What is the soul? With Bree Melanson

In this episode of Humanity at Work, host Christina Disler is joined by Dr. Amal Ismail, a Functional Medicine Practitioner who she describes as the best of the best. Raised in Jordan and now based in London, Amal holds a Master’s in Pharmacy and a Master’s in Biotech from Cambridge. She spent over a decade in pharma and biotech before recognising that the reductionist model of traditional medicine wasn’t leading to true healing. This realisation led her to pivot into functional medicine, where she now helps people uncover and transform the root causes of illness rather than just managing symptoms.Christina shares that Amal has had the most profound impact on her own health, helping her unravel years of unexplained symptoms and hormonal imbalances. In this conversation, they explore:How unprocessed emotions become physical symptoms —and why so many people feel stuck in cycles of stress, fatigue, and chronic illness.Why conventional medicine often treats symptoms instead of addressing the root cause, and how this approach leaves many people feeling disempowered.The hidden risks of hormonal birth control—what we aren’t told about its long-term effects, including its impact on mood, metabolism, and the gut.The underestimated role of caffeine in stress and hormonal imbalances, and why some people tolerate it well while others don’t.How early childhood experiences—and even time in the womb—shape lifelong health patterns, and why our nervous system is wired for survival first, health second.Modern lifestyle disrupts our body’s natural rhythms, from sleep and nutrition to movement and light exposure.The science of fertility, pregnancy, and why so many women are struggling to conceive, including the connection between stress, birth control, and metabolic health.The deeper impact of generational and collective trauma—and how our biology carries stories that shape our emotions, behaviours, and even physical health.If you’ve ever felt frustrated with the medical system, questioned why your symptoms aren’t improving, or sensed that your body holds deeper wisdom than you’ve been taught to believe—this episode is for you.Dr. Amal Ismail@⁠amalismail_ifmcp⁠WebsiteFollow Along⁠⁠⁠@humanityatwork⁠⁠

In this Humanity at Work episode, host Christina Disler sits down with Rebecca Moore, author of Radical Self-Care, to explore the journey from burnout to balance. As the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of IDOL Magazine, Rebecca spent nearly a decade amplifying emerging voices in the creative industry—until exhaustion forced her to reevaluate the way she worked and lived.Together, they discuss the pressures of overwork, the myths of self-care, and the small, intuitive practices that help us reconnect with ourselves. Rebecca shares how breathwork, intentional movement, and simple rituals became tools for healing, alongside a powerful reflection: If all expectations were stripped away, how would you choose to live?Rebecca Moore@__rebecca__moore⁠Website⁠Follow Along⁠⁠⁠@humanityatwork⁠⁠

In this Humanity at Work podcast episode, host Christina Disler is joined by Hannah Phang, Co-founder of The Now Work, a platform connecting over 2,000 leading global sustainability professionals with organisations driving change. A thought leader at the intersection of climate, sustainability, and the future of work, Hannah challenges how we address systemic issues, individual responsibility, and the need for new ways of working.Together, they explore how our economic, social, and cultural systems shape our understanding of success, productivity, and self-worth. Hannah shares insights on how our economic system—built on the concept of infinite growth and shareholder value—fuels disconnection from ourselves, one another, and the planet, keeping us in cycles of emptiness and reinforcing the belief that we must constantly strive for more. They also discuss the paradox of the wellness industry, questioning whether many modern self-care practices truly support well-being or simply help us cope within structures that were never designed for human flourishing.At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming agency, challenging inherited narratives, and remembering that systems are designed—meaning they can be redesigned. Hannah offers a compelling perspective on what it means to live and work in alignment—not by escaping the system, but by shifting how we engage with it.Hannah Phang@⁠coeurrentThe Now WorkFollow Along⁠⁠⁠@humanityatwork⁠⁠

In this Humanity at Work podcast episode, host Christina Disler sits down with spiritual channel and teacher Bree Melanson. Known for her charisma and impactful approach, Bree shares her journey from being a curious and observant only child to attending business school, and ultimately, to supporting others in reconnecting with their truest selves. Together, they explore what it means to be a human having a spiritual experience, the definition of liberation, the role of the ego, and aligning with our purpose. Bree invites listeners into deeper self-inquiry with reflective prompts, asking: If you were the last person on Earth, what would you still do? Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Humanity at Work 00:52 – Meet Bree Melanson: Spiritual Channel and Teacher 08:38 – Reconnecting with Spirituality 17:40 – The Role of Ego and Soul in Personal Growth 28:16 – Understanding Triggers and Emotional Awareness 39:48 – Manifestation, Soul Alignment, and Liberation Bree Melanson @bree.melanson Website Follow Along @humanity.at.work Episode Transcript

In this episode of the Humanity at Work podcast, host Christina Disler sits down with Chris Connors, a globally recognised meditation teacher and embodiment guide who has spent his life exploring the intersection of consciousness and creativity.  Growing up in conflict-stricken Belfast, Chris's early experiences of war and institutional fear shaped his journey. Through his journey—from corporate beginnings in advertising to training with Soto Zen masters in Japan and China and spending time in ashrams in India, Chris brings a grounded approach to the challenges of modern life and leading. Christina and Chris discuss the systems that continue to undermine human sustainability, the commercialisation of wellness and Chris's definition of wellness. They also discuss the opportunity for transformation in life’s hard moments, like death and grief, and the profound shifts that come with cultivating presence. Chris also reflects on the power of letting go, exploring the question: Who are we beyond the stories we tell ourselves? Listen now on Spotify and Apple.  Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the Humanity at Work Podcast 00:50 - Meet Chris Connors: Meditation teacher and embodiment guide 02:20 - Growing up in conflict-stricken Belfast 04:51 - Chris’s childhood as a performer 06:32 - Burning the corporate suit: Leaving the world of advertising 08:09 - Losing his mother: A profound awakening moment 11:00 - Discovering the transformative power of presence 14:39 - Reflections on the wellness industry’s evolution 18:13 - Why integration is everything 21:26 - The common illusion entrepreneurs face 25:23 - Exploring alternative business models 27:10 - Redefining our relationship with money 28:42 - Scarcity and fear vs. abundance and love 29:20 - How childhood trauma shapes success and drive 31:24 - Letting go of attachment to suffering 33:51 - The rise of seekers: Why people are drawn to inner work 37:34 - Exploring the inner wilderness: Finding freedom within 39:41 - Chris’s ultimate wish for humanity 40:36 - Final words of wisdom Chris Connors ⁠@christopherconnors⁠ Follow Along ⁠⁠⁠@humanityatwork⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Episode Transcript⁠⁠

In this episode of the Humanity at Work Podcast, host Christina Disler sits down with internationally renowned creative Giorgia Goggi, whose passion and medium is food. Giorgia shares her journey from a creative childhood to navigating the fashion industry, ultimately finding her way into a fulfilling life rooted in culinary artistry. Together, they explore Giorgia’s early influences, her unconventional path, and the challenges and joys of her path. Giorgia also reveals her impactful approach to leading, rejecting the fear-driven, hierarchical norms often found in the culinary world. Instead, she fosters a collaborative, regenerative environment rooted in creativity and trust. This episode delves into themes of creative expression, teamwork, and personal alignment, offering an inspiring perspective on breaking away from convention and living a life of creative freedom. Listeners will be inspired by Giorgia’s reflections on nurturing intuition, staying true to oneself and embracing continual evolution. Timestamps 00:50 Meet Giorgia Goggi: A Culinary Creative 02:31 Giorgia's Early Life and Creativity Expression 06:12 Following a "Serious" Path 09:00 Fashion as an Initial Creative Outlet 12:02 Listening to Her Body 16:30 Leading Differently: A Chef's Impact 18:50 How Giorgia Creates Now 21:02 Artistry and Commercial Demands 24:46 Finding Inspiration in Solitude 28:39 The Journey of Creating Moroseta Kitchen 31:30 Being Reminded of the Power of a Team 34:10 Giorgia's Evolving Relationship with Control 38:44 Final Reflections Giorgia Goggi @giorgiaeugeniagoggi @morosetakitchen Giorgia’s new cookbook, Moroseta Kitchen, is available now Follow Along ⁠@humanityatwork Episode Transcript

In this episode, Christina Disler hosts the inaugural episode of the Humanity at Work podcast. She discusses the podcast's mission and the intention behind its creation, while also exploring what "humanity" truly means. The episode highlights the importance of reconnecting with our innate capacity to feel, empathise, and understand one another. Christina emphasises why it's crucial to stay connected to our authenticity, both in our personal and professional lives. She raises thought-provoking questions for the collective to consider: How does our continued disconnection from ourselves and each other impact the world at large? And how can we shift away from productivity culture toward something more enriching and sustainable?  Timestamps 00:22 Podcast Intentions 02:23 The Over Prioritisation of the Mind  05:16 Reconnecting to the Feminine 08:25 Increasing the Capacity to Feel 09:08 Christina’s Early Workplace Experiences 15:37 Attachment to Our Personas 18:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Along ⁠Instagram⁠

Humanity at Work is a new podcast that delves into the essence of the human experience, anchored in feeling, both in our work and beyond. The world is suffering. Our external world - with environmental, social, economic, cultural, and political crises — mirrors our internal world. We’ve learnt to disembody, abandoning parts of ourselves to survive, leading to a disassociation that impacts our humanity. Work, how we spend the majority of our time and energy, often perpetuates this disconnect. We need new ways of being and operating. With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, honouring and cultivating what makes us human, the capacity to feel and experience, is now more important than ever. We are on a mission to BRING PEOPLE INTO THEIR HEARTS and, through there, into their POWER and LIBERATION, creating a more HUMANE and CONNECTED WORLD. By learning from experts who support our help us work on own humanity and individuals who are embodied in their work, we can collectively create a new reality.