735. No-Nonsense Coaching That Cuts Through Excuses - With Michael Serwa
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Release Date: 09/23/2025
783. How Childhood Shapes the Adults We Coach - With Paddy Ney
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with parenting coach and documentary maker Patrick Ney about why modern parenting has become so challenging, and what it reveals about human psychology far beyond family life. Drawing on his experience of working with more than 165,000 parents around the world, Patrick explores how our own childhood experiences quietly shape the way we parent, relate to others, and show up as coaches and helping professionals. Together, we examine the powerful influence of attachment, emotional development, and inherited family patterns, discussing why many of the struggles we...
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782. Breathwork Beyond the Hype: Evidence, Coaching & Performance -With Richard Blake
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with breathwork researcher and educator Richard Blake about what the evidence actually says regarding breathwork, nervous system regulation, and how coaches can use breathing practices safely and effectively. Drawing on both scientific research and practical experience, Richard separates hype from evidence and explores which techniques are supported by the strongest research. We discuss the different categories of breathwork, from calming, slower-paced breathing techniques to more activating practices, examining when each is appropriate and the physiological...
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781. Coaching Through the Meaning Crisis - With Brendan Graham Dempsey
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with writer, researcher, and philosopher Brendan Graham Dempsey about the modern meaning crisis, why so many people feel disconnected from purpose and belonging, and what this means for coaches, leaders, and anyone supporting human development. Drawing on philosophy, psychology, history, and his work on metamodernism, Brendan explores how we arrived at this cultural moment—and how we might move beyond it. We discuss why questions of meaning increasingly show up in coaching conversations, even when clients initially present with goals around performance,...
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780. Why Great Coaches Are Creative (Not Just Skilled)- With Mark Walsh & Dr Helen Machen-Pearce
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with Dr Helen Machen-Pearce about the role of creativity in coaching, and why it may be one of the most overlooked skills in helping people change. Drawing on our experience of training somatic coaches, we explore what creativity really means, why it isn't limited to artistic talent, and how coaches can cultivate it without losing structure or rigour. Together, we examine the tension between following established methods and developing your own style, discussing whether creativity is something we're born with or something that emerges through disciplined practice. We...
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779. BONUS EPISODE! Stop making these somatic coaching mistakes - With Mark Walsh & Dr Helen Machen-Pearce
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with Helen Machen-Pearce about one of the most important questions in coaching: what are the biggest mistakes coaches make, and how can they avoid them? Drawing on more than 15 years of training and assessing embodiment coaches, we explore the common patterns that hold coaches back, from relying too heavily on techniques to confusing confidence with competence. Together, we examine the balance between structure and flexibility, discussing why great coaching isn't about following rigid formulas or believing that "anything goes." Instead, we explore the principles that...
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778.The Hormonal Intelligence Coaches Need - With Harry Pitcher
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with relationship educator Harry Pitcher, creator of the She's Not Crazy series, about the biology of relationships and why understanding women's hormonal cycles can transform the way we connect with one another. Drawing on years of research into neuroscience, endocrinology, and attachment, Harry explains why many relationship struggles are less about personality or communication skills than they are about biology that is rarely understood or talked about. We explore what this means for coaches, therapists, and anyone working with relationships, examining how hormones...
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777. Awakening Without Escaping the Body - With Henry Shukman
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with Zen teacher, poet, and mindfulness app co-founder Henry Shukman about awakening, trauma, and the relationship between meditation and embodiment. Drawing on his own journey—from a childhood marked by chronic illness and emotional pain to a profound spontaneous awakening that led him to decades of Zen practice—Henry shares why genuine spiritual development is about becoming more fully human, not escaping our experience. We explore what this means for coaches and therapists, examining the relationship between awakening and psychological healing. Henry reflects on...
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776. Embodied Trauma Work in Times of War - With Kateryna Timakina
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with Ukrainian psychologist and trauma trainer Kateryna about what it means to practice embodiment, resilience, and trauma-informed care while living through the ongoing reality of war. Drawing on four years of frontline experience training therapists, healthcare professionals, lawyers, veterans, and humanitarian workers, Kateryna shares what she's learned about supporting others when safety is not something that can simply be restored. We explore what this means for coaches and therapists, examining the challenge of working with nervous systems that cannot fully leave...
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775.The Coaching Paradox: Finding Transformation Through Stillness - With Nic Askew
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episode, I speak with filmmaker and interviewer Nic Askew about presence, stillness, and what it means to truly see another human being. Drawing on decades of creating deeply intimate filmed conversations, Nic shares his perspective on why the most meaningful moments emerge not through technique or performance, but by letting go of agenda and allowing something authentic to unfold. We explore what this means for coaches, examining the paradox at the heart of coaching: while clients often come seeking outcomes, the greatest transformations frequently happen when neither coach nor client...
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774. Coaching Across Cultures: What Every Coach Needs to Understand - With Tamara Tan
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
In this episoden, I speak with cross-cultural coach Tamara Tan about the often-overlooked role culture plays in coaching, communication, relationships, leadership, and personal development. Drawing on her experience living and working across multiple countries, Tamara explores how culture shapes the way people build trust, express emotions, communicate feedback, approach authority, and make sense of their identity. We discuss why coaching models that work well in one culture can fall flat in another, and why cultural awareness is becoming an increasingly important skill for coaches working in...
info_outlineI sat down with Michael Serwa, probably one of Britain’s best-known no-nonsense coaches, to talk about what really makes a coach effective. Michael has built a reputation for his straight-talking style, and in this conversation he shares why honesty, directness, and cutting through excuses matter more than fancy tools or techniques.
We explore his own journey from growing up in Poland to coaching London’s high achievers, what separates great coaches from the rest, and why being liked isn’t always the point of coaching. Michael’s approach is refreshing, challenging, and full of insights for anyone who wants to up their game as a coach or just get real about personal change.
Read more about Michael's work here: https://michaelserwa.com/
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As a special gift for you, our loyal listeners, we are offering $1200 off our flagship course, the Certificate of Embodiment Coaching when you use code: CEC25PODCAST
More info here: https://embodimentunlimited.com/cec
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