Today's conversation is with Will Johnson.

Will received his B.A., magna cum laude, in Art and Archaeology from Princeton University in 1968. After graduation, he worked for several years as an art critic in New York before moving to the west coast of North America where he began actively exploring gazing, moving, and sitting meditations. He became a Buddhist practitioner in 1972 and was trained as a Rolfer™ in 1976. He began the formal sharing of the practices of Embodiment Training in 1995. he’s the author of 15 books (two of which won awards as “Best Spiritual Book of the Year.”) on the role of the body in spiritual awakening which can be ordered through your local bookseller or online at Will Johnson's Books .

He and his wife (and partner in the practices) Coco live in Delicias, Costa Rica, just outside the little bohemian town of Montezuma at the southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula where they have created Bambu Hueco, the Hollow Bamboo Retreat Center where they welcome serious meditation students to enter into intensive 7-21 day self retreat. During these retreats, people have the opportunity to work closely with Will in their meditation practices and receive deep bodywork and dream sessions as support for their intensive practice.

In today’s talk we explored the lesser-known tributaries of Dr. Rolf’s vision — what Will calls the “mystery school” of evolutionary transformation. He spoke about the line not only as structural balance, but as a doorway into profound states of awakening, breath, and spontaneous movement.

Will also reflected on the role psychedelics have played in his own path, describing them as catalytic allies that can accelerate openings into these deeper states.

Looking ahead, Will has announced a gathering in Costa Rica in February 2026, where practitioners will explore line states in community through hands-on work, spontaneous movement, and entheogenic support. His hope is to reawaken this dimension of Rolf’s teaching and invite others into its transformative potential

You can learn more about Will at https://www.embodiment.net/

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Michael Shea

Michael is one of the preeminent educators and authors in the fields of somatic psychology, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. He leads seminars throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Dr. Shea received his master’s degree in Buddhist Psychology at Naropa University, and a doctorate in Somatic Psychology at The Union Institute. In 1986, he was certified as one of the first Full Instructors of CranioSacral Therapy by the Upledger Institute.

Dr. Shea has been a Florida Licensed Massage Therapist since 1976, and was an Advanced Rolfer for 20 years. He is a founding member of the International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings and the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge task force (MTBOK).

Dr. Shea brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to teaching health and healing, with a teaching style grounded in a spiritual practice of developing compassion with the use of manual therapy.

He is a formal student of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and past apprentice with a medicine man on the Navajo reservation in Arizona.

Because of the influence of the Dalai Lama, Dr. Shea’s clinical focus is on treating infants and children with neurological problems and developmental delays. This also includes teaching clinical skills for adults that carry pre and perinatal trauma.

In today’s conversation, Michael Shea spoke about his new book, The Biodynamic Heart: Somatic Compassion Practices for a Clear and Vital Heart, and how it brings together his biodynamic work, Tibetan medicine training, and a call for deeper heart connection in what he calls “the era of grief.”

He shared how heart health, metabolism, and spiritual well-being are deeply linked, introducing his biodynamic cardiovascular therapy—combining touch, primary respiration, and the five heart colors from Medicine Buddha practice. These visualizations, he explained, can help unblock pathways, support healing, and lead into dynamic stillness.

Michael reminded us that stillness itself is medicine, and that healing is always here—what we meet in practice is not just tissue, but the living mystery of being.

One of the things you’ll notice early on in this call was of a poor audio connection at times. Unbeknownst to me, my offices internet company was having area outages that day. I was also just back from time overseas and I was a bit jetlagged and you may be able to detect my presence being not as fully present as well as my speech a bit different.
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You can find his new book The Biodynamic Heart: Somatic Compassion Practices for a Clear and Vital Heart at https://amzn.to/3Uq4zFD

You can also find more about Michael here at https://sheaheart.com/

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's Conversation is with the amazing and lovable Gil Hedley

Since 1995, Gil Hedley, Ph.D., has been teaching “integral anatomy” in the dissection laboratory, via keynotes and speaking tours, online via his extensive website and membership portal, www.gilhedley.com and via his YouTube channel, "Somanaut." He is the producer of The Integral Anatomy Series, the Anatomy from A to Z Project, and The Nerve Project, as well as being the author of several books. He is based at the Institute for Anatomical Research in Colorado Springs, CO, where he teaches, films, and serves as Board President.

In today’s conversation, we explored how Gil’s decades of dissection and inquiry into the human form have led him toward a deeply relational, perceptual approach to embodiment. We spoke about the evolution of his work, the ethics of language in somatics, and the importance of curiosity over certainty—especially when teaching or touching the living body.

Gil reflected on the metaphorical nature of fascia, the seduction of technique, and the spaces in between structures where life often reveals itself most honestly. We also touched on his recent nerve tour—a unique journey through the often-overlooked pathways of the nervous system—and how it invited both reverence and humility.

Together, we explored the interplay between anatomy and awareness, the practitioner as witness rather than fixer, and how real transformation requires not control, but presence. Gil’s work reminds us that what we touch isn’t just tissue—it’s mystery, history, and life unfolding.

You can find out more about Gil at https://www.gilhedley.com/

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

It was a pleasure to be Conversation today with Jussi Pellonpää

Jussi is a certified Rolfer, physiotherapist, massage therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who specializes in looking at how the person’s deeply rooted “attitudes” manifest in all levels of body (-mind) functioning. And in using that understanding to guide interventions aimed at improving the client’s goals with the most precision possible.

In today’s conversation, we explored how Jussi’s path bridges Rolfing®, physiotherapy, and Somatic Experiencing® into a deeply embodied, process-oriented approach to healing. We discussed the pacing of structural integration, the difference between neurophysiological and biological adaptation, and how true change often requires time, space, and surrender. Jussi reflected on the interplay between posture, safety, and pre-movement—the subtle ground where psychological and physiological patterns converge. Together, we examined the challenges of working with high-performing yet dysregulated clients, the ethics of force in bodywork, and the importance of practitioner clarity. Jussi’s work invites us to honor transformation not as something to impose, but as something to meet—slowly, relationally, and with deep respect for the body’s timing.

You can find and contact him at, http://www.rolfing-helsinki.fi .

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Hi everyone,

Andrew here with a quick update from behind the scenes.

Over the next few weeks, Touching Into Presence will be transitioning from Podbean to Spotify for Podcasters. This change is all about sustainability—making sure the podcast can keep growing without unnecessary overhead.

👉 During the move, you might notice:

Slight delays in episode availability

A few hiccups with older episodes on some platforms

If anything seems off, no worries—things should settle soon. You can always check the [Facebook page] or message me directly if you can’t find something.

✨ I’m also excited to announce:

I’ve been building a Patreon page to help support the show. Through it, I’ll be offering transcripts and other resources to make the conversations more accessible and meaningful.

If the podcast has supported you in any way, Patreon will be a lovely way to give back and help sustain the work.

And—if you have energy for things like social media, marketing, or just spreading the word, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening. Thanks for being here.

Your presence truly shapes this space.

Much more to come.

— Andrew

It was a pleasure to be Conversation today with Dr. Mark Olson.

Mark holds an M.A. in Education and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois, specializing in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuropsychology and Neuroanatomy. His research focused on memory, attention, eye movements, and aesthetic preferences. Dr. Olson is also a NARM® practitioner, aquatic therapist, former massage school director, and published author on chronic pain and trauma-informed care. He offers a variety of courses at http://Dr-Olson.com that provide neuroscientific insights into the human experience and relational skills training for professionals and curious laypersons.

In today’s conversation, we explored how Mark’s path weaves together neuroscience, bodywork, and a deep inquiry into what it means to touch, heal, and relate. We discussed how his early fascination with human behavior led him to neuroscience, and how a later immersion into massage revealed dimensions of psychological and relational change that traditional explanations couldn’t fully capture. Mark shared insights on interoception, the role of C-tactile fibers in creating felt safety through human touch, and how neuroscience reframes concepts of trauma, posture, and therapeutic presence. Together, we questioned common narratives around “deep pressure,” “releasing trauma,” and “letting go,” highlighting the need for more nuanced, embodied, and trauma-informed approaches. Mark’s work offers a bridge between hard science and heartfelt presence—a call to understand the nervous system not as a mechanical system to be fixed, but as a dynamic expression of relationship, history, and possibility. A thoughtful and integrative teacher, he invites us to move beyond surface models and into a richer, more compassionate way of seeing and supporting human experience.

You can find out more about Mark at http://www.Dr-Olson.com

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

It was a pleasure to be Conversation today with Konrad Obermeier.

Konrad is a Certified Advanced Rolfer™ and Rolf Movement™ Practitioner based in Munich, Germany, where he also teaches anatomy for the Rolf Institute and offers advanced training in visceral and neurovascular work. Deeply influenced by the developmental movement of the embryo, Konrad’s approach blends structure, intuition, and a reverence for the body’s formative intelligence. He has spent over 25 years immersed in the work of Erich Blechschmidt, including a decade-long friendship with Blechschmidt’s widow, Traute, who entrusted him with access to the original scientific writings.

In today’s conversation, we explored how embryology has shaped Konrad’s way of seeing—less as a set of techniques and more as a perspective on life, development, and relational presence. We discussed how environment—not just genes—guides growth, the philosophical roots of structural understanding, and how concepts like pressure, tension, and form help reframe what it means to touch another human being. Konrad shared his views on morphology, modern science, and the joy of being in lifelong study. A humble and passionate teacher, he offers a way of thinking about structure not as fixed anatomy, but as movement shaped by relationship.

You can find out more about Konrad at http://www.konradobermeier.de

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today, I'm very excited to share this talk with Jörg Ahrend-Löns.

Jorg is a certified Rolfer with over three decades of experience, having trained under esteemed practitioners such as Peter Melchior and Robert Schleip. He earned his certification in 1991 under Bill Smythe and Pedro Prado and completed his Advanced Training in 2002 with Jan Sultan and Michael Salveson. 

With a professional background in physiotherapy since 1982, Jorg brings a deep understanding of movement and structural integration to his work. From 2012 to 2023, he served as a faculty member at DIRI Europe before stepping into his current role as international representative and secretary on the DIRI Board.

The week before this call, Jörg and I had a call, which unfortunately at the end I realized that it had not been recorded I was definitely bummed to have not recorded it, as it was such a great call, and I was really looking forward to sharing that call out to the public. However, that call is now lost to time.

What you hear today is our second call, which was equally great or even better. You will hear us talking about our previous call as a reference point and also as a fulcrum for growth in quite a few dimension.

I was just so very grateful for Jörg’s time and wisdom today and I am really excited to share this talk as there are so many wonderful nuggets of wisdom here which can really create a space for deeper embodied being.

In today’s talk, Jörg and I dove into the art of presence, resonance, and adaptability in client interactions. We explored how staying attuned to our surroundings—and even knowing when to forget—allows for a more fluid, effective response to the moment.

We also unpacked structural integration, not just as a bodywork practice, but as a framework for understanding how physical structure, movement, and perception intertwine. When these elements align, they create space to acknowledge and work with deeper emotions like fear and worry, rather than bypassing them.

Our conversation wrapped up with a reflection on the value of collegial dialogue in professional growth—and an exciting possibility of collaborating on an article.

You can learn more about Jörg at http://www.rolfing-goettingen.de

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Alan Richardson

Alan is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner with a private practice in London, UK since 1998. He is also qualified as a craniosacral therapist. Richardson is passionate about knowing other cultures and languages, having lived in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and Brazil. He has just returned to London after practicing in the south of Brazil for one year.

Find out more about Alan at http://www.rolfing-london.co.uk

Today’s conversation was incredibly enriching for me and marks another episode in the Colleague’s Corner branch of our podcast. Alan and I delved into our shared interests in embodiment, phenomenology, and trauma work, exploring how these concepts shape our practices as Rolfers and movement therapists. We examined the importance of considering the whole person—integrating subjective experience and lifestyle—while recognizing the potential for self-healing. Additionally, we discussed the challenges of conveying the value of embodiment and the need to balance intellectual inquiry with physical activity and emotional regulation.

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g

Today's conversation is with Zohrab Ajani

Zo is a Certified Rolfer and Certified Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant, combining Rolfing with traditional Ayurveda therapies and protocols. He currently has a practice on the island of Kauai.

Find out more about Zo at http://AZtribe.com

In today’s talk we engaged in a wide-ranging conversation covering personal experiences, professional challenges, and approaches to therapy and bodywork. We discussed balancing work and family life, the importance of continuous learning and exploration in their our, and the value of connecting with clients on a deeper level through various techniques. The conversation touched on different modalities, including craniosacral therapy, Rolf movement, and meditation, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying principles and adapting approaches to meet individual client needs.

If you are enjoying and getting something out of these talks, we'd appreciate it if you would leave a positive review of the podcast and subscribe to it through the platform of your choice. When you do this it really helps other people find us, and we greatly appreciate your support.

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g