EMBODY with Michelle Major

Michelle is pressing pause on the podcast for a short time due to work commitments and an important work project that needs a final push to get over the line! Please remember to like & subscribe so you don't miss the episodes when we return in a couple of months time. We look forward to sharing the next stage of our journey with you all very soon. Thanks for all your continued support.  S...

In this episode, Michelle, is joined by Joanne Callan.  Joanne is a Holistic Therapist and Well Being Coach and a Relax Kids Coach in 2020 Joanne founded Changing Cycles a Social Enterprise that is focused on “creating a world where the cyclical nature of women is understood, integrated and respected throughout our society.” We chat about: The cyclical nature of the female body Social norms V&apos...

In this weeks episode, Michelle, shares her views on the female empowerment culture we see played out on social media platforms. Michelle shares: Why the female empowerment culture is not trauma-informed  The link between patriarchy, capitalism, and narcissism The harm caused by the promotion of privilege The difference between cultural norms V's biological norms  Why our nervous system hasn&...

On this weeks episode, Michelle, shares her reflections on prioritising commitments after a busy work schedule meant this weeks podcast was a day later than usual.  Michelle shares: The importance of checking in with the body before forcing ourselves to power through in order to please other people Extra commitments mean extra choices and options How to discern between these choices and options  W...

On this weeks episode, Michelle, is joined my Matt Kovatchis & Mike David.  Matt and David are co-hosts of 'Men in the Arena' Podcast and are based across the pond in Chicago. We chat about: Mens mental health The healing process  Sexuality  The true meaning of success Toxic masculinity Becoming more connected and authentic  Discerning what to share publicly   Cancel culture Support...

In this episode, Michelle, shares her views on self-love in a culture that promotes toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing.   When we are operating from an ego perspective acts of self-love can actually lead us to display traits of narcissism.   Michelle shares: The difference between ego self-love and genuine self-love Alternative language for self-love   Self-love and the nervous system Self-l...

In this episode, Michelle, shares how her spiritual journey lead her to becoming a strict vegetarian in 2005.  For 17-years, Michelle, refrained from eating any fish, chicken or meat.  Then, after discovering somatics and becoming more connected to her own body, Michelle, for the first time in almost two decades, began to get cravings for meat again. Michelle shares: What motivated and influenced...

In this episode, Michelle, is joined by Music Therapist, Louise Kelly.   Louise is also a single mum to a wonderful 17-year old son. Louise is a highly experienced Music Therapist with 24 years experience working as a HCPC Registered Music Therapist, 17 of those devoted to children and young people specifically.  Louise is passionate about sharing a “whole body” approach to mental health and wellb...

In this weeks episode, Michelle, explores the complexity of regulation and why some practices that promote regulation aren't always regulating! Michelle talks about: Somatics and what this word  really means  Why the wellness world's focus on down-regulation isn't always what the nervous system needs Why looking calm and relaxed isn't always the inner experience Regulation is n...

In this weeks episode I am joined by Irish Broadcaster, Writer and Author, Barbara Scully. During this conversation we discuss Barbara's brilliant book, her life experiences and what inspired her to write her first book. We chat about: Being a single mother in Ireland in the 80's - the judgement, discrimination and harm caused by patriarchy  Victim blaming women & young girls  The im...

We are kicking off Season 4 with a new year and a new perspective on all this 'new year, new year' noise that we are bombarded with on social media, our culture and society. Michelle shares: Why it's ok to not have big resolutions, create big goals or make big decisions about your life; Whilst everyone celebrates all their BIG achievements during 2023, it's perfectly acceptable...

This is our last episode before the Christmas break.   On this weeks episode I share the delight and joy of welcoming a new puppy into her wee family.   I talk about: The grief and loss of other pets and why I decided to wait over 4-years before getting another pet Creating safety in the home for a new pet Why kindness is the greatest antidote to stress Benefits of kindness and oxytocin  Activitie...

My wellbeing story began in 2005 when I enrolled in a counselling skills course.  I was 25-years old at the time, married and had a very successful career in financial services.   I enjoyed all the external measures of success - the sports car, the big house, the five star holidays, designer handbags, the lot.  Yet I felt like there was something missing.  As a young ambitious 25-year old, I put m...

In this episode, Michelle, shares her self-care tips for managing our wellbeing during the festive period. Michelle shares: The importance of giving ourselves permission to feel our feelings Setting boundaries over the festive period Self-care is about 'me too' rather than 'me first' Cultivating self-care when we are parents and care givers Why the oxygen mask metaphor isn&apos...

In this episode, Michelle, shares how social media primes us to compare ourselves with others.   Michelle shares: The different types of compassion  A photo has more than one story How our nervous system state can drive us to compare more Boundaries & comparison Research into comparison Thoughts & comparison How to move past comparison  Who we should want to impress the most in life Why li...

In this weeks episode, Michelle, explores why it's so important that we seek help and support in our helping roles. Michelle shares: The skill of holding space Increasing our capacity to be with clients bigger emotions/sensations  Boundaries in the therapeutic process Merging & disengaging with our clients  Resonance in our nervous system Why personal therapy is so important  Compassionat...

In this weeks episode I am joined by Leona O'Neill, who is a Lecturer of Journalism at University of Ulster, Author and Tedx Speaker after spending 25-years as a news journalist in Northern Ireland. Leona co-edited 'Breaking:  Trauma in the Newsroom' alongside BBC's Chris Lindsay.  The book is a collection of real-life stories written by journalists who witness and experienced...

In this weeks episode I am joined by entrepreneur & professional hiker, Emma Mullan.   Emma held a Director role in HR for 14-years and served as President of Newry Chamber from 2019 - 2021.  Along with her commitment to business, innovation and entrepreneurship, Emma has been a passionate hiker for 14-years.   When she suffered a bereavement by suicide in her family, her hobby for hiking tran...

In this weeks episode I am joined by Dee Larsen - a Certified Sexuality Practitioner and founder of Body Conscious Studio based in Belfast.  Dee offers one to one and couples sessions from her studio or online. “I believe that sexual wellbeing is an intrinsic part of our overall happiness. It is vital that we have access to education about our bodies and sexuality that is free from social or moral...

During this episode, Michelle, explores how we can support our nervous system health during busy periods. Michelle shares:  Cultural & societal norms V’s biological norms Widening our window of tolerance  Building nervous system capacity The different types of self-care Creating more support & rest  Why support is so important Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow me on Facebook or...

Welcome to Season 3 of EMBODY! To celebrate the start of another season, Michelle, was joined by Deirdre Nicole Heggarty,  a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, specialising in Play Therapy.   Prior to this, Deirdre, was a primary school teacher in Ireland and  Abu Dhabi. The theme of our conversation is intergenerational trauma.   It’s a powerful conversation about Deirdre’s adoption story as...

I am beyond excited to announce Season 3 of EMBODY!  We will kick off our next season on Monday 9th October with more fantastic professionals and interesting themes and topics. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss the episodes when they launch! I will be taking a little break from podcasting until then to rest and recharge.   If you have any topics that you would like us to discuss, please...

In this weeks episode, Michelle, shares the harmful victim blaming that sadly still exists in our society surrounding domestic and sexual assault.   Michelle shares: Statistics for numbers of reported crimes in the UK and Northern Ireland The barriers that exist in our criminal justice system The myths and victim blaming culture for those who've been subjected to assaults  What happens in our...

In this weeks episode I am joined by the genuine and authentic, Eilish Craig.  Eilish is a Counsellor & Mental Health Facilitator who's world came crashing down around her after a cancer diagnoses at 41-years old. In this open, raw and honest conversation, Eilish shares her experience of first being diagnosed, to being in recovery, and how much body shaming and toxic positivity she experi...

In this episode, Michelle, is joined by ocean expert, Hannos Windisch.   Hannos is the founder of Free Dive Northern Ireland and is a Certified SSI Level Two Instructor.  Hannos received training by the Italian national record holder Linda Paganelli.  Hannos offers a variety of unique sea activities on the North Coast of Northern Ireland.  During this fascinating conversations we discuss: How Hann...