749. We're Changing Direction In 2026 - With Mark Walsh and Dr Helen Machen-Pearce

In this year-in-review episode, I'm joined by Dr Helen Machen-Pearce to reflect on what's changed over the past year in the embodiment world, the business, and my own life and work. We discuss the growth of the podcast and training programs, burnout and sustainability, the impact of AI on coaching and therapy, and why embodiment and human presence matter more than ever. The conversation also explores evolving thinking around meaning, community, tradition, and what might be missing in modern psychology and culture. Plus I'll fill you in on a new direction for embodiment unlimited in 2026. See more of Helen's work here: yogarogue.co.uk ----------------------------------------------- Join our membership program for coaches, facilitators, therapists and educators who want sustainable growth: https://embodimentunlimited.com/facilitators-in-flow/ ----------------------------------------------- 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 

I sat down with two highly experienced breathwork facilitators, Emily Ray Henderson and Simona Dvorackova, to explore what breathwork actually does beneath the hype. We talk about why breath has become so central right now, from nervous system regulation and everyday stress, through to trauma release and altered states of consciousness. We explore how breathwork helps complete unfinished stress responses, why the body holds tension and memory, and how conscious connected breathing can release things without needing to analyse or relive the past. We also get into safety, facilitation quality, and why trust and experience matter so much in deep work. Along the way, we touch on science, spirituality, non dual experiences, modern wellness culture, and where breathwork might be heading next. From simple tools anyone can use, to profound immersive experiences, this is a grounded look at breath as a foundation for healing, presence, and human maturity. Find out more about Emily and Simona's work here: https://www.emilyrayhenderson.com/ https://empoweredbreath.co.uk/ ----------------------------------------------- Emily Ray Henderson is a certified Wellness Counselor, Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, 500 HR-RYT Yoga Instructor and Facilitator with The Kula Collective, Ceremonial Space Holder & Alchemy of Breath Breathwork Practitioner & Master Teacher. Simona Dvorackova has been in the health and well-being industry since 2001, and an Alchemy of Breath facilitator for years. She has a variety of skill sets and experience in modalities such as body work, energy healing and hypnotherapy. ----------------------------------------------- Join our membership program for coaches, facilitators, therapists and educators who want sustainable growth: https://embodimentunlimited.com/flourish/ ----------------------------------------------- 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 

Dr Helen Machen-Pearce and I explore what real confidence actually is and why so much of what we call confidence collapses the moment it meets reality. We talk about the difference between confidence and competence, and why untested confidence often looks loud, brittle, or performative. We look at how confidence lives in the nervous system, not just the mind, and how embodiment practices like centering, grounding, strength, movement, and relaxation shape how we show up. We explore gender, class, culture, and age, and how confidence looks different across life stages. We also touch on masculinity, physical agency, ethics, self-compassion, community, and what happens to confidence when you are visible in the public sphere. See more of Helen's work here: yogarogue.co.uk ----------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------- 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 

I sit down with Flouer Evelyn - one of the most skilled dance teachers I know and a long-time member of our Embodiment Unlimited faculty. We dive into what actually makes a great teacher: classroom management, clarity, time-efficiency, group regulation, and how to hold a room without killing the vibe. Flouer shares how she weaves embodiment models into her partner-dance work — from centering and co-regulation to elements, U-curves, and even sneaky ETK poses. We also explore follower/leader dynamics, nervous-system awareness in dance, working across cultures, and the real art of improvising from a solid plan. If you teach anything - dance, coaching, yoga, workshops - this one's packed with practical wisdom from someone who's taught thousands of hours worldwide. See more of Flouer's work here: https://flouerdances.com ----------------------------------------------- In every session Flouer's genuine warmth and contagious excitement reflect her passion for helping people discover connection through their bodies. Originally from New York City and now based in Italy, Flouer is a partner dance instructor and embodiment coach with an MFA in dance and certifications from the University and Mentee programs at Embodiment Unlimited. She has been teaching and facilitating experiences worldwide since 2010, working throughout Europe, North & South Americas, Australia, and Asia. She is known for weaving together compassionate presence with practical tools for navigating relationships—with the widening circles of oneself, partners, community, and spirit. Her approach emphasizes both acceptance and integrity, helping you discover authentic expression and effective boundaries while deepening the connections that matter most. ----------------------------------------------- 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 

In this episode I chat with Ranko Cerić in Zagreb to explore how economics, trauma and identity shape the Balkans and the rest of Europe today. We look at how Yugoslavia fell apart, why ordinary people can be pushed into fear and extremism, and how current migration and cost-of-living pressures are creating similar tensions in the West. We also get into land, belonging and the dysregulation that comes with cultural dislocation. A grounded, honest conversation about what really drives division - and what might help us move beyond it. Find out more about Ranko's work here: zdravo-odrastanje.eu/naslovna/o-nama/ ----------------------------------------------- Ranko Ceric is Aikido teacher, certified embodiment and trauma coach. He is using his martial arts experience and embodiment knowledge to help his clients overcome stress, trauma and realise their life purpose. ----------------------------------------------- Join our membership program for coaches, facilitators, therapists and educators who want sustainable growth: https://embodimentunlimited.com/flourish/ ----------------------------------------------- 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 

I sat down again with Dr Helen Machen-Pearce for a dive into transformational learning. We look at what actually creates real change, and why transformation has less to do with collecting ideas and more to do with how we experience ourselves in the moment. Helen explains how the nervous system, emotional safety and embodied presence shape the way people learn and grow. We talk about the difference between insight and integration, why some people stay stuck even with the right knowledge, and what helps learning go from conceptual to genuinely transformational. See more of Helen's work here: yogarogue.co.uk ----------------------------------------------- As a special gift for you, our loyal listeners, we are offering our super-early bird rate for our flagship course, the Certificate of Embodiment Coaching when you use code: PODCAST More info here: https://embodimentunlimited.com/cec ----------------------------------------------- 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 

I'm joined once again by my colleague Dr Helen Machen-Pearce to talk about real learning, not the tidy version sold in courses. We dig into how learning shows up as humility, awkward practice, and repeated failure, and why unlearning is often part of the job. We talk about concrete ways to set up experiments, how the body and attention shape what we actually absorb, and why learning is less about info and more about becoming different. Expect practical examples, honest stories about getting it wrong, and simple approaches to turn curiosity into lasting change. See more of Helen's work here: yogarogue.co.uk ----------------------------------------------- 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 

I spoke with Carolina Padilla, an embodiment teacher, CEC course manager and cultural activist from Colombia, about how embodiment can be a force for healing and leadership. We explored how movement, community and ritual help people reconnect to belonging, and how these practices can repair the social and cultural wounds left by colonisation and conflict. Carolina shares her perspective on leading from the body, working with collective trauma, and why cultural context matters when teaching embodiment. See more from Carolina here: instagram.com/coachcaropadilla ----------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------- 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 

I spoke with Dr. Kandis Lock about what true healing looks like in a time of quick fixes and chronic stress. We explored how naturopathic medicine approaches health through connection - between body systems, emotions, lifestyle and environment. Kandis shared insights from her clinical experience, including the patterns she sees again and again in modern illness, and why many people don't really need more pills - they need better awareness, rhythms and rest. We also talked about working with patients who feel stuck, the limits of Western medicine, and what holistic care looks like when it's done right. Read more about Kandis' work here: http://www.kandislocknd.ca/ ----------------------------------------------- Dr Kandis Lock has been a Naturopath for over a decade, treating a wide spectrum of diseases with a special interest hormonal health, digestive concerns, and general well-being. She uses botanical (herbal) medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine, clinical nutrition and prescription hormones. She also believes in the importance of an integrative approach to medicine and will work with your MD, specialists, and other health care practitioners. Dr. Kandis Lock, ND is registered with the College of Naturopaths (CONO) and is a member in good standing of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND). She is also a former mentee of Mark Walsh and a current teacher on the Certification of Embodiment Course.  ----------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------- 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 

I talk with Myriam Hadnes about what good facilitation actually looks like, and why it matters now more than ever. We cut through the jargon and compare facilitation, coaching and training, then get practical about how you create learning that sticks. Myriam and I dig into nervous system overload, psychological safety, and why embodied practices outperform information-only approaches. We also cover difficult conversations, holding space for emotion, boundary-setting, and what facilitative training looks like in an era of AI and endless content. If you run groups, teach, or coach, this conversation offers concrete ways to help people learn deeper, stay regulated, and actually change their behaviour. Check out Myriam's podcast here: https://workshops.work/podcast/ ----------------------------------------------- Myriam has hosted the workshops work podcast for more than 300 episodes, publishing a new conversation with facilitation experts each week. During the pandemic, she founded the NeverDoneBefore Festival and community — an international online experiment where facilitators co-created and delivered hundreds of "never done before" workshops between 2020 and 2024. Through her boutique agency workshops.work, Myriam and her team deliver over 200 workshops each year to help multinational organisations turn collaboration from a buzzword into a lived experience. ----------------------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------------------- 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