681. Navigating Success, Relationships & Self-Worth - with Adam Roa
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Release Date: 03/06/2025
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
I sit down with my friend and colleague Dr Helen Machen-Pearce for a real, raw conversation about burnout, healing, and what it actually takes to flourish as a human being. I share my personal story - how I pushed myself to the point of physical and emotional collapse, what it took to come back from that, and the lessons I learned the hard way. Helen opens up about her own experience with burnout and recovery, navigating illness and rediscovering herself through yoga and embodiment. Together, we talk about nervous system health, trauma, grief, overwork, purpose, and the quiet power of everyday...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I’m doing one of my not-so-solo solo casts - with Dr Helen Machen-Pearce in the room. We talk the power of nervous system regulation and how co-regulation plays a key role in well-being. This candid conversation dives into mental health, somatic practices, and how we connect as humans. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just curious about nervous system healing, this episode offers rich insights. We touch on how we’re building a new membership around this work. Find out more about 'Embodied Flourishing' and join us here: Check out more from Dr Helen here: ...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this insightful and grounded episode, I’m joined by Leadership Embodiment teacher and coach Anouk Brack to explore how centering and embodied practices can shift the way we lead, work, and relate - especially in high-stress or corporate environments. We unpack the neuroscience of stress and self-regulation, the hidden causes of burnout and bore-out, and how trauma can shape our leadership styles. Anouk shares practical tools drawn from her work with executives and organizations, alongside reflections on Dutch embodiment culture and developmental models of personal growth. Find out more...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Ex-Dutch special forces operator turned breathwork coach Wouter Huizer joins me to discuss masculinity, elite performance, and mastering the nervous system. We get into counter-terrorism, ethics, high-performing teams, anger, discipline, military identity, the “off switch,” up-regulation, insecurity, and refusing the shot. A punchy, masculine, and insightful chat with plenty of laughs and hard-won wisdom. Read more from Wouter here: ------------------------------------------------------ Wouter Huizer has had a distinguished career in elite military units, including the Marine Corps and...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Zen teacher and mindfulness pioneer Fleet Maull joins me for a deep dive into neurosomatic mindfulness, bearing witness, and the science of awakening. We discuss plunge practices, time in prison, the nuances of running summits, and the shift from the 60s to the 90s in spiritual culture. Fleet shares insights on trauma, self-regulation, the five neural networks of enlightenment, and “practice stacking.” We also explore the balance between conceptual and embodied mindfulness, the pitfalls of spiritual materialism, and what neuroscience reveals about awakening. A thoughtful, full-spectrum...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
The Warrior Philosopher joins me for a dive deep into the intersection of philosophy, masculinity, and the struggle for meaning in the modern world. Drawing on Nietzsche, Mishima, and the ideals of the warrior poet, we explore how strength, aesthetics, and discipline shape a life of purpose. We also discuss the alienation of modern men, the consequences of comfort and decadence, and why rediscovering struggle might be the key to a deeper existence. What does it mean to live with virtue? How do we balance strength and beauty? And is there still a place for aristocratic values in a world...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I sit down with James Rafael, a yoga teacher and movement expert with a fascinating story. We explore his journey from addiction to recovery and how yoga became a tool for healing and transformation. The conversation also delves into queer identity, the role of aesthetics in the yoga world, and the ongoing debate about depth versus surface appeal. Along the way, we challenge assumptions about what it means to be a teacher, a student, and a person navigating the modern wellness landscape. This is an honest and thought-provoking discussion for anyone interested in yoga, personal...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Mikaal Bates joins me for a thought-provoking discussion on the growing divide between men and women, the shifting landscape of masculinity, and why more people are turning back to traditional values. We explore the impact of feminism, the rise of the "trad wife" movement, and the unintended consequences of modern social trends. We also discuss how movement practices like dance and weightlifting influence male and female energy, the loss of real community in modern life, and why so many feel like they are living in an "insane asylum." This conversation challenges conventional thinking and...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Can compassion actually make you more successful? According to Dr. Nilesh Satguru, the answer is a resounding yes - if you know how to use it. In this insightful and practical conversation, Nilesh breaks down the neuroscience behind compassion, why it’s not the same as empathy, and how it influences everything from leadership to personal growth. He shares the "Three A’s of Self-Compassion," unpacks the cultural myths that hold us back, and reveals a practical recipe for integrating compassion into daily life. We also touch on shame, belief systems, perennial philosophy, and the surprising...
info_outlineThe Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Host of The Emerald and animism teacher Josh Schrei joins me to explore topics that span existential questions to practical rituals. We look at what it means to be alive in a world teeming with distractions, the role of myth in modern life, and the tension between liberalism and animism. Josh shares his take on mental health, the importance of authentic connection, and why mindfulness and yoga sometimes fall short. From the Goddess to eco-terrorism, AI to stages of consciousness, we touch on what it means to live fully in a world of ever-increasing complexity. Plus, Josh shares his thoughts on...
info_outlineSpoken word artist and coach Adam Roa joins me for a wide-ranging chat about life, love, and the messiness of it all. We get into the highs and lows of going viral, why self-love can sometimes look a lot like narcissism, and what’s total BS in the personal growth world. Adam shares war stories from the world of artistic entrepreneurship - think big money, big egos, and the discipline it actually takes to make it work. We also talk new age communities (the good, the bad, and the seriously weird), being a digital nomad, breaking up like a pro, and why relationships are the ultimate dojo for self-discovery. Plus, a peek into his new book and what he’s learned from coaching clients with million-dollar budgets. Expect insight, irreverence, and a few truth bombs along the way.
Read more about Adam here: adamroa.com
------------------------------------------------------
Adam Roa is an internationally touring poet, coach and speaker who helps people build a fulfilling life through embracing their inner artist and inner entrepreneur. His “Creative Path Podcast” breaks down the creative process of some of the world's most influential people and his viral poem, “You Are Who You’ve Been Looking For" is the most viewed poetry performance in history, seen more than 250 million times.
------------------------------------------------------
Check out our YouTube channel for more coaching tips and our Podcast channel for full episode videos
Uplevel your coaching with a free copy of Mark's latest eBook, The Top 12 Embodiment Coaching Techniques
Join Mark for those juicy in-person workshops and events
Fancy some free coaching demo sessions with Mark?
Connect with Mark Walsh on Instagram