680. The Missing Piece in Managing Stress & Chronic Fatigue - with Dr Helen Machen-Pearce
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Release Date: 03/04/2025
695. Why Strength Still Matters: Masculinity, Honour & Identity – With Jack Donovan
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
I’m joined by author and men’s work coach Jack Donovan for a deep, honest chat about modern masculinity. We get into why strength matters, how weakness is being sold as virtue, and why the idea that we're all "blank slates" might be doing more harm than good. We talk martial arts, the value of tactical virtues, and what honour really means in a world that often dismisses it. Jack also breaks down the meaning behind “far right” labels, internet culture clashes, and how Nietzsche's ideas can actually help when you’re trying to raise strong, grounded boys today. Lots of practical wisdom...
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694. Leading From The Heart - With Christian Pankhurst
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Christian Pankhurst joins me to pick apart the art of emotional intelligence, group dynamics, and embodied leadership. We explore what it really means to live from “the heart,” how safety and coherence shape authentic connection, and why shadow work (especially the uniquely British kind) is essential for transformation. Christian unpacks the four directions of the heart, the relationship between narcissism and emotional range, and the subtle dance between intensity and connection. From trauma and village-making to mastery, martial arts, and the pitfalls of consumer spirituality—this...
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693. Out-training Parkinson’s: A Comeback Story - with Scott Hanley
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Scott Hanley joins me to talk about how he turned the tables on his Parkinson's diagnosis. We explore how mindset, movement, and a willingness to experiment played key roles in his recovery. We also talk about CrossFit, brain health, neuroplasticity, and the social disconnection that’s worsened since COVID. It’s a conversation packed with practical insight, big inspiration, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change the trajectory of your life. Connect with Scott on Instagram here: ------------------------------------------------------ Scott Hanley is a resilience and...
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Our New Membership Program: Embodied Flourishing
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Our new two-year membership program, Embodied Flourishing, is a supportive and pressure-free space to explore well-being, boundaries, embodiment, and more. Go beyond quick fixes for burnout or health struggles with a journey that empowers you to feel genuinely alive again. No more pushing through day after day. It includes: Carefully paced explorations to foster a deep-rooted sense of wellbeing. Practical tools to sustain health, calm, and meaning during life’s messy moments. Ongoing community support to share experiences, receive feedback, and grow alongside others who “get it.” If...
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692. From Burnout to Flourishing - With Mark Walsh & Dr Helen Machen-Pearce
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...
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691. Why Regulating Your Nervous System Is So Important - with Dr. Helen
The 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: ...
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690. Why Your Leadership Style Might Be Burning You Out – With Anouk Brack
The 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...
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689. The Secret Weapon of Elite Soldiers: Breath, Discipline & Mindset - With Wouter Huizer
The 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...
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688. The Five Neural Networks of Enlightenment And How to Activate Them - With Fleet Maul
The 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...
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687. Masculinity, Meaning, and the Modern Crisis - With The Warrior Philosopher
The 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_outlineYoga rogue and nervous system educator Helen joins me for a deep dive into chronic fatigue, burnout, yoga, and the nervous system. We chat about her journey from psychiatry to yoga, polyvagal theory, brain fog (or should I say, "brain frogs"), and why so many big-name nervous system educators miss the mark. Helen shares practical insights on "safety," ventral brakes, gender-based differences, and the medical model vs. spiritual regulation. This one’s relaxed, insightful, and packed with real-world applications for anyone navigating stress, health, or just trying to feel more human.
Find out more about Helen's incredible work and free resources here: About YogaRogueUK
Check out her fantastic library on Poly Vagal Theory on YouTube
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Helen Machen-Pearce is a nervous system educator, yoga and embodiment teacher, and retired consultant psychiatrist with 25 years of experience as an NHS doctor. She specialises in nervous system regulation, resilience, and holistic wellness, supporting those with persistent health challenges, chronic fatigue, persistent pain, stress, and burnout. Through education, embodiment practices, slow, mindful yoga, and meditation, she helps people cultivate awareness, nervous system resilience, deep self-connection, and sustainable well-being.
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