine speaks to the grief of releasing identities that once defined you—nurse, service member, the roles that shaped your entire existence. She reveals what it takes to strip yourself bare and ask: Who am I beyond the uniform? Beyond the label? Beyond what everyone expects me to be?

What we explore:

• The grieving process of identity release and why it's essential for evolution
• How to reconnect with your body's wisdom and emotions after years of necessary detachment
• Building and evolving your web of support as you grow
• Why the obstacle in your way IS the way forward
• The liberation waiting on the other side of fear
• Reclaiming your path while honouring what came before

Nadine brings a multi-dimensional approach to healing and growth—blending spirituality, somatic awareness, values alignment, and shadow work. Her message is clear: you have all the answers within you, and the courage you've demonstrated in service can be redirected toward the most important mission of all—yourself.

For the service-connected community and anyone feeling the call to evolve, this conversation offers permission, practical wisdom, and proof that reclamation is possible.

Your evolution is calling. Are you ready to answer?

TIMESTAMPS:05:37 Exploring spirituality and identity for professional development
08:46 Personal discovery leads to liberation and growth
11:43 Human experiences shaped by dual military-civilian roles
13:33 Emotional intelligence, professionalism, personal and professional challenges
22:05 Expand your support network for personal growth
28:27 Trust others, seek evidence, take big steps
31:12 Discover beneficial, potent, guiding roles for work

CONNECT WITH NADINE:
https://www.facebook.com/bynadinemuller/
https://www.nadinemuller.com.au/about
https://www.instagram.com/nadinemuller

Meet Brad Williams, a firefighter from Victoria, Australia, with a rich background in both the Army and Police Force. Brad is also the founder of PoliceFit, an online personal training business helping police applicants and officers navigate the physical and mental demands of their careers.

In this episode, Brad and I delve into the significance of self-awareness and building a robust framework for accountability. Brad offers invaluable advice on starting with small, manageable steps to create healthier habits, whether it's setting aside time for exercise or improving your diet. We also explore how quickly processing and understanding emotions, especially after traumatic experiences, is vital for both first responders and anyone dealing with stress.Brad shares personal stories and practical tips on seeking help, using tracking systems for various aspects of life, and the importance of meditation for stress relief and better sleep. We discuss the unique challenges of balancing shift work with family life, the necessity of recovery, and how physical fitness can play a crucial role in managing stress.

Join us as we uncover Brad's journey from childhood incidents that sparked his interest in fitness to his current mission of preparing the next generation of police officers. You'll hear insights on how to stay resilient, maintain structure, and adapt your training to life's ever-changing demands.

05:52 Fitness base helps endure stress, job training.

08:55 Transition from personal training to police fitness business.

10:43 Consistent training and routine is crucial. Stress affects training.

16:07 Limit phone use for better mental health.

20:13 Prioritising impact, adapting, and maintaining balance amidst responsibilities.

26:40 Emergency worker's emotional conflict between work and home.

28:54 Seeking help early can prevent avoidance later.

32:44 Self-awareness is key to understanding emotions.

https://www.facebook.com/BradPoliceFit

https://www.policefit.com.au/

https://open.spotify.com/show/71cMqpGlNa30mJB1DJDzI3?si=aee46cc9a93d44d8

Book an Energy Reset with Kate - https://reset.curiouscollective.au/home