What happens when your career conflicts with your deepest values? In this episode, Jacob Strong shares how leaving his job as a civil engineer led him to a new life filled with purpose and connection. His journey shows how movement and somatic practices can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world.

Jacob Strong, now a somatic coach and men's work facilitator, started his career in environmental engineering in Sydney, Australia. Disillusioned by the industry's approach, he moved to Portugal and began exploring movement and embodiment. Jacob's path included yoga teacher training in Ibiza and intensive study with movement experts like Ido Portal. Today, he is part of the Red Beard Team, offering somatic coaching and men's retreats.

Listeners will hear about Jacob's personal transformation from being emotionally unavailable to becoming empathetic and connected. He explains how practices like yoga, dance, and martial arts helped him reconnect with his body and emotions. Jacob also discusses the importance of men's work, emphasizing how it helps men balance their masculine and feminine energies and foster deeper relationships.

Curious to learn more about Jacob's journey and how these practices can help you too? Listen to the full episode for practical insights and inspiration.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 00:27 - Jacob Strong and His Journey
• 01:04 - Jacob Joins the Red Beard Team
• 01:30 - From Civil Engineer to Somatic Coach
• 02:32 - The Turning Point: Leaving Engineering
• 03:57 - Discovering Yoga in Ibiza
• 06:19 - Awakening to Environmental Conflicts
• 09:11 - The Role of Movement in Personal Growth
• 10:27 - Understanding the Body-Mind Connection
• 13:23 - Learning from Indigenous Australian Wisdom
• 16:34 - Training with Ido Portal
• 19:00 - Developing Empathy through Movement
• 21:52 - Insights from Chandler Stevens' Eco-Somatics
• 28:35 - Unpacking Relationship Dynamics
• 36:50 - The Power of Men's Work and Retreats

Links and Resources: 

• Connect with Jacob: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/team/jacob-strong 
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jacob.alchemy 
• Website: https://alchemybrothers.org/