In this episode, Alex sits down with Simba Stenqvist, a TRE provider and trainer originally from Sweden, now based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Simba runs a retreat and healing center called Living with the Spirit, which he co-founded with his wife. With a background in martial arts and a passion for embodiment and holistic healing practices, Simba shares his journey into TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) and how he integrates it with other modalities like polyvagal theory to create a comprehensive approach to healing.

Throughout the conversation, Simba delves into the principles behind his retreat center's approach, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment for deep healing. He explains how his work is not just about physical exercises but also about addressing the mental and emotional aspects of healing. Simba shares insights into his methodology, which includes traditional Chinese medicine, breathwork, and sound healing, all aimed at helping individuals better understand and regulate their nervous systems. He discusses the transformative power of neurogenic tremoring and how it aligns with the principles of polyvagal theory.

Listen to the full episode to discover more about Simba’s journey, the mission behind Living with the Spirit, and the upcoming TRE retreats in Thailand.

Links and Resources:

• Website: https://livingwiththespirit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwiththespirit/

What happens when a sound engineer dives deep into the human nervous system? In this episode of Red Beard Embodiment podcast, host Alex Greene sits down with Sam Curtis, a seasoned sound engineer who has worked with music legends like Michael Jackson and David Bowie. Sam shares his unexpected journey from the world of music to becoming a passionate advocate for nervous system health and trauma healing.

Sam opens up about his personal experience with burnout and how it led him to discover TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises). He explains how TRE, a simple yet powerful technique that involves shaking the body, helped him release deep-seated tension and trauma, leading to profound personal transformation. Sam also delves into his fascination with the polyvagal theory, a model that explains our autonomic responses to stress, and how it has informed his understanding of the nervous system.

Sam's unique perspective as a sound engineer turned TRE provider offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of our minds, bodies, and emotions. Whether you're struggling with stress, trauma, or simply curious about the power of the nervous system, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with new tools for healing and growth.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 04:40 TRE in Japan
• 08:25 Sam's Background in Sound Engineering
• 12:43 Sam's First Paid Gig
• 17:07 Touring with Bands and Working in Studios
• 24:07 Burnout and the Turning Point
• 27:11 Introduction to TRE
• 31:34 TRE and Trauma Resolution
• 40:58 Music for Healing
• 45:25 Polyvagal Theory and Music
• 50:15 Fascia and the Nervous System
• 56:01 Introduction to IFS
• 01:03:11 Integrating TRE and IFS
• 01:13:11 Leading Edge and Future Plans

Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.soundmansam.com/

In this episode host Alex Greene sits down with Petter Larsson, a former Swedish national security and intelligence officer turned risk management consultant, leadership coach, and TRE Provider. Petter shares his personal journey of burnout and recovery, and how he came to understand that stress management is risk management.

Petter's story is a powerful reminder that even the most resilient among us can be vulnerable to stress and burnout. He offers valuable insights into the importance of self-awareness, self-care, and seeking help when needed. Petter also shares his experience with TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises), a somatic therapy that he credits with helping him to heal from trauma and develop a healthier relationship with his body and nervous system.

If you're struggling with stress or burnout, or if you're simply interested in learning more about how to manage your nervous system, this episode is for you. Petter's story is sure to inspire and inform, and his insights will give you practical tools to take back control of your life.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 04:19 - Petter's Background in Swedish National Security and Intelligence
• 08:00 - Petter's Childhood and Formative Years
• 11:36 - Petter's Career and Burnout
• 13:43 - Petter's First Health Scare
• 16:07 - Petter's Collapse and Hospitalization
• 20:33 - Petter's Anxiety and Panic Attacks
• 25:57 - Petter's Introduction to TRE
• 36:58 - The Power of TRE for Petter
• 48:32 - Integrating TRE into Everyday Life
• 53:58 - Petter's Approach to Helping Others with TRE
• 1:01:21 - Integrating TRE into Yoga and Wellness Practices
• 1:06:12 - TRE as a Preventative and Proactive Approach
• 1:15:58 - Closing Thoughts and Future of TRE

Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.lizarch.com/
• Safe and Sound Protocol: https://www.lizarch.com/safe-and-sound-protocol
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizarch
• Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/

Have you ever wondered how your nervous system works and how it impacts your daily life? Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of the polyvagal theory with Liz Arch, a somatic coach specializing in nervous system regulation.

Liz shares her personal journey of healing from trauma and panic disorder, discovering the power of understanding the nervous system through the polyvagal lens. Learn how this knowledge transformed her life and led her to help others find balance and safety within their bodies.

Discover the tools and techniques Liz uses to support clients struggling with anxiety, panic, and trauma. From yoga and TRE to the Safe and Sound Protocol, Liz offers a holistic approach to nervous system regulation. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for understanding and healing your own nervous system.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:52 Liz's Background and Origin Story
• 07:09 Liz's Polyvagal Journey and Tools
• 11:47 Liz's First Polyvagal Tool
• 13:51 Liz's Current Practice and Offerings
• 21:24 Liz's One-on-One Coaching Process
• 25:42 Liz Explains the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
• 28:41 Alex Explains the Science Behind SSP
• 38:46 Liz's Experience and Client Results with SSP
• 42:32 Alex Shares Examples of SSP's Effectiveness
• 50:27 Liz Discusses the SSP Balance Program and Repeat Usage
• 53:01 Alex and Liz Wrap Up and Discuss Future Courses

Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.lizarch.com/
• Safe and Sound Protocol: https://www.lizarch.com/safe-and-sound-protocol
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizarch
• Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/

What if your greatest strength could also be your greatest weakness? In this episode, Alex talks with Andrew Ragan, founder of Soul Centered Strength, about his journey from physical strength to emotional and spiritual healing. Andrew shares his moving story about the birth of his son, which led him to discover deep, buried emotions that he had hidden with too much strength training. This episode shows how personal growth can bring new insights and life changes.

Andrew Ragan is a skilled personal trainer with a degree in Psychology. Over the past 15 years, he has changed his practice from just strength training to also include yoga, breath work, and TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises). Andrew talks about his idea of “working in and working out,” which blends physical and emotional exercises to create a balanced life. He also shares his experiences working with local police departments, where he teaches TRE and breath work to help officers deal with stress and trauma.

In this episode, Andrew gives useful tips on how to add TRE and breath work into daily routines for better emotional and physical health. He explains the importance of a whole-body approach to strength training that includes the mind and emotions. Andrew's story and advice offer inspiration for listeners to explore new ways of personal growth and healing. Don’t miss this conversation that mixes personal stories with practical tips, perfect for anyone wanting to improve their overall well-being.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Andrew Ragan and Soul Centered Strength
• 02:15 - The Birth of Andrew’s Son and Personal Transformation
• 05:45 - From Physical Strength to Emotional Healing
• 09:30 - Rebranding the Business: Soul Centered Strength
• 12:50 - Integrating Yoga, Breath Work, and TRE
• 16:00 - Working In and Working Out Explained
• 19:20 - Andrew’s Work with Local Police Departments
• 23:45 - Benefits of TRE and Breath Work for Stress Management
• 27:30 - Practical Tips for Daily Emotional and Physical Health
• 31:15 - The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Strength Training
• 35:00 - Inspiring Stories of Personal Growth and Healing

Links and Resources:

• Soul Centered Strength Website: https://www.soulcenteredstrength.com
• Integrative Breathwork: https://www.integrativebreathwork.com
• Rhythmia Life Advancement Center: https://www.rhythmia.com
• TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises): https://traumaprevention.com

In this episode, Alex Greene is joined by Dr. Amanda Blake, author of 'Your Body Is Your Brain' and a master in the field of somatic leadership coaching. Together, they take a deep look into the intersection of neurobiology, experiential learning, and leadership, unpacking how self-awareness and embodiment can be critical tools for personal transformation and effective leadership.

Dr. Blake shares her journey from studying human biology and psychology to developing her unique approach to coaching, emphasizing the impact of embodying positive qualities like joy, confidence, and ease. The conversation also explores her game-changing research on embodied self-awareness, its correlation with emotional and social intelligence, and the outstanding results from integrating body-oriented practices into coaching.

Listeners are invited to embark on a journey of personal growth and discovery, inspired by Dr. Blake's innovative work and insights.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Unlocking Joy and Confidence: The Power of Practice
• 00:32 A Deep Dive with Dr. Amanda Blake: Exploring Body and Brain Connections
• 04:51 Embarking on a Journey: From Biology to Leadership Coaching
• 23:10 The Genesis of 'Your Body is Your Brain': Bridging Skepticism and Science
• 28:31 The Scaffolding of 'Your Body is Your Brain': A Guide to Embodied Intelligence
• 40:02 Exploring Biobehavioral Blind Spots
• 43:34 The Intersection of Psychotherapy and Personal Growth
• 44:39 Introducing the Body Equals Brain Course
• 49:44 Deep Dive into Doctoral Research Findings
• 01:12:37 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

Links and Resources:

• Book: Your Body is Your Brain https://www.amazon.com/Your-Body-Brain-Intelligence-Relationships/dp/0999368109/
• Website: https://embright.org/

What happens when your career conflicts with your deepest values? In this episode, Jacob Strong shares how leaving his job as a civil engineer led him to a new life filled with purpose and connection. His journey shows how movement and somatic practices can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world.

Jacob Strong, now a somatic coach and men's work facilitator, started his career in environmental engineering in Sydney, Australia. Disillusioned by the industry's approach, he moved to Portugal and began exploring movement and embodiment. Jacob's path included yoga teacher training in Ibiza and intensive study with movement experts like Ido Portal. Today, he is part of the Red Beard Team, offering somatic coaching and men's retreats.

Listeners will hear about Jacob's personal transformation from being emotionally unavailable to becoming empathetic and connected. He explains how practices like yoga, dance, and martial arts helped him reconnect with his body and emotions. Jacob also discusses the importance of men's work, emphasizing how it helps men balance their masculine and feminine energies and foster deeper relationships.

Curious to learn more about Jacob's journey and how these practices can help you too? Listen to the full episode for practical insights and inspiration.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 00:27 - Jacob Strong and His Journey
• 01:04 - Jacob Joins the Red Beard Team
• 01:30 - From Civil Engineer to Somatic Coach
• 02:32 - The Turning Point: Leaving Engineering
• 03:57 - Discovering Yoga in Ibiza
• 06:19 - Awakening to Environmental Conflicts
• 09:11 - The Role of Movement in Personal Growth
• 10:27 - Understanding the Body-Mind Connection
• 13:23 - Learning from Indigenous Australian Wisdom
• 16:34 - Training with Ido Portal
• 19:00 - Developing Empathy through Movement
• 21:52 - Insights from Chandler Stevens' Eco-Somatics
• 28:35 - Unpacking Relationship Dynamics
• 36:50 - The Power of Men's Work and Retreats

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Jacob: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/team/jacob-strong
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jacob.alchemy
• Website: https://alchemybrothers.org/

Imagine transforming your everyday movement into a joyful, mindful practice that nurtures both body and soul. In this episode, Alex Greene sits down with Reneé Tillotson, the inspiring founder of Still and Moving Center in Honolulu. Reneé shares her fascinating story of how she turned a personal passion for movement into a thriving community, offering insights on self-coaching and mindful living.

Reneé's journey begins as a gymnast, eventually leading her to discover NIA, a unique practice blending dance, martial arts, and healing arts. She discusses the creation of the Still and Moving Center, a hub for diverse movement practices that serve as moving meditations. Reneé also introduces the Academy of Mindful Movement, where she trains instructors in mindful techniques to enhance their teaching. This episode is filled with wisdom on finding joy in movement and the power of self-coaching.

Don't miss the chance to hear Reneé's full story and learn about her upcoming book, "Mindful Movement: The Art of Self Coaching." Listen now to explore how you can transform your relationship with movement.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 02:00 - Early Background
• 08:40 - Discovery and Passion for NIA
• 14:56 - Founding the Still and Moving Center
• 22:24 - Adapting During the Pandemic
• 27:00 - Academy of Mindful Movement
• 36:15 - Principles of Mindful Movement
• 54:00 - Self-Coaching and Body Whispering
• 1:00:00 - Upcoming Book and Programs
• 1:02:00 - Closing Remarks

Links and Resources:

• Still and Moving Center: https://stillandmovingcenter.com/
• Academy of Mindful Movement: https://academyofmindfulmovement.com/