What if the way we support birth needs to evolve just as much as the science itself?

In this episode, Hannah speaks with consultant midwife, nurse, researcher and yoga advocate Maria Buaki-Sogo about her journey from emergency medicine to holistic maternity support.

Drawing on years of frontline experience across hospitals, homes and communities, Maria shares how her perspective on birth has shifted and what she’s learned about truly supporting women through one of life’s most transformative experiences.

Together, they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how we might rethink maternity care with compassion, communication and collaboration at the centre.

Topics covered:

• Lessons from emergency and community-based birth work

• Supporting midwives in high-pressure systems

• What holistic, woman-centred care really looks like

• The role of advocacy in everyday maternity work

• Why nervous system awareness matters in birth

About Maria

Maria is both a practicing nurse and a midwife, last working as a Consultant Midwife.

Maria moved to the UK in 2010 from Spain, where she trained as a Registered Nurse and worked for three years as an A&E resus nurse. On arrival in the UK, Maria worked at Imperial College NHS Foundation Trust, gaining significant experience as a theatre nurse across a variety of specialties, from trauma-emergency cases to elective procedures.

Her midwifery experience includes various roles within a maternity setting, including low risk and high-risk pregnancy care, emergency obstetric care and the post-operative management of women who have undergone caesarean sections.

Her midwifery roles comprise of rotational midwifery (providing antenatal care, intrapartum care, and postnatal care), community midwifery care, caseload midwifery care for vulnerable women, homebirth midwifery services and research nursing and midwifery.

Maria is also a former Lead Nurse for North Thames Genomic Medicine, where she led the nursing workforce in the North Thames Region to explore and re-design clinical pathways of care to implement routine genetic testing in the National Health Service (NHS) via national transformational projects reporting back to NHSE/I (National Health Service England and Improvement).

She is also an Adult Nursing Lecturer, teaching applied physiology.

It is Maria's passion for research that has led her to pursue a career as clinical academic and to complete a PhD following achievement of an MSc in Research in Midwifery Studies in 2018, as she believes research is of great importance in developing clinical practice, standards, and advances in care.

Maria is also a passionate advocate for the incredible charity Borne - you can find out more about their incredible work here.

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Stress isn’t the enemy , ignoring your body is.

In Part 2, the conversation goes even deeper into the science and soul of healing. Ann and Celest explore how yoga impacts mental health, stress resilience and the nervous system.

Ann shares practical tools to regulate your vagus nerve, explains the science behind yoga "snacks" and exercise breaks and unpacks the myths still lingering in the yoga world. Plus, she offers a powerful reframe around stress, movement, intuition and why listening (really listening) might be the most healing practice of all.

About Ann

Ann Swanson is a self-confessed science nerd. She speaks and teaches on the key research supporting yoga and meditation, along with the basic anatomy for adapting yoga to be safe, effective, and accessible for all body types and conditions.

Ann's books; ⁠Science of Yoga⁠ and Meditation for the Real World, present the science and practice in a straightforward and simple way.

…But she is also open to spirituality and believes there are some questions that science perhaps can’t answer, but she will continue to ask and continue to explore with endless curiosity.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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You don’t have to escape to outer space to find deep connection , it’s right here inside your body.

In Part 1 of this inspiring conversation, Celest sits down with Ann Swanson - yoga therapist, science communicator and author of Science of Yoga and Meditation for the Real World.

Ann shares her personal story of living with chronic pain, her journey from China to India to the US, and how yoga, meditation and science came together to change her life.

They dive deep into how yoga and meditation reshape the brain, why mind wandering isn’t the enemy we think it is, and how the default mode network, salience network and neuroplasticity all weave into our personal growth.

Expect practical insights, powerful science, and a whole new way of understanding your own mind and body.

About Ann

Ann Swanson is a self-confessed science nerd. She speaks and teaches on the key research supporting yoga and meditation, along with the basic anatomy for adapting yoga to be safe, effective, and accessible for all body types and conditions.

Ann's books; Science of Yoga and Meditation for the Real World, present the science and practice in a straightforward and simple way.

…But she is also open to spirituality and believes there are some questions that science perhaps can’t answer, but she will continue to ask and continue to explore with endless curiosity.

Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Breathwork might help you heal — but it can also cause harm. Here's what you need to know.

In part two of this enlightening conversation with Jamie Clements, we go even deeper into the nuances of breathwork. From the role of breath in trauma recovery to the rise of mouth taping and our opinions about Ujjayi breath in yoga, this episode is packed with insight. We also talk practical tips for getting started and how breathwork can support everything from athletic performance to stress recovery - but only if done right.

We explore:

• The complexities of breathwork and trauma

• Why breathwork isn’t always safe - and what facilitators need to know

• Recovery, performance and the power of nasal breathing

• The science (and hype) around mouth taping

• Ujjayi breath: helpful or harmful?

• How to build a breathwork toolkit that actually works for you

  
  

Perfect for:

Yoga teachers, wellness professionals, and anyone wanting a balanced, responsible approach to using the breath for healing, energy and self-awareness.

About Jamie

Jamie Clements is the founder of ⁠The Breath Space⁠ and host of the ⁠Human Nature Podcast⁠, recognised as a leading voice in the wellbeing space and an expert breathwork facilitator. His work explores the intersection of breath, consciousness, and human potential, drawing from Zen philosophy, non-dual approaches, modern neuroscience, and psychology to guide people towards deeper awareness and transformation.

Jamie has worked with top entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, and global brands, sharing the life-changing potential of breathwork and altered states of consciousness. His approach is rooted in both scientific research and ancient wisdom, offering a unique blend of practical tools and profound insight.

After experiencing first-hand the profound impact of breathwork, Jamie is deeply passionate about helping others unlock its power. He believes that the breath is the most universal and accessible tool for shifting the mind, regulating the nervous system, and cultivating a healthier, more connected way of living.

Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Think breathwork is all about relaxing and de-stressing? Think again.

In this powerful first part of our deep dive into breathwork, I’m joined by Jamie Clements — one of the UK’s leading breathwork facilitators and founder of The Breath Space.

We unpack the truth behind the breathwork buzz, how different techniques affect the nervous system, and how to know what type of breathwork is right for you.

Jamie shares his personal journey into the world of breath, how it transformed his life, and why conscious connected breathing can be so profound - but also why it's not a cure-all.

We explore:

• Jamie’s story: from corporate finance to breathwork facilitator

• What conscious connected breathwork really is

• Breathwork myths (hello, DMT claims and over-oxygenation)

• Why not all breathwork is calming

• What the science actually says about altered states of consciousness

• When breathwork might not be the right tool — and what to do instead

About Jamie

Jamie Clements is the founder of The Breath Space and host of the Human Nature Podcast, recognised as a leading voice in the wellbeing space and an expert breathwork facilitator. His work explores the intersection of breath, consciousness, and human potential, drawing from Zen philosophy, non-dual approaches, modern neuroscience, and psychology to guide people towards deeper awareness and transformation.

Jamie has worked with top entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, and global brands, sharing the life-changing potential of breathwork and altered states of consciousness. His approach is rooted in both scientific research and ancient wisdom, offering a unique blend of practical tools and profound insight.

After experiencing first-hand the profound impact of breathwork, Jamie is deeply passionate about helping others unlock its power. He believes that the breath is the most universal and accessible tool for shifting the mind, regulating the nervous system, and cultivating a healthier, more connected way of living.

Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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"They came to me for back pain. The real issue? Their sense of smell."

In this mind-blowing second part of Celest's conversation with movement and neuroscience expert Missy Bunch, we uncover the unexpected connections between the brain, body and pain.

If you thought pain was just about muscles and joints, think again - Missy reveals how vision, smell and even the tongue play a role in how we move and heal.

We explore:
How eye exercises can instantly improve balance, mobility, and even pain relief.
Why losing your sense of smell can trigger low back pain—and what to do about it.
The surprising power of tongue position in movement and rehab.
Why conventional rehab approaches are outdated—and what works instead.
How giving clients a choice in their rehab can skyrocket results.

Missy’s work is a game-changer, and this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can start using today.

About Missy

Missy Bunch is a multi-certified movement coach, entrepreneur, speaker, educator, and podcast host with over 15 years of experience helping health and wellness professionals build expertise, confidence, and thriving businesses.

Her journey began as a professional dancer battling injuries—until one brain-based session erased four years of chronic knee pain. That breakthrough didn’t just transform her movement; it reshaped her career. She went from mastering neurology-based movement strategies to scaling successful businesses and is now on a mission to empower other professionals to do the same.

As the Founder of ⁠The Movement Mentality LLC⁠⁠, Co-Founder of Movement IQ, a Z-Health Master Trainer, and host of The Movement Mentality Podcast⁠, Missy blends cutting-edge neuroscience with proven business strategies. She helps movement professionals go beyond technique—teaching them how to attract clients, increase income, and create lasting impact. Whether through mentorship, education, or real-world business coaching, Missy is on a mission to turn passion into profit while making the wellness industry stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.

Beyond her professional achievements, Missy is a dedicated mother, wife, and advocate for health, movement, and family. She is passionate about helping others build businesses that support the lives they truly want to live.

⁠Follow Missy on Instagram⁠

Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy

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"I spent years searching for answers. I tried everything—chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists—but nothing worked. Then, in one moment, everything changed."

In this episode, hosted by Celest, Missy Bunch shares the jaw-dropping story of how she went from being a professional dancer with a debilitating knee injury to discovering a life-changing approach to movement and pain relief.

Cel and Missy dive deep into:
How a simple movement cured years of chronic knee pain (and why it made her angry).
Why traditional rehab often misses the mark when it comes to pain.
The powerful connection between the brain and movement—and how you can use it to improve mobility instantly.
Why pain isn’t just about the body part that hurts (and what you should really be looking at).
How she went from working with elite dancers to teaching movement pros how to get faster, more lasting results.

Missy’s insights will completely change how you think about movement, pain, and healing.

About Missy

Missy Bunch is a multi-certified movement coach, entrepreneur, speaker, educator, and podcast host with over 15 years of experience helping health and wellness professionals build expertise, confidence, and thriving businesses.

Her journey began as a professional dancer battling injuries—until one brain-based session erased four years of chronic knee pain. That breakthrough didn’t just transform her movement; it reshaped her career. She went from mastering neurology-based movement strategies to scaling successful businesses and is now on a mission to empower other professionals to do the same.

As the Founder of The Movement Mentality LLC, Co-Founder of Movement IQ, a Z-Health Master Trainer, and host of The Movement Mentality Podcast, Missy blends cutting-edge neuroscience with proven business strategies. She helps movement professionals go beyond technique—teaching them how to attract clients, increase income, and create lasting impact. Whether through mentorship, education, or real-world business coaching, Missy is on a mission to turn passion into profit while making the wellness industry stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.

Beyond her professional achievements, Missy is a dedicated mother, wife, and advocate for health, movement, and family. She is passionate about helping others build businesses that support the lives they truly want to live.

Follow Missy on Instagram

Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Wellness isn’t just a trend - it’s a way of life. But how do you build a brand that truly makes an impact?

In part two of this inspiring conversation, Nicola Elliott dives deeper into what it really takes to run a purpose-driven business in the wellness space. We cover:

• The behind-the-scenes challenges of making sustainable products (and why it’s not as simple as it sounds!)
• Why Neom became a certified B Corp and what that means for ethical business practices
• The surprising way scent and rituals impact mental well-being
• Nicola’s personal wellness toolkit and the daily habit she swears by for happiness

Plus, we chat about her book The Four Pillars of Wellness and why small, consistent habits are the key to long-term well-being.

About Nicola

Nicola Elliott is the founder of ⁠NEOM⁠ - a British wellbeing brand which harnesses the powers of 100% natural essential oils to help boost your wellbeing. Nicola is also the author

of ⁠The Four Ways to Better Wellbeing.⁠

After spending seven hectic years working a 60-hour week as a journalist in London, Nicola really started to feel the effects of a fast-paced life - poor sleep, increased stress and low energy and mood. It was this that kickstarted her own wellbeing journey and led her to create therapeutic and effective blends using 100% natural essential oils from her own kitchen.

In 2005, NEOM was born. Launching with five aromatherapy candles, they were one of the first on the market to be made with only 100% naturally derived wax and 100% natural essential oils. With an ethos of ‘small steps, big difference’, NEOM is all about the little things we can do throughout our day to help have a big impact on the four main pillars of wellbeing… better sleep, less stress, more energy and a lifted mood.

Since then, NEOM’s product line has grown to now include an impressive collection of home fragrance products including their iconic Wellbeing Pod and reed diffusers as well as bath and body essentials and skincare too - all with an aim to have something for every mood and moment in your day.

Today, Nicola remains at the forefront of the brand as founder overseeing the day-to-day running and creative storytelling to continue NEOM’s mission of supercharging the wellbeing of the world. Keeping her finger very much on the pulse when it comes to education and trends, Nicola loves nothing more than testing and trying the latest wellbeing must-haves. Her approach to wellbeing is refreshingly real and achievable.

Learn more with Alba Yoga Academy

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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