The Brilliant Body Podcast with Ali Mezey

SYNOPSIS: In this luminous Valentine’s Day conversation, Ali sits down with beloved embodiment pioneers Philip Shepherd and Allyson Woodrooffe for an intimate exploration of love, presence, and what it truly means to be in relationship. Rather than offering formulas or ideals, Philip and Allyson open a window into their decades-long marriage as a living, breathing practice – one rooted not in static roles or assumptions, but in ongoing discovery. Through reflections on embodiment, wholeness, and what they call “thisness,” they reveal how presence dissolves the illusion of “knowing” one another and instead invites continual illumination through relationship. Together, they unpack the cultural forces that pull us away from the body and into defensive identities – especially in long-term partnership. From parenting challenges and navigating imbalance in public visibility, to moments of (mild) jealousy, deep tenderness, and inevitable grief, they speak candidly about the humility required to love deeply. Their shared insight is clear: love cannot thrive where we cling to fixed self-concepts. Instead, it asks us to risk being changed, to respond rather than react, and to let ourselves be revealed in real time. Embodiment, in this context, becomes not a concept but a lived courage – the willingness to stay grounded while life remains beautifully unsafe.The episode closes with a moving reflection on intimacy as both animal and luminous, playful and profound. Philip and Allyson describe how coming home to the body restores spontaneity, humor, and reverence to their sensual connection, and how decades together have only deepened the mystery rather than diminished it. What emerges is not a portrait of a “perfect” marriage, but a meadow of possibility – an invitation to reclaim love as a verb, as presence, and as a courageous act of becoming ever whole, together.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeTo read more about the next Personal Geometry® Foundations training ALLYSON WOODROOFE Bio:Allyson Woodrooffe is the co-director with Philip Shepherd of The Embodied Present Process, bringing to it her skills as a life and breath coach and as a workshop facilitator. The first half of her working life flexed her creative side – as a filmmaker, photographer, stained glass artist and graphic designer. Since completing a Masters in 2013, she has been dedicated to deepening into the realms of intelligence and presence that are held in the body, first by becoming a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, and then training with Philip as an Embodiment Facilitator, and now as a co-director of TEPP.She especially enjoys working with women, helping them discover their inner and physical strength through breath and movement, and restoring clarity and purpose to their lives in the process. TEPP practices have also been transformative for her pregnant clients, enabling them to access inner resources that support them through labour, delivery and parenthood.Allyson and Philip have lived and worked together for over 37 years. They have constructed theatre sets, made films, designed and built a house, raised two remarkable children – and created TEPP.PHILIP SHEPHERD Bio:Philip Shepherd is recognized as a leader in the global embodiment movement. He created The Embodied Present Process™ (TEPP) in partnership with Allyson Woodrooffe, and as co-directors they provide practices and new perspectives on our culture to help people come home to the deep presence and wisdom of their body. They share the work of TEPP online, in one-on-one coaching, and worldwide in workshops, retreats and Facilitators Trainings. TEPP is also supported by Philip’s two books – Radical Wholeness and New Self, New World – which articulate the causes, perils and personal challenges of our culture’s disembodiment.  Philip’s own journey to embodiment includes cycling alone as a teenager through Europe, the Middle East, Iran, India and Japan; studying classical Japanese Noh Theater; co-founding an interdisciplinary theatre company; writing two internationally produced plays and a television documentary; and playing lead roles on stages in London, New York, Chicago and Toronto.  The TEPP website and online courses are found at www.EmbodiedPresent.com. Philip’s most recent book, Deep Fitness, was co-authored with Andrei Yakovenko and offers a revolutionary and highly effective approach to fitness. He is currently working on a new book, Remembering Ourselves: A Guide to Our Lost Intelligence.

Content note: This episode includes candid discussion of sexuality, trauma, and intimate bodily experiences.SYNOPSIS: In this rich and deeply human - and live event – conversation, Ali Mezey is joined by somatic sex educator and bodyworker Rahi Chun for an unscripted exploration of sexuality, trauma, pleasure, and the innate intelligence of the body. Together, they challenge symptom-focused approaches to sexual “dysfunction” and invite a more holistic understanding of libido, arousal, orgasm, and genital response as meaningful expressions of lived experience, safety, and relational history.Drawing from decades of professional and personal work, Ali and Rahi explore how early touch, attachment, trauma, shame, and cultural conditioning shape our sexual bodies – often long before sexuality itself is consciously understood. They discuss erectile challenges, orgasmic blocks, genital guarding, compulsive desire, pleasure ceilings, and the deep nervous-system need for safety that underlies sexual expression across all genders.Through stories, client examples, and embodied inquiry, the episode illuminates how patterns of arousal and shutdown are not failures, but adaptive strategies – and how making them conscious can open new pathways for choice, intimacy, and authentic pleasure. This conversation is a powerful invitation to move beyond performance, diagnosis, and shame, and toward a sexuality rooted in presence, agency, and embodied authenticity.In wanting to keep their anonymity, several attendees submitted questions and comments via chat.Rahi on my podcast: The Disarmed Body: Sexual De-Armoring with Sexological Bodyworker, Rahi ChunAli on Rahi's podcast: Your "Sex Problem" Isn't Sexual: It's Relational Geometry with Ali MezeyFOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeTo read more about the next Personal Geometry® Foundations training FOR MORE RAHI CHUNBIO: Rahi combines his training and experience as a CA state-certified Somatic Sex Educator and Sexological Bodyworker, Certified TRE Provider, NeuroAffective Touch Practitioner, Life Coach with an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology, with certifications in Family Constellations Therapy, DeArmouring Arts, Chi Nei Tsang & Karsai Nei Tsang, and STREAM (Scar Tissue Remediation and Management) in his facilitation of Somatic Sexual Wholeness.  His expertise is in the art of Genital Dearmouring having trained practitioners worldwide.  Hundreds have also graduated from his signature online course, "The 3 Keys to Genital Dearmouring" or via his live trainings and workshops.  SITE:  https://somaticsexualwholeness.com/. And : https:://www.DivineUnionForLovers.com. Registration and course content for The Three keys to Genital Dearmoring can be found HERE RAHI SOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook: @Rahi.ChunIG: @rahichunRahi's YOUR BODY REMEMBERS PLEASURE PodcastOTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: Montak Chia – A Thai Taoist master, author, and creator of the Universal Healing Tao System and Tao Yoga. His work blends Taoist internal alchemy, qigong, and sexual energy practices, with teachings on cultivating and transforming sexual energy for health and vitality. Learn about Mantak Chia’s teachings and Universal Healing Tao SystemFamily Constellation Work – A therapeutic approach that explores how hidden family dynamics and generational patterns can influence present-day emotions, relationships, and behavior. Family Constellation Work brief explanationBert Hellinger, founder of Family/Systemic Constellation WorkFive-films series (made by Ali Mezey) on Stephan’s work with transgenerational influences on illnessNeuroAffective Touch® – A somatic therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Aline LaPierre that uses attuned, body-focused touch to help integrate emotional, relational, and developmental experiences stored in the body. It bridges the gap between mind and body to support healing where words alone may not reach. What Is NeuroAffective Touch®?Inorgasmia (In-orgasmia) – A term used to describe the inability to reach orgasm despite adequate stimulation and desire. It can have physical, psychological, relational, or somatic contributors and is distinct from general low libido.Genital De-Armoring – A somatic concept referring to the process of releasing muscular and nervous system defensesin the pelvic and genital regions that have developed in response to trauma, fear, or shut-down responses. It supports increased sensation, relaxation, and fuller access to pleasure and bodily presence.“La Petite Mort” – A French expression meaning “the little death,” traditionally used metaphorically to describe the sensations of release, surrender, and altered consciousness that can accompany orgasm. The phrase highlights the powerful emotional and physical release inherent in sexual climax.Ellen Heed: Embodied Autonomy; Scar Tissue Remediation expert“Things that fire together wire together” – A popular paraphrase of the principle from neuroscience and psychology often attributed to Hebbian learning, meaning that neurons that activate together strengthen their connections, forming lasting patterns in the brain and nervous system. It’s widely used to explain how habitual patterns (emotional, cognitive, somatic) become embedded over time.Ivan Pavlov & the Dog Experiments – Ivan Pavlov was a Russian physiologist best known for discovering classical conditioning through his experiments with dogs. He observed that dogs would begin to salivate not only when food was presented, but also in response to neutral stimuli (like a bell) once those stimuli were repeatedly paired with food. This demonstrated how the nervous system learns through association– how experiences that occur together become linked. Pavlov’s work laid the foundation for understanding how emotional, behavioral, and somatic patterns are formed, and why repeated pairings of sensation, emotion, and meaning can shape lifelong responses in the body.

SYNOPSIS:In this live Q&A episode of The Brilliant Body Podcast, host Ali Mezey is joined by fan-favorite guest and Longevity Zoologist, Dr. Zoolittle (“Penny”) for a wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation on how we can radically improve the health, happiness, and lifespan of our animal companions.Together, Ali and Penny explore what it truly means to be intelligent caretakers of animals – moving beyond conventional pet care toward a rewilded, biologically informed approach rooted in functional and regenerative medicine. Penny explains why pets used to live much longer, how modern lifestyles disrupt animal biology, and what we can learn from wild animals about instinct, self-medication, nutrition, movement, and rest.The discussion dives into practical and often surprising topics, including animal instinct versus learned behavior, why dogs don’t naturally overeat, how feeding patterns affect hormones and longevity, the profound impact of spaying and neutering on animal health, and the importance of species-appropriate diets. Penny also answers audience questions on indoor cats, fasting, raw versus cooked food, enrichment, and how to bring nature back into our pets’ lives – even within modern homes.This episode challenges deeply ingrained assumptions about pet care and offers compassionate, science-based insights that empower animal guardians to support their companions in thriving – not just surviving – well into old age. A must-listen for anyone who loves animals and wants to honor the intelligence of their bodies as much as our own.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeALI BIO: Ali Mezey is a Body Therapist, Family Constellation Work Facilitator, Sexologist and Media Maker with over 40 years of experience. Ali has worked in renowned rehab centers in Los Angeles for sex, drug, and alcohol addiction. She developed her groundbreaking body-based method Personal Geometry® to address the challenges of working with sexual trauma, compulsivity, dysfunctions and discontents. She works internationally with individuals, couples, and groups. Ali is also a public speaker on the intelligence of the body, a teacher of Personal Geometry® and the creator and host of The Brilliant Body Podcast.FOR MORE DR ZOOLITTLE:For ANIMAL ANTI-AGING CoursePENNY - WebsitePENNY - LinkTreePENNY - LinkedInPENNY - InstagramPENNY BIO:Penny, a world-class Longevity Zoologist, is a zoo consultant, animal welfare lecturer, mammal trainer and Pet Health Concierge. Affectionately known as Dr Zoolittle, she works with Functional and Regenerative Medicine for animal anti-aging and preventative health care.Penny is also an Applied Cognitive Ethologist specializing in animal mental health and the human-animal bond. Captivity can often mean compromise, with animals trading freedom for relationships and resources, so her co-operative care model helps them enjoy the best of both worlds by increasing their choices, sense of control and cognitive engagement.These unique perspectives create a 360 signature approach for Zoos and Pet Parents that ‘rewilds’ animal health and welfare by weaving together the robust strategies of wild animals with cutting-edge longevity biology to give animals freedom from diseases, mental decline and premature aging.As well as consulting through her Pet Health Concierge Service, she offers insightful Puppy & Kitten programs that equip young animals with impeccable manners, sparkling confidence and lasting health. For adult pets, she teaches Four Paws Finishing School, a coaching program that gives pets a Longevity Lifestyle so they can live into their 20s, full of joy and vitality.ANIMAL ANTI-AGING COURSE Logistics:Please note: This class starts on Wednesday, January 14th. As all classes are recorded and available in perpetuity, you can register at any time. Of course, it's best to JOIN NOW so you can be with Penny and ask your questions live!Also, this class pertains across species (including yourself;-). When there are differences, Penny will point them out to you – so you'll have the species specifics where it's relevant and important to understand, but the foundation pieces apply to everyone.Class runs for eight weeks. We meet once a week on Wednesdays, 7:30pm UK time; 2:30pm Eastern; 11:30am PacificAn hour of class time together, and then half an hour of discussion Q and AThere's a big fat workbook that accompanies the course so you don't have to sit there taking loads of notesIf you miss a class, don't worry. Everything is recorded and you have the workbookYou also have the course for life (it may or may not be improved and updated over time - and usually it does as science always changes). You also have access to all those updates and improvements. So it's a buy once, keep it forever –  it'll grow with you and it'll still serve every animal down the line.Recommendations a'plenty for what you can do, what you could buy, best brands (Penny's done the research!) Tuition is $399Other bonuses TBA; other perks on registration pageThere's two other options there. If you want to do installments, you can do that. If you want to invite any other people in your life who love their pets to come and study alongside you that will reduce your tuition as well: for every two friends you get 50% off tuition; for three friends your tuition is free. P.S. If you do register, please let them know that you heard about it through The Brilliant Body Podcast! MORE EPISODE LINKS AND REFERENCES COMING SOON!

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Ali sits down with yoga teacher, author, and anatomy educator Rachel Scott to explore what it truly means to live as a body – not just to have one.Beginning with a candid inquiry into modern yoga culture, Rachel gently peels back the layers of Western commodification to reveal yoga’s deeper purpose: presence, self-regulation, and intimacy with the living intelligence beneath our habits and conditioning. From there, the dialogue opens into a profound exploration of embodiment as a spiritual practice – one that includes sensation, relationship, desire, stillness, and paradox.Drawing on decades of practice, Rachel shares how yoga, anatomy study, and contemplative stillness have shaped her understanding of consciousness, love, and human connection. Together, Ali and Rachel reflect on mindfulness versus “body-fulness,” nervous-system awareness in dating and relationships, and the wisdom of listening to the body’s cues around safety, timing, and consent.The conversation also moves tenderly into themes rarely spoken aloud: fertility, choice, grief, freedom, and the many ways maternal love can be expressed beyond childbirth. Rachel speaks openly about her journey through wanting children, confronting ambivalence, and ultimately trusting the larger intelligence of life – an experience that reshaped her relationships, her work, and her sense of self.Weaving together yoga philosophy, Tantra, anatomy lab awe, and everyday relational practice, this episode is an invitation to slow down, feel more, and honor the mystery of being embodied. A heartfelt exploration of love, presence, and the courage it takes to listen deeply to the body’s quiet truths.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeALI BIO: Ali Mezey is a Body Therapist, Family Constellation Work Facilitator, Sexologist and Media Maker with over 40 years of experience. Ali has worked in renowned rehab centers in Los Angeles for sex, drug, and alcohol addiction. She developed her groundbreaking body-based method Personal Geometry® to address the challenges of working with sexual trauma, compulsivity, dysfunctions and discontents. She works internationally with individuals, couples, and groups. Ali is also a public speaker on the intelligence of the body, a teacher of Personal Geometry® and the creator and host of The Brilliant Body Podcast.FOR MORE RACHEL SCOTT:rachelyoga.comIG/Youtube: rachelscottyogaHead Over Heels: A Yogi’s Guide to Dating by Rachel ScottAll books by RachelRACHEL BIO:Rachel combines thousands of hours of teacher training experience with her academic expertise (MSc Online Education) to help yoga teachers and studios create transformational educational experiences. She supports students, teachers, and trainers to share their passion, find their voice, and inspire others.  In addition to authoring five books, she has written for Yoga International, YogaUOnline, and the Huffington Post, and exuberantly shares her knowledge through her coaching, YouTube channel, online courses, and free online classes. Find her at rachelyoga.com or on social media at rachelscottyoga.RESOURCES, DEFINITIONS, INSPIRATIONS:Integral Anatomist (and Rachel's partner), Gil Hedley and The Nerve Tour (link is to an interview of Gil speaking about it)Do yourself a favor and get yourself an Explorer Membership - a mere pittance for the wealth you'll receiveGil's Youtube Channel of amazing videosMy fantastic conversation with Gil (my very first TBBP episode!): The Body is a Gift with Gil Hedley: A Reverential Journey into the Human BodyChristopher Hareesh WallceCarlos PomedaProfessor Alexis Sanderson/Oxford (go full yoga-nerd with this guy - wow)Cheryl Strayed: Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear SugarDualism: It basically says that there are two things, or substances, and they are completely separate. For example, substance dualists believe that the mind is part of the soul and the soul resides completely outside of the body.Non-dualism: Non-dualism refers to the idea that all things are interconnected and not separate. Distinctions like self and other, or good and bad, are illusions created by the mind. Essentially, it's about recognizing the unity and interdependence of all phenomena.Proprioception: also referred to as kinesthesia, is the sense of body position, movement, and force. It is the unconscious awareness without visual input and is sometimes referred to as the sixth sense.There are three primary types of proprioceptors: muscle spindles, Golgi tendon organs (GTOs), and joint receptors. Each distinct type provides different information that together shape the sensory profile of the body's positioning and motion.Interoception: Interoception is awareness of your body's internal senses or signals. It identifies how you feel. You can consciously or unconsciously respond to these signals. For example, if your stomach rumbles, you know you're hungry.YOGA DEFINITIONS:Shiva: He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism. Shiva. God of Destruction. God of Time, Yoga, Meditation and Arts. Lord of Yogis and Physicians.

To mark two years of The Brilliant Body Podcast, we’ve gathered a tapestry of answers to one of Ali’s favourite closing questions:“How do you define embodiment?”You’ll hear a whole range of voices and perspectives, all illuminating this same question in their own way.If a particular moment lands for you, you can dive deeper by listening to the full conversation it came from - you’ll find all of those episodes listed just below.If this compilation has been meaningful to you, we’d be really grateful if you’d rate and review the podcast wherever you listen. It’s a simple way to help more people find these conversations and join in exploring what it means to live as a brilliant body.***CLICK HERE TO BROWSE OUR FREE EVENTS***GUESTS' FULL-LENGTH EPISODES (in order of excerpt):The Receiving and Giving Body with Dr Betty Martin, Creator of The Wheel of ConsentThe Systemic Body: Navigating Relational Dynamics and Systemic Consciousness with Jane Peterson, PhDThe Released Body with Siv Jøssang Shields: Proust, Bees and Neurogenic TremoringThe Incarcerated Body: Cultural & Institutional Imprisonment with Dr. Kate BalestrieriThe Touched Body with Deane JuhanThe Disarmed Body: Sexual De-Armoring with Sexological Bodyworker, Rahi ChunThe Artificial Body? with TANJA DIAMOND: Love, Pleasure and AI – PART ONEThe Brilliance of Animal Bodies with Longevity Zoologist, DR. ZOOLITTLE (Penny) - PART ONEThe Emotional Body with Healer, Mona WindEmbodied Intelligence with Philip Shepherd: Wholeness, Sensitivity, and the Pelvic BowlYour Resonant Body with Sarah Peyton: Brain Circuits, Childhood Contracts & Reconceiving AddictionThe Fluid Body: Moving Like Water and the Wisdom of Emilie Conrad w/ Marcella BotteroFelt-Sense Thinking - Infusing Education with Somatic Intelligence: Aitabé FornésCameron West yet to comeWalking Somatic Empathy with Joseph Culp: The Mind-Body Process of Walking-In-Your-ShoesBridging Divides with Rachel Fell: Neurodivergence, Conscious Body Awareness & Inclusive IntelligenceA 'Good Death’ with Karen Bellone, Death Doula: Embracing Life & Mortality PART ONEThe Curious Body with Kirstie Simson: Improvisational LivingThe Liberated Body: Reclaiming Erotic Wholeness with Somatic Sex Educator Darshana AvilaThe Moving Body with Jo Cobbett: Including the Body, Personally and CollectivelyErotic Grief & Sexological Body Work with Lorraine Pentello & Ali MezeyThe Body is a Gift with Gil Hedley: A Reverential Journey into the Human BodyThe Aroused Body with UMA FURMAN: Living and Aging PleasurablyTrauma and the Body with Amber Gray: Regulation, Restoration, & The Patience of WhalesTABOO Part Three: Money & The Prosperous Body with Somatic Financial Therapist, BARI TESSLERBeyond Massage with Holden Zalma: Body Brilliance as a Tool to Heal OthersCelebrating the Senses with Rose Mary Riggs: Equine Therapy, Erotic Brilliance and Devotional Self-Pleasure

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THE BRILLIANT BODY PODCAST! We're two years old and counting!We hope you enjoyed this episode - and that it inspired you to notice (and appreciate) what you particularly enjoy about being the brilliant body that you are!Now we want to hear from you...We’re collecting 1–2 minute videos answering this question:What do you like best about being your particular brilliant body?How to submit:Post your video on Instagram and tag @ali_body_brillianceOr, if you prefer a more old-school route, you can send it via WhatsApp (+1-310-1492) or email (connect@thebrilliantbodypodcast.com)By submitting a video, you agree to our using it across media platforms - thanks!Follow along on social to watch other people’s responses and share yours there, too.https://www.instagram.com/ali_body_brilliance/https://www.facebook.com/bodybrilliance***CLICK HERE TO BROWSE OUR FREE EVENTS***And lastly (you know the drill): if you loved this episode, please rate and review - it genuinely helps more people find the show.GUESTS' FULL-LENGTH EPISODES (in order of excerpt):Trauma and the Body with Amber Gray: Regulation, Restoration, & The Patience of WhalesThe Emotional Body with Healer, Mona WindThe Liberated Body: Reclaiming Erotic Wholeness with Somatic Sex Educator Darshana AvilaThe Colonized Body with Professor Matthew Beaumont: The Politics of AnatomyThe Moving Body with Jo Cobbett: Including the Body, Personally and CollectivelyThe Released Body with Siv Jøssang Shields: Proust, Bees and Neurogenic TremoringThe Touched Body with Deane JuhanThe Systemic Body: Navigating Relational Dynamics and Systemic Consciousness with Jane Peterson, PhDThe Artificial Body? with TANJA DIAMOND: Love, Pleasure and AI – PART ONEThe Body is a Gift with Gil Hedley: A Reverential Journey into the Human BodyThe Brilliance of Animal Bodies with Longevity Zoologist, DR. ZOOLITTLE (Penny) - PART ONECameron West yet to comeWalking Somatic Empathy with Joseph Culp: The Mind-Body Process of Walking-In-Your-ShoesCelebrating the Senses with Rose Mary Riggs: Equine Therapy, Erotic Brilliance and Devotional Self-PleasureThe Fluid Body: Moving Like Water and the Wisdom of Emilie Conrad w/ Marcella BotteroYour Resonant Body with Sarah Peyton: Brain Circuits, Childhood Contracts & Reconceiving AddictionThe Curious Body with Kirstie Simson: Improvisational LivingThe Harmonious Body: The Art & Health of Self-Knowing with Paul LubiczBridging Divides with Rachel Fell: Neurodivergence, Conscious Body Awareness & Inclusive IntelligenceBeyond Massage with Holden Zalma: Body Brilliance as a Tool to Heal OthersFelt-Sense Thinking - Infusing Education with Somatic Intelligence: Aitabé FornésA 'Good Death’ with Karen Bellone, Death Doula: Embracing Life & Mortality PART ONETABOO Part Three: Money & The Prosperous Body with Somatic Financial Therapist, BARI TESSLERThe Bodies We Got: A Conversation with Dr. Madhav GramkeErotic Grief & Sexological Body Work with Lorraine Pentello & Ali MezeyThe Un/Safe Body: Exploring Conscious Walking with Alexander Technique Facilitator, Elizabeth Castagna

MORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  https://www.alimezey.comInstagram:  ali_body_brilliancePersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/If you have any questions, email Ali at: ali@alimezey.comPHILIP SHEPHERD: Embodiment Leader, Author, Actor

MORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  https://www.alimezey.comInstagram:  ali_body_brilliancePersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/If you have any questions, email Ali at: ali@alimezey.com

NEXT COHORT STARTS this week on November 12th! Two spots left - wanna jump into one of them?Personal Geometry® is a somatic and spatial practice that taps into the body's innate, felt-sense understanding of spatial relationships. This work can do so much so quickly. It’s an amazing way to get you, your clients, your partner, other participants, to see and feel the body-truth of things in minutes. We are excited to share Personal Geometry Foundations with you as a practitioner discover how you can best tailor it to the disciplines you are already, or will be, practicing. This non-verbal, embodied approach provides a clear and immediate visual and visceral representation of a person's inner world, making it an invaluable tool for therapists, facilitators, and anyone seeking profound transformation.  A seven-week online class - perfect for therapists, sexologists, coaches, and healing practitioners. Foundations is the prerequisite for advanced classes on Sexuality and Addiction, and individuals seeking personal healing are welcome too!  PERSONAL GEOMETRY TRAININGSJoin the Next Personal Geometry® Foundations Class  (online over Zoom)Now enrolling - click here for more details. Next cohort starts February 8th, 2025.Our audience gets $250 off - just mention the show when contacting Ali. MORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  https://www.alimezey.comPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/If you have any questions, email Ali at: ali@alimezey.com

EPISODE SYNOPSIS: The Brilliant Body Podcast – 50th Episode Panel CelebrationIn this special 50th episode of The Brilliant Body Podcast, host Ali invites three previous guests – Sarah Peyton, Rachel Fell, and Amber Gray – to join in a first-ever panel discussion. Each guest brings decades of experience in somatic education, neuroscience, neurodivergence, and trauma healing across diverse cultures and communities.Together, they dive into the deep connections between body intelligence and democracy, unpacking how embodiment influences everything from individual healing to collective social structures. From reclaiming the intelligence of the body to exploring how dissociation impacts global citizenship, the conversation weaves personal insight with profound societal reflection.Whether you’re new to somatic awareness or deeply rooted in body-based practices, this episode promises to challenge, inspire, and expand your understanding of what it means to live as a “brilliant body” in today’s world.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:Website: https://www.alimezey.comPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:FREE Guided Body Mapping Taster: Heart/Sexuality SplitFive-films series (made by Ali Mezey) on Stephan Hausner’s work with transgenerational influences on illnessALI IN THE HOTSEAT OF TBBP:https://thebrilliantbodypodcast.transistor.fm/episodes/giving-the-body-language-with-personal-geometry-ali-in-the-hot-seat-with-lauren-gleasonORIGINAL EPISODES WITH MY THREE GUESTS:SARAH PEYTON:https://thebrilliantbodypodcast.transistor.fm/episodes/your-resonant-body-with-sarah-peyton-brain-circuits-childhood-contracts-reconceiving-addictionhttps://thebrilliantbodypodcast.transistor.fm/episodes/the-neuroscience-of-love-and-addiction-live-audience-q-a-recording-with-sarah-peyton-and-ali-mezeyAMBER GRAY:https://thebrilliantbodypodcast.transistor.fm/episodes/amber-greyhttps://thebrilliantbodypodcast.transistor.fm/episodes/earth-prayer-meditation-rooting-into-beloved-groundRACHEL FELL:https://thebrilliantbodypodcast.transistor.fm/episodes/bridging-divides-with-rachel-fell-neurodivergence-conscious-body-awareness-inclusive-intelligencehttps://thebrilliantbodypodcast.transistor.fm/episodes/neurodiversity-the-body-inclusive-intelligence-live-audience-q-a-recording-with-rachel-fell-ali-mezeyFOR MORE RACHEL FELL:WEBSITE: https://rachelfell.com/BIO: Rachel Fell is an independent coach, consultant, and educator decoding true identity in organizational leadership, strategy, brand, and communications. Engaging embodied intelligence, she helps her clients find the core and congruent truth of what they have to offer the world.Rachel is a champion of radical inclusion, recognizing and celebrating diversity, both seen and unseen. Uncommonly creative and capable, she excels in challenging self leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations to go beyond theIr prior prejudices and preconceptions of what is possible. Her sweet spot is where the interconnectedness underpinning evolution, living systems, embodied psyche, and expressing identity meet.In addition to working with organizations and businesses on their most complex challenges, Rachel coaches neurodivergent and neurocomplex adults, guiding them on their journeys to understanding, acceptance, and success.Herself assessed as neurodivergent in 2018, she's also a published author and speaker on the topic. FOR MORE SARAH PEYTON:WEBSITE: https://sarahpeyton.com/BIO: Sarah Peyton, Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and neuroscience educator, integrates brain science and the use of resonant language to heal personal and collective trauma with exquisite gentleness.Sarah teaches and lectures internationally and is the author of four books: Your Resonant Self: Guided Meditations and Exercises to Engage Your Brain’s Capacity for Healing, the companion Your Resonant Self Workbook: From Self-sabotage to Self-care, and Affirmations for Turbulent Times: Resonant Words to Soothe Body and Mind, and The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook, co-authored with Roxy Manning, PhD.FOR SARAH’S DISCOUNTED GIFT TO YOU:Nearly 75% off her eight-week Introduction to Resonant Language Online Self-Study Course. It's already on a two for one promo, too, so you can sign up with a friend. Just use the coupon code, BodyBrilliance35 at checkout. After you make your order, add a note in the checkout box or shoot an email to help@sarahpeyton.com. Tell her your friend's email and name and you're all set for an incredible journey together. You can find the details in the show notes below. And have fun resonating!MEDIA: - 10 Key Concepts of Resonant Healing - 9 Types Of Resonant LanguageSARAH’S BOOKS: - Your Resonant Self Workbook- Your Resonant Self Meditations Exercises Ebook: - Affirmations For Turbulent Times: Resonant Words to Soothe Body & Mind 

EPISODE SYNOPSIS:This episode of The Brilliant Body Podcast features host Ali in an in-depth, compassionate conversation with Darshana Avila, a trauma-informed somatic educator, practitioner, and sexological bodyworker known for her appearance on Sex, Love & Goop. Together, they explore the intersections of sexuality, embodiment, grief, and healing, discussing how slowing down, attuning to one’s body, and embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connection and erotic wholeness. Darshana explains her integrative approach to sexological bodywork—helping clients safely explore pleasure, boundaries, and self-awareness—as well as the broader cultural conditioning that fuels shame, inhibition, and disconnection. Touching on topics from trauma and consent to the cultural devaluation of grief and sensuality, the conversation becomes a profound reflection on how reclaiming our embodied erotic selves is both personal healing and social activism, ultimately a journey toward fuller, freer, and more loving humanityFOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE DARSHANA AVILA:BIO:Darshana Avila is a trauma-informed somatic educator, practitioner and international speaker who helps people reconnect with the most essential aspects of themselves — their truth, their desires, and their capacity for authentic connection. Known for her grounded, candid, and relational approach, she bridges the worlds of embodiment, emotional intelligence, and personal agency with depth and accessibility.Darshana’s work has been featured on Netflix’s Sex, Love & goop, The Guardian, The New Yorker, and numerous leading podcasts including the most downloaded episode of Shameless Sex Podcast in 2024, the goop Podcast and the Sexology Podcast. PROMO LINKdarshanaavila.com (depending on the release date, we might ask that you feature her upcoming retreat darshanaavila.com/radical-rejuvenation)SOCIAL HANDLESinstagram.com/darshana_avilayoutube.com/@darshana-avilalinkedin.com/in/darshana-avilaskool.com/galgasmOTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS:Betty Martin’s The Brilliant Body Podcast episode: The Receiving and Giving Body with Dr Betty Martin, Creator of The Wheel of ConsentLike A Pro: Training for touch professionalsTHE WHEEL OF CONSENT explainedGwyneth Paltrow’s SEX, LOVE and GOOPSexological BodyworkCis-women definition: a woman whose gender identity aligns with the sex she was assigned at birth, which was female. The term "cisgender" comes from the Latin prefix "cis-" meaning "on the same side as," and is used to distinguish people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth from transgender people whose gender identity differs.Amina Peterson: is an erotic healer, sex doula, surrogate partner, sexual revolutionary and activistBrené Brown’s “We Need to Talk ABout Shame” Internal Family SystemsSomatica Method; Celeste Hirschman and Danielle HarrellKairos and Chronos:The Greek New Testament uses two distinct words for time: Chronos, referring to sequential, measurable, or "clock" time, and Kairos, representing opportune, significant, or "God's" time. The fear of Chronos' time is a metaphor for being enslaved by deadlines and schedules, while Kairos is the critical moment for decisive action or significant change. It represents a fleeting window of opportunity for decisive action, a "light bulb moment" where conditions are perfect for a crucial act, such as an archer taking a perfect shot or a weaver working through a narrow gap in their loom. The concept is used in various fields to describe the importance of timeliness and seizing the right moment, such as in rhetoric, advertising, journalism, and religious contexts. Vaginismis: Involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles that make penetration difficult or impossible.[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]

In this episode, Ali speaks with Dr. James A. Simon, a leading OB-GYN and "Menopause Whisperer," about his pioneering work in sexual medicine and menopause care. Dr. Simon discusses the challenges and importance of addressing sexual health in gynecology, the evolution of hormone therapy, and the cultural barriers that often prevent open conversations about menopause and women’s sexuality.The episode highlights the need for more holistic, individualized care for women, the impact of hormones on health and wellbeing, and the progress still needed in medical education and societal attitudes. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of menopause, hormone therapy, and the value of compassionate, open dialogue about women’s health and aging.Topics also include how aging has changed over generations, why people got scared of Hormone Replacement Therapy, the prevalence and benefits of testosterone in women, the politics of hysterectomies, how Viagra was happened upon, and how GLP-1s work. FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE JAMES:IntimMedicine Website: https://intimmedicine.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intimmedicinespecialists5815/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntimMedicineRestore Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Reviving Her Sexual Desire and Passion for LifeBook by Dr. James A. Simon.JAMES BIO:James A. Simon, MD, CCD, MSCP, IF, FACOGDr. James A. Simon is a board-certified Ob/Gyn, and reproductive endocrinologist. He is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. Dr. Simon also holds certifications as an AASECT-Certified Sexuality Counsellor, an ISCD-Certified Clinical Bone Densitometrist, and a Menopause Society-Certified menopause specialist. He has an active private practice, IntimMedicine Specialists® in Washington, DC focused on complicated gynecology, sexual medicine for both men and women, and menopause. Dr. Simon has received numerous awards including: “Top Washington Physicians,” “America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists,” “Super Doctors of Washington DC-Baltimore-Northern Virginia,” and “The Best Doctors in America.” He is the only physician to serve as President of both The Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. Nicknamed “The Menopause Whisperer,” by Washingtonian Magazine, Dr. Simon is an established researcher and author--completing more than 450 research trials, and more than 800 published articles, abstracts, chapters, and the paperback book: Restore Yourself: A Woman’s Guide to Reviving Her Sexual Desire and Passion for Life. Dr. Simon loves riding the best rollercoasters in the world, collecting fountain pens and wristwatches, and freshwater fishing. He is a five-time Master Angler of Canada.hiker, dog trainer, and lover of nature.OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: ASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists)A professional organization for sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists.ISCD (International Society for Clinical Densitometry)Organization focused on bone density and skeletal health.Menopause SocietyFormerly known as the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of women through an understanding of menopause.International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)Multidisciplinary, academic, and scientific organization dedicated to women’s sexual health.Washingtonian Magazine ArticleRegional magazine that dubbed Dr. Simon "The Menopause Whisperer."Sexual Health AllianceOrganization and conference for sexual health professionals.Women’s Health Initiative Hormone StudiesLandmark studies on hormone therapy in women.Menopause MeetingsAnnual conferences for menopause specialists.PremarinEstrogen medication derived from pregnant mares’ urine, historically used in hormone therapy.Viagra (Sildenafil)Medication for erectile dysfunction, originally developed for high blood pressure.GLP-1 Receptor AgonistsClass of injectable medications for diabetes and weight loss (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy).Dr. Dympna RenshawSouth African psychiatrist and pioneer in sexual medicine, especially in the context of trauma and dysfunction.Halle Berry, Kate WinsletCelebrities mentioned for their advocacy and openness about menopause.Contraception Marches (late 1960s)Historical reference to activism for access to contraception.[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]

In this episode of The Brilliant Body Podcast, Ali speaks with guest Rahi Chun, a somatic sex educator, in a wide-ranging conversation about the deep connections between sexuality, embodiment, trauma, and healing. They discuss how cultural conditioning, lack of education, and past experiences can create physical and emotional barriers to pleasure, and explore practical approaches - like fostering safety, consent, and self-awareness - to help individuals and couples reconnect as bodies. The episode highlights the importance of non-judgment, the healing potential of conscious touch and communication, and the ongoing journey toward greater intimacy, self-acceptance, and body brilliance.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE RAHI CHUN:BIO:Rahi combines his training and experience as a CA state-certified Somatic Sex Educator and Sexological Bodyworker, Certified TRE Provider, NeuroAffective Touch Practitioner, Life Coach with an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology, with certifications in Family Constellations Therapy, DeArmouring Arts, Chi Nei Tsang & Karsai Nei Tsang, and STREAM (Scar Tissue Remediation and Management) in his facilitation of Somatic Sexual Wholeness.  His expertise is in the art of Genital Dearmouring having trained practitioners worldwide.  Hundreds have also graduated from his signature online course, "The 3 Keys to Genital Dearmouring" or via his live trainings and workshops.  SITE:  https://somaticsexualwholeness.com/. And : https:://www.DivineUnionForLovers.com. Registration and course content for The Three keys to Genital Dearmoring can be found HERE RAHI SOCIAL MEDIA:Facebook: @Rahi.ChunIG: @rahichunRahi's ORGANIC SEXUALITY PodcastRahi on my podcast: The Disarmed Body: Sexual De-Armoring with Sexological Bodyworker, Rahi ChunAli on Rahi's podcast: Your "Sex Problem" Isn't Sexual: It's Relational Geometry with Ali MezeyOTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: INCEL is a member of an online community of young men who consider themselves unable to attract women sexually, typically associated with views that are hostile towards women and men who are sexually active.BBC article on the phenomenonWhat’s up with Rahi using the terms “vagina-owner” and “penis-owner”? Gender is complex. To be as respectful and inclusive as possible, these terms are an acknowledgement that not every woman has a vagina and not every person with a vagina identifies as a woman. Same goes for penises and male identity. JO COBBETT The Brilliant Body Podcast episode discussing movement and her community where Rahi and I (and gazillions of people have) metPHILIP SHEPHERD The Brilliant Body Podcast episode where we discuss "lower consciousness"ONE-WAY TOUCH: Dr Betty Martin on The Brilliant Body Podcast discussing one-way touch among so many other fabulous thingsRahi’s Podcast ORGANIC SEXUALITY episode on all things anal: Dr Charlie Glickman on Shame, Shadow and the Power of Embodied Touch KALI is the bad-ass Hindu Goddess of time, death, destruction and the change that come with those. She is often depicted as fierce, with multiple arms holding a sword and a severed head, but can also be seen as a nurturing mother figure. ALI’S NOTE ON FLASHING BACK TO SEXUAL TRAUMA: Rahi and I discuss how feeling safe with a lover can allow, and elicit, the retrieval and “working through” of traumatic memories. This can be an opportunity to move beyond those traumas within a partner’s loving presence and compassion. However, just because you are experiencing flashbacks of sexual trauma does not necessarily mean it’s because you feel safe. It could also be your body showing you that you are overwhelmed in the situation, or worse, receiving instinctual warnings that that person, place or timing isn’t right for you. Ultimately, it’s so important we keep close to the capacity of our won nervous systems at any given moment or sexual encounter particularly if you have experienced sexual trauma. Can you, and hopefully your partner/s, deeply and kindly be with you, “hold space” for you to express, verbally or emotionally, shake, cry, rage, move? Not all partners are equipped for that. Fortunately, there are brilliant practitioners like Rahi who are. Visit https://sexologicalbodyworkers.org/ to find practitioners near you.JACK MOIRIN author of The Erotic Mind, one of the most important books on sexuality ever written. It expertly explains and explores how we use pleasure to heal our pain and trauma. It also includes clear, accessible guidance on how anyone can utilize their own peak encounters and fantasies as powerful tools of self-discovery.FAMILY CONSTELLATION WORK is a therapeutic method that explores and resolves issues within a family system by uncovering hidden dynamics and "entanglements" from previous generations. It's an experiential, solution-focused approach where a client's relationships are represented by other people in a group setting, revealing how unaddressed family traumas or patterns influence the present. By bringing these "unseen dynamics to life," the process aims to foster healing, understanding, and a new sense of connection for the individual and their family.To buy ALi’s internationally renowned 5-film documen...

Episode SummaryIn this guided meditation, Dr. Betty Martin guides you to sit comfortably and place a small object in your hand, focusing on its shape, texture, and temperature. As you pay attention, you’re encouraged to notice the sensations in your hand, shifting your focus from the object to your own sensory experience. You may use the object to gently touch or explore different parts of your hand, moving slowly to heighten awareness. The practice emphasizes going at your own pace, bringing your attention back if your mind wanders, and noticing any feelings that arise - such as pleasantness, curiosity, or even emotions like gratitude or sadness. The meditation can be practiced for about five minutes daily, helping you connect with your body and sensations in a gentle, mindful way.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE BETTY MARTIN:BETTY - WebsiteBIO:Dr. Betty Martin has had her hands on people professionally for over 40 years (some of it legal and some of it questionable). 30 years of Chiropractic and other modalities, then later, 15 years of Somatic Sex Education and Surrogate Partner Therapy. Also Contact Improv and other kinds of play.She is the developer of the Wheel of Consent, a cutting edge model of receiving and giving, based on touch but amenable to non-touch practices as well. She is the author of The Art of Receiving and Giving: The Wheel of Consent.She loves sharing her experience. She developed a 5 day training in the Wheel of Consent for practitioners, which took her around the world, and then trained others to teach it so she could retire. She currently mentors helping professionals, from psychotherapists to sex workers, and all stripes of hands-on practitioners.OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: www.schoolofconsent.org/blog/wheel-explainedwww.wheelofconsent.org/media-kit[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Ali welcomes renowned educator and creator of the Wheel of Consent, Betty Martin. The conversation explores Betty’s journey from her early days as a chiropractor and her deep dive into somatic and erotic practices, to the development of her influential framework, the Wheel of Consent. Together, they discuss the importance of touch, the power of choice in giving and receiving, and how the Wheel of Consent helps people understand boundaries, pleasure, and agency in both professional and personal contexts. Betty shares insights from her decades of teaching, the challenges people face in discovering what they want, and practical exercises for waking up the senses. The episode is a rich, heartfelt exploration of embodiment, consent, and the transformative potential of conscious touch.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE BETTY MARTIN:BETTY - WebsiteLike A Pro: Training for touch professionalsBetty's Media KitBIO:Dr. Betty Martin has had her hands on people professionally for over 40 years (some of it legal and some of it questionable). 30 years of Chiropractic and other modalities, then later, 15 years of Somatic Sex Education and Surrogate Partner Therapy. Also Contact Improv and other kinds of play.She is the developer of the Wheel of Consent, a cutting edge model of receiving and giving, based on touch but amenable to non-touch practices as well. She is the author ofThe Art of Receiving and Giving: The Wheel of Consent.She loves sharing her experience. She developed a 5 day training in the Wheel of Consent for practitioners, which took her around the world, and then trained others to teach it so she could retire. She currently mentors helping professionals, from psychotherapists to sex workers, and all stripes of hands-on practitioners.OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: THE WHEEL OF CONSENT explainedTHE THREE MINUTE GAME: I do what I want. I do what you want. You do what you want. You do what I want.The Body Has A Mind of It’s Own - Sandra & Matthew BlakesleeBAMM(Bay Area) MODEL MUGGINGIf you are any body that has ever been bullied or assaulted, or just want to be prepared in case you are, this is such a useful and truly empowering class. One of the best investments you’ll ever make!PUPPY PILES: A puppy pile for humans is a type of cuddle puddle where several people gather to cuddle together, often in a close and comfortable heap. Inspired by how puppies often sleep together, this informal practice involves a group of people lying on top of or nestled against each other, fostering feelings of comfort, security, and connection. It is a recognized form of platonic cuddling used for therapeutic and emotional support. Also referred to as a Cuddle PartyBODY ELECTRIC: Sacred Intimacy TrainingSCARED INTIMACY WORK: Sacred intimacy work is a path for personal and relational growth that integrates spiritual, emotional, and erotic aspects of the self to deepen authenticity and connection, often involving practices like somatic exercises, mindful communication, and exploring the energies of love and desire within a framework of consent and deep inner work. Key concepts include recognizing the sacred in everyday interactions, cultivating devotion to love, embodying masculine and feminine energies to create sexual polarity, and engaging in personal work to heal wounds and release limitations.BDSM stands for Bondage and Discipline (B&D), Dominance and Submission (D&S), and Sadism and Masochism (S&M), and refers to consensual sexual activities involving power exchange, physical restraints, and sensation play, which can include pain or intense experiences. The core of BDSM is enthusiastic, informed consent, negotiation, and a safety framework that includes "safewords" to pause or stop play and "aftercare" to help participants transition back after the scene.SHA - Sexual Health Alliance Annual Conference October 8-12th where both Betty and Ali will be presentingAASECT - American Association of Sexuality Educators, Councelors and TherapistsBODY BLOG: What Do and Don't Life and Sex Parties Have in Common? by Ali MezeyTanya Diamond - The Artificial Body? with TANJA DIAMOND: Love, Pleasure and AI – PART ONEFor another fantastic, and very different, conversation with Betty Martin, here's an episode from my buddies over at TabooTalks Podcast:https://tabootalks.sisociety.world/podcast/consent-is-sexy-with-dr-betty-martin/HOMUNCULOUS: A man-like representation of the body in the brainSENSORY/TOUCH Homunculus - RIGHT Brain“…the sensory receptors in your body are distributed unevenly. They are densely concentrated in the body parts where you need high acuity and dexterity, and sparse in parts where superior sensory resolution isn’t paramount.“…Your finger maps take up one hundred times as much cortical real estate as your torso map because there is a hundred-to-one ratio of touch receptors in your fingers compared to your torso. The actual surface area of your skin where the sensations originate is irrelevant in apportioning your homunculus map; all that matters is the incoming sensory bandwidth. Thus your huge lips and hands but scrawny arms and legs and disappointing rear end.”PRIMARY MOTOR Homunculus - LEFT Brain“The left [motor] homunculus is a representation of date distribution of motor neurons, which generate actions for the body parts show. Think of it as the output, or response-based homunculus. Notice the face is scowling, and the mouth is open, it’s tongue sticking out actively as part of a threat display. The back of the torso and legs are shown. For our ancestors, large muscles like the glutes and hamstrings would have to activate to make a quick get-away in case of attack. The voice box is mapped in the figure on the left, as vocalization is also part of active threat displays.”Ellen Heed, Body Mapping e-book[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Ali welcomes Jo Cobbett - movement facilitator, artist, and poet - for a rich conversation about the transformative power of embodied movement. Jo shares her experiences navigating personal and community challenges, including the aftermath of wildfires, and how dance and somatic practices offer healing and connection, to self and community.Together, they explore the importance of presence, curiosity, and intention in reclaiming body intelligence. Other topics explored are inhibition, learning from the outside rather than the inside, and finding answers through movement. Jo discusses her approach to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where people of all backgrounds can rediscover themselves through movement. The episode offers inspiration for embracing change, building community, and finding body brilliance in every stage of life.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE JO COBBETT:https://www.movinground.com/https://www.facebook.com/jobcobbettBIO:Jo Cobbett is a devotee and lover of wonder - crafting windows into profound self-encounters and discovering beauty throughout life's journey. Her primary portals are embodied movement and visual art, inviting play, curiosity, and existential dialogue with the world. Jo is directly engaged in life through nurturing family and creating spaces for self-exploration, expressed via her visual art, streamed poetry, and embodied movement offerings. Developing alongside her earlier partnership with Michael Mullen Skelton, Jo has been leading classes and workshops for over 30 years in Los Angeles and around the globe.She trained in bodywork at Esalen Institute, studied 5Rhythms with Gabrielle Roth, Soul Motion with Vinn Arjuna Martí, and Open Floor with Kathy Altman, Lori Saltzman, and Andrea Juhan, among others. Her practice has been further deepened through improvisation and creative play with Paula Shaw, Camille Maurine, and Ruth Zaporah.A primary influence in her life has been her training and collaboration with Susan Harper in Continuum Montage. Her ongoing inspiration also comes through Laura Sirkin‑Brown, and a lifelong conversation with nature — the whispers of wind, the flow of water, and the subtle intelligence of embodied movement.Jo honors countless teachers encountered along the way and remains continuously inspired — including by Ali Mezey, whose presence and insights have enriched her path.OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: Michael Molin-Skelton — Conscious Dance/Soul Motion“A few things that I hold sacred; the love of my life Anneli, the miracle of that love, Jaylan, resilience, friends that cherish and challenge me, integrity, dancing alone, dancing with you, transparency, love.”Esalen Institute -  A historic retreat center in Big Sur, California, focused on human potential and somatic practices.Five Rhythms® with Gabrielle Roth – A dynamic movement practice founded by Gabrielle Roth exploring flow, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness.Soul Motion® with Vinn Arjuna Martí  –  A conscious dance practice rooted in presence, relational awareness, and creative expression.Open Floor with Kathy Altman, Lori Saltzman, and Andrea Juhan - A movement meditation practice designed for personal healing and collective connection.Improvisation with Paula Shaw, Camille Maurine, and Ruth Zaporah - Explorations in expressive arts, performance, and authentic movement.Susan Harper & Continuum Montage - Susan Harper is a Continuum teacher who developed Continuum Montage, blending movement, breath, and sound to deepen somatic awareness.Yakov & Susannah Darling Khan - Founders of Movement Medicine, a conscious dance practice integrating shamanic, therapeutic, and artistic paths.Emilie Conrad, Founder of Continuum MovementAndrea JuhanPaula ShawCamille Maurine Laura Sirkin-Brown  Anna Halprin - Pioneer in postmodern dance and healing movement practices; creator of the Life/Art Process.Baba Olatunji - Nigerian drummer and educator who popularized African drumming in the West; known for *Drums of Passion*.Rupert Sheldrake - Biologist and author known for his theories on morphic resonance and collective memory fields.Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy by Barbara Ehrenreich - A cultural and historical study of how communal dance and celebration have shaped human history.Ecstatic Dance - A global movement community offering conscious, freeform dance events with no talking, alcohol, or shoes.Let There Be Light by Jacques Lusseyran - Memoir of a blind French resistance fighter exploring inner vision and resilience.[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]

"TINCTURE" by Andrea Gibson RIPImagine, when a human dies,the soul misses the body, actually grievesthe loss of its hands and allthey could hold. Misses the throat closing shyreading out loud on the first day of school.Imagine the soul misses the stubbed toe,the loose tooth, the funny bone. The soul still asks, Whydoes the funny bone do that? It’s just weird.Imagine the soul misses the thirsty garden cheekswatered by grief. Misses how the body could sleepthrough a dream. What else can sleep through a dream?What else can laugh? What else can wrinklethe smile’s autograph? Imagine the soul misses each fallingeyelash waiting to be a wish. Misses the wristscreaming away the blade. The soul misses the lisp,the stutter, the limp. The soul misses the holy bruiseblue from that army of blood rushing to the wound’s side.When a human dies, the soul searches the universefor something blushing, something shakingin the cold, something that scars, sweepsthe universe for patience worn thin,the last nerve fighting for its life, the voice boxaching to be heard. The soul misses the waythe body would hold another body and not be two bodiesbut one pleading god doubled in grace.The soul misses how the mind told the body,You have fallen from grace. And the body said,Erase every scripture that doesn’t have a pulse.There isn’t a single page in the bible that can wince,that can clumsy, that can freckle, that can hunger.Imagine the soul misses hunger, emptiness,rage, the fist that was never taught to curl—curled,the teeth that were never taught to clench—clenched,the body that was never taught to make love—made lovelike a hungry ghost digging its way out of the grave.The soul misses the unforever of old age, the skinthat no longer fits. The soul misses every single daythe body was sick, the now it forced, the hereit built from the fever. Fever is how the body prays,how it burns and begs for another average day.The soul misses the legs creakingup the stairs, misses the fear that climbedup the vocal cords to curse the wheelchair.The soul misses what the body could not let go—what else could hold on that tightly to everything?What else could see hear the chain of a swingsetand fall to its knees? What else could toucha screen door and taste lemonade?What else could come back from a warand not come back? But still try to live? Still tryto lullaby? When a human dies the soul movesthrough the universe trying to describe how a body trembleswhen it’s lost, softens when it’s safe, how a wound would healgiven nothing but time. Do you understand? Nothing in space canimagine it. No comet, no nebula, no ray of lightcan fathom the landscape of awe, the heat of shame.The fingertips pulling the first gray hairand throwing it away. I can’t imagine it,the stars say. Tell us again about goosebumps.Tell us again about pain.From Lord of the Butterflies (Button Poetry, 2018) by Andrea Gibson. Copyright

In this episode, Ali speaks with chiropractor and TRE expert Siv Jøssang Shields about the power of neurogenic tremoring as a natural way to release stress and trauma and allow the body to lead in healing. They explore the science behind TRE, speak why our culture suppresses these healing responses, and how reconnecting with the body’s innate intelligence can support deep regulation and integration. Siv shares insights from her diverse background and clinical experience, offering practical tools and reflections on embodiment, healing, and presence.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE SIV:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurogenicintegration/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurogenicIntegration LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurogenic-integration/about/Neurogenic Integration Website: https://neurogenic-integration.com/  To get 50% off on membership at https://neurogenic-integration.com/  use CODE: BrilliantBodySIV BIO:Siv Jøssang Shields - chiropractor, educator, and co-founder of Neurogenic Integration, The Integrated Human, and Voss Kiropraktorkontor. Siv has 30 years of experience in clinical practice with many thousands of patients and a deep passion for the mind-body connection. She holds degrees in biology and physiology, is certified in Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE), HeartMath, Soma Breath, hypnotherapy, and more.For the past 14 years, Siv has led regular courses and practice sessions in Neurogenic Tremoring, often blending it with breathwork, music, journeying, and other somatic tools. She’s also actively involved in developing and evolving TRE alongside its founder, Dr. David Berceli.Siv’s background is as rich as it is diverse - she’s studied meditation and consciousness from childhood, trained in shamanic and Ayurvedic practices, and brings a grounded yet intuitive presence to everything she does. Outside her clinical and teaching work, she’s also a beekeeper, hiker, dog trainer, and lover of nature.OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: Youtube: TRE David BerceliSiv refers to "Blowing off steam" which might look like yelling into a pillow or going for a run after a frustrating day - it's a temporary release of pressure.Emotional catharsis, on the other hand, is a deeper process: it could involve fully feeling and expressing grief during a somatic session, allowing long-held emotions to move through and integrate - leading to lasting relief and insight.Self-regulation: The ability to manage one’s emotions, behaviors, and physiological responses in a way that supports stability, resilience, and well-being - especially during stress or challenge. Breathwork: Any intentional practice of using the breath to influence the body, mind, or emotional state. From calming the nervous system to accessing altered states of consciousness, breathwork is a powerful tool for healing, regulation, and transformation.Triune Brain: A model of the brain that describes it as having three major parts developed over evolutionary time:The reptilian brain (brainstem), responsible for basic survival functionsThe limbic system, which processes emotions and memoryThe neocortex, which governs reasoning, language, and complex thoughtThis framework offers a simplified way to understand how different layers of the brain influence behavior, emotion, and regulation.Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): The part of the nervous system that automatically regulates vital functions like heart rate, digestion, breathing, and sexual arousal. It operates below conscious control and has two main branches - sympathetic (activating) and parasympathetic (calming) - which help the body respond to stress and return to balance.HeartMath is a research-based system that uses biofeedback and emotional regulation techniques to help individuals build resilience, manage stress, and access coherent heart-brain states. Their tools are widely used in healthcare, education, and performance coaching.Marcel Proust Binaural beats - Dr. Jeffrey Thompson Kundalini is a form of primal life force energy believed to lie dormant at the base of the spine. When awakened—through breath, movement, meditation, or spontaneous kriyas—it rises through the body, often bringing heightened awareness, emotional release, and deep transformation. It’s not always gentle, but it’s powerful.Kriyas are spontaneous or intentional movements that help the body release stored energy, emotions, or trauma. Rooted in yogic traditions, kriyas are purification actions—think trembling, twitching, stretching, even crying—that support healing, clarity, and awakening. They’re the body’s way of doing what words can’t.EPISODES REFERENCED:Embodied Intelligence with Philip Shepherd: Wholeness, Sensitivity, and the Pelvic Bowl“Into the Body's Knowing” Meditation w/ Philip ShepherdThe Emotional Body with Healer, Mona Wind[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]

CONTENT HEADS UP: Be enriched by a thoughtfully crafted conversation where sensitive topics related to trauma, torture, and self-loathing are gently woven into a narrative that is ultimately about love. There are no graphic descriptions of torture, just some causes and effects, but we nonetheless recommend that sensitive listeners prioritize their well-being and engage at their own discretion/pace. Also, for those intrigued by the idea of swimming with whales, a friendly reminder to follow safety guidelines and never venture alone into such deep waters.SYNOPSIS:Join us in this episode as we connect with Amber Gray, a masterful Human Rights Psychotherapist and Somatic and Dance/Movement Therapist with over 25 years of experience. Through her profound insights gained from working with survivors of trauma, particularly torture, war, and human rights abuses, Amber shares invaluable lessons and practices.Ali and Amber explore the profound lessons Amber has gleaned from her work with both whales and torture victims, professors and shamans, including the complexities of dissociation, what traditional trauma recovery misses, and the impactful ability to shift one's state of being.Amber's integrative approach, which merges refugee mental health and torture treatment with creative arts, mindfulness, and body-based therapies, offers a unique perspective on healing. The discussion also delves into the innovative Restorative Movement Psychotherapy, a resiliency-based framework co-created by Amber and her clients, designed specifically for trauma survivors in diverse cultural contexts.MORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  https://www.alimezey.comPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course informationTransgenerational Healing FilmsMORE AMBER GRAY:Website: https://ambergray.comTo be with Amber and the whalesBIO: Amber is a Human Rights Psychotherapist and a Somatic and Dance/Movement Therapist who has worked with survivors of interpersonal, collective  and intergenerational trauma, particularly torture, war, and human rights abuses, for 25 years. Amber provides clinical and transformational training on her Right to Embody  trainings integrating refugee mental health and torture treatment with creative arts, mindfulness, and body-based therapies for programs serving survivors worldwide. She, with her clients, created a resiliency-based framework and clinical approach (Restorative Movement Psychotherapy) for somatic and movement  therapies with survivors of trauma in multi-cultural contexts, and they also co-created Polyvagal-informed Somatic  and Dance/Movement therapy,  based on 24 years immersion in Polyvagal Theory. The latter is the subject of her upcoming book, Roots, Rhythm and Reciprocity, to be published by Norton. She regularly facilitates WildZeNess Eco-somatic Body of Change retreats for survivors, and caregivers and practitioners, serving communities affected by injustice, oppression and trauma. RESOURCES:Gil episode: THE BODY AS A GIFT: A REVERENTIAL JOURNEY INTO THE HUMAN BODYCONTINUUM MOVEMENT: Founder, the brilliant Emilie Conrad, gives an introduction.ASHES AND SNOW VoDou: “ Vodou is both a religion and a way of being. It is a uniquely Haitian religion; an amalgam of the religions and  traditions originating in and on the Continent, that arrived to Haiti’s shores with the ships carrying those enslaved and stolen from their land. To learn more read Mimerose Beaubrun's  book Nan DomiLES ARIAIFS - Internal Family SystemsBrilliant article by Jen Percy: “What People Misunderstand About Rape” Ed Tick: Warrior’s Return: Restoring the Soul After WarThe Polyvagal Theory/Stephen Porgeshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec3AUMDjtKQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWVgXQKrqQ4Body-Mind Centering/Bonnie Bainbridge CohenThe Blue Mind by Wallace J. NicholsVideo Talk by David Eagleman on the Live-wired Brain TO SEE AMAZING PHOTOS OF AMBER AND THE WHALES, GO TO www.thebrilliantbodypodcast.com…[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]

In this episode Ali is joined by Deane Juhan, renowned author of 'Job's Body: A Handbook for Bodywork.' Deane shares his experiences from the Esalen Institute and his transformative work with Dr. Milton Trager. The discussion delves into somatic intelligence, the phenomenon, necessity and benefits of touch. Deane also shares personal anecdotes from his journey, emphasizing the importance of sensual awareness, pleasure to help us re-pattern detriment habits, and the interplay between sensory motor and emotional intelligence. This episode is a treasure trove of insight on bodywork, a holistic approach to somatic health and living our lives as bodies.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE DEANE JUHAN:www.jobsbody.comDeanejuhan@gmail.com BIO:1971-1974: Studying for my Ph.D. in English Lit.1974: Esalen Institute radically changed the course and purpose of my life. On the Esalen Massage Crew for 15 years. During that time I met Dr. Milton Trager, saw his work and became one of his first students. HIs mentoring was another transformational experience. From student I went on to become a certified practitioner and finally instructor1978-1987: Wrote "Job's Body: A Handbook for Bodywork"Spent the last 40 years teaching Dr. Trager's work, my material from Job's Body, developing classes for innovative views of functional anatomy, sensory-motor nervous system and thee physiology of touch. I believe that the disembodied nature of our cultural heritage is one of the most serious threats to our survival.DEANE'S BOOKS: OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: Esalen Institute  The Body Has a Mind of Its Own by Sandra & Matthew BlakesleeHarlow's Monkeys - Harlow's Studies on Dependency in MonkeysWilliam Blake and his poem, London wherein he writes the term Mind Forged ManaclesRolfer/ing - A "Rolfer" is a practitioner who performs Rolfing, a hands-on bodywork method developed by Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1950s. Rolfing aims to improve body structure, posture, and movement by addressing the connective tissues, known as fascia, that permeate the body. Rolfers work with the fascia to realign the body and address patterns of tension and restriction that can impact health and well-being. Dr. Milton TragerThe Milton System of Mental Gymnastics refers informally to the Trager Approach, specifically the movement component developed by Dr. Milton Trager, called Mentastics - short for mental gymnastics.What Is It? Mentastics are gentle, mindful movements designed to retrain the nervous system through positive sensory experience. These movements are not exercises in the traditional fitness sense - they are subtle, intuitive, and exploratory. The goal is to create a feeling of lightness, ease, and freedom in the body, often through very simple gestures done with full awareness and intention.Bob Brown, Soma School of Massage - has long since closed but was one of the most formative experiences in Ali's professional development. She attended in 1980 and became a certified professional massage therapist at 19 years old while taking what is now called a "gap year" between Barnard and Wellesley. 45 years later, Ali still offers part-time her Propriomassage® she has developed over the decades. Although evolved, refined and mastered since those pivotal weeks with Bob in his Oakland Hills house where he certified thousands of massage therapists, the fundamental structure of Ali's technique is still what she learned there. Ozone Injections - if you have suffered from any injuries you have not been able to resolve, or just want to improve your health in. variety of ways, make a B-line to Dr Nancy Doreo in Ojai, California. She will change your body and life as she did Ali's. Gil Hedley - About, Live with Gil, The Nerve TourThe Body is a Gift with Gil Hedley: A Reverential Journey into the Human BodyTanya Diamond - Love, Pleasure and AI[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]