Most people underestimate how deeply addiction impacts our biology, how it works and how movement, breath, and presence can rewire it from the inside out. In this eye-opening episode, Simon Borg-Olivier and Arianna Montanari share how habitual behaviors, whether social media, work, or substances, shift our brain’s receptors on a molecular level, biasing the nervous system toward craving and stress. 

But there’s hope: by mastering simple, pleasurable movement practices rooted in ancient yoga and modern science, you can transform these patterns, restoring internal balance and creating a state of calm vitality.

You’ll discover how addiction is essentially a self-regulation misfire, a cry for deeper connection and relaxation that’s often masked by chemical or social substitutes. Simon reveals how subtle shifts, using movement, posture, and breath, can generate our own internal rewards, bypassing destructive dependency. 

We break down practical strategies to replace unconscious habits with conscious, nourishing routines that feel good from the inside, not through pain or suffering. These insights are perfect for anyone feeling stuck in stress, burnout, or addictive cycles, whether related to substances, social media, workaholism, or compulsive behaviors.

We explore the fascinating science behind how addiction alters receptor sensitivity and nervous system states, and how a mindful, gentle approach to movement can recalibrate these deeply wired systems. Learn to access relaxed, energized states that support your physical, mental, and emotional health.. all without pushing your body to exhaustion. 

This episode is a guide to cultivating effortless blood flow, neural harmony, and inner contentment: key to lasting well-being.

If you’re ready to rewire your relationship with your body and habits, this conversation offers powerful tools and a new paradigm for self-regulation and authentic satisfaction.

To connect with Simon Borg-Olivier:

healthhappinesslongevity.co

https://www.instagram.com/simonborgolivier/

Support the show

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

 In this episode of the Synergy Podcast, host Arianna Montanari explores the concept of energy from both a scientific and holistic perspective. 

She discusses the importance of understanding energy as the potential for change and how it influences our lives. The conversation delves into integrative thinking, the role of resistance in personal growth, and the significance of managing energy in relation to seasonal cycles. 

Arianna emphasizes the need for resilience in adapting to life's changes and highlights the art of transforming energy with intention and direction to achieve vitality.

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

In this episode of the Synergy Podcast, host Arianna Montanari speaks with somatic coach Kari Hovik about her journey and the importance of individuality in personal growth. 

They discuss the rise of the individual, navigating spiritual awakenings, and the significance of Human Design in understanding oneself. Kari emphasizes the need for self-awareness, reflection, and the balance between personal healing and collective responsibility. 

The conversation highlights the beauty of spirituality in everyday life and the transformative power of somatic coaching for women in transitional phases.

About Kari:

Kari is a somatic coach for women who are in pivotal, transitional seasons in life - in career, in relationships, and in womanhood overall. Her work blends nervous system regulation as the foundation, parts and patterns work, human design, and identity work, with feminine wisdom woven all the way through. She believes every single woman (and person) is one of one, so uniquely made, and that conditioned society has stifled that. 

"As we move into this new era, the rise of the individual is going to be paramount. When you are so completely connected to yourself, you have no choice but to see that you are connected to everyone else as well. We cannot heal or grow or expand within the same systems or consciousness that made us so docile."

To connect with Kari:

https://www.instagram.com/its.kari.kin/

https://kincoach.substack.com/

kinalignedcoach.squarespace.com

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

In the second episode of this mini-serie, podcast host Arianna Montanari and Simon Borg-Olivier delve into the intricate relationship between blood flow and breath, emphasizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems. 

They explore various mechanisms of blood movement, the significance of fascia, and the role of consciousness in regulating blood flow. The discussion also covers practical breathing techniques, including Ujjayi pranayama, and the utter importance of natural breathing patterns for overall health. 

Listeners are encouraged to engage in self-evaluation of their breathing and movement practices to enhance their well-being.

To connect with Simon Borg-Olivier:

healthhappinesslongevity.co

https://www.instagram.com/simonborgolivier/

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Blood Flow and Breath Connection
04:03 Understanding the Interconnectedness of Body Systems
10:39 Methods of Moving Blood Through the Body
20:28 The Role of Consciousness in Blood Flow
27:23 Practical Applications and Techniques for Blood Flow
37:41 Understanding Ujjayi Breathing
43:14 The Balance of Breath Control
48:36 The Dangers of Over-Breathing
53:23 Self-Evaluation of Breathing Patterns
56:37 Breath Control Techniques and Online Resources
01:02:26 Connecting Breath with Movement

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

In this episode of the Synergy Podcast, host Arianna Montanari welcomes back Simon Borg-Olivier, an internationally recognized yoga teacher and physiotherapist, founder of the 5 Dimensional Flow Movement System, and her teacher. 

Together they will create a series of 4 episodes that will be released weekly over the upcoming month.

They discuss the integration of traditional practices with modern science, focusing on the importance of relaxation, the role of epigenetics in health, and the need for inclusivity in yoga practices. 

Simon emphasizes the significance of a balanced approach to movement that fosters both physical and mental well-being, advocating for a shift away from the 'no pain, no gain' mentality towards a more holistic understanding of health in terms of longevity.

To connect with Simon Borg-Olivier:

healthhappinesslongevity.co

https://www.instagram.com/simonborgolivier/

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

In this episode of the Synergy podcast, host Arianna Montanari engages with Shani Persson, a certified breathwork practitioner, to explore the transformative power of breathwork. 

They discuss Shani's journey into breathwork, the various techniques and practices involved, and the emotional and physiological impacts of breathwork.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and the role of facilitators in creating safe spaces for exploration. 

Shani shares insights on how breathwork can connect us to our bodies and emotions, and how nature, particularly trees, can teach us valuable lessons about patience and growth. The episode concludes with practical tips for those interested in starting their breathwork journey.

To connect with Shani Persson on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/shanipersson/

To indulge in Shani's Substack:

https://learningfromtrees.substack.com/

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

Summary

In this episode of The Synergy Podcast, host Arianna Montanari connects with psychotherapist Lucy Ellis to explore themes of connection, emotional intelligence, and self-love. What does all of this mean? What can we do in practice?

With over 17 years of experience supporting women and leading them back to themselves, Lucy Ellis unravels the importance of understanding one's inner child, the role of human design in personal growth, and the significance of dreams in our lives. 

In this conversation, Lucy emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the nourishing aspects of love in relationships, while also addressing the complexities of emotional reactions and the journey towards healing.

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To learn more about Lucy's work with Emotional Processing, Hypnotherapy, Human Design, Family Constellation and Dream Therapy, go to: 

https://www.lucyellis.com.au/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lucyellis_therapy/

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

In this episode of the Synergy podcast, host Arianna Montanari interviews Sofia Montanari, the founder of Italian Pause, a project designed to bring a taste of Italy to Stockholm through curated experiences. 

Sofia shares her journey of moving to Stockholm during the pandemic, her WOW moments, the struggles with anxiety, her personal growth, and the importance of yoga in her healing process. 

She discusses her passion for creating cultural experiences that connect people and celebrate Italian lifestyle, emphasizing the philosophy of 'dolce far niente', the sweetness of doing nothing. 

The conversation highlights the significance of community and genuine human connections, finding your purpose, and the beauty of embracing one's roots while adapting to a new environment.

To connect with Sofia Montanari and learn more about her Experiences:

https://www.instagram.com/anitalianpause.stockholm/

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

This season is getting juicier and juicier! 

In this episode of the Synergy podcast, host Arianna Montanari welcomes Sharee Conrad, a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and Ayurvedic practitioner. Sharee shares her journey into healing practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle and its impact on women's health. 

Did you know that yoga and acupuncture can complement each other in healing practices?

Or that women operate on a lunar cycle, while men operate on a solar cycle?

The conversation explores the symbiosis between nutrition, movement, and body awareness AND hormonal balance. Sharee highlights the need for women to reconnect with their bodies and recognise their needs throughout their cycles. All of this through the lenses of Chinese medicine, ayurvedic practices and acupuncture meridians.

The episode concludes with insights on how to adjust movement with hormonal changes to maximise that symbiosis, or synergy effect, and the significance of rest and nourishment during menstruation.

To learn more about Sharee's work:

https://livingprem.com/

To connect with Sharee on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CK2CEiYBH7v/

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

In this episode of the Synergy podcast, Karina Gutierrez discusses the importance of movement, pleasure, and embodiment, particularly for women. 

She shares her journey from a disconnected state to one of presence and connection with her body, emphasizing the role of movement as a healing tool.

What happens when we stop outsourcing pleasure? When we claim our desires? What does it mean for a woman to be spiritually attuned? 

Karina Gutierrez and Arianna Montanari explore the themes of rest, pleasure, sexuality, emotional awareness, and the importance of community and personal empowerment. They discuss how understanding and honouring the menstrual cycle as a natural and powerful aspect of womanhood, which can lead to personal growth and emotional release, emphasizing the significance of listening to one's body. 

The dialogue also touches on the primal nature of men and the importance of rituals, as well as the need for both men and women to connect with their authentic selves and desires. Ultimately, the conversation encourages living intentionally and embracing personal choices that align with one's true self.

To explore Karina Gutierrez' work and memberships:

https://www.karinagutierrez.com/

To connect with Karina Gutierrez on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/healingwithkink/?hl=en

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/

To connect with Arianna Montanari on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mielestrega/?hl=en

To her website for online yoga synergy programmes and mielestrega body products:

https://www.mielestrega.com/