Unboxable — Somatic Self Development

Alena Turley

Ranked in the Global Top 5% for Self-Improvement, the Unboxable Podcast is the essential mental health resource for over-extended givers—the healers, educators, creatives, and high-achievers ready to reclaim their vitality. Hosted by somatic practitioner Alena Turley, this 5-star-rated show bridges the gap between high-performance and deep, soulful recovery. If you are a "flat-chat" professional running on empty, Alena and her multidisciplinary guests provide the somatic tools and trauma-informed insights needed to shift from chronic depletion to regulated, gentle power. Tune in for: — Somatic Therapy & Nervous System Regulation: Move beyond mindset hacks to true physiological healing. — Soulful Recovery: Real-life stories of trauma recovery and conscious living. — Expert Interviews: Candid conversations with global leaders in healing and self-development. Stop running on autopilot. Start showing up as the most fully alive version of yourself—not just for others, but for you.

  1. 09/11/2025

    98  — Exploring Connection and Authenticity with Dr. Adam Dorsay

    In this episode of the Unboxable podcast, we meet Dr. Adam Dorsay, a psychologist and resiliency expert working primarily with men in Silicon Valley. Dr. Dorsay discusses his background, personal life, professional work, and his passion for connection. The conversation dives into the vital importance of connecting with oneself, others, the world, and something greater. We explore the essence of flow, authenticity, and overcoming societal pressures. We also discuss Dr. Dorsay's book on connection, the therapeutic benefits of awe, and the challenges of being authentic in a society filled with expectations. The discussion is peppered with insights on music, personal anecdotes, and the importance of human connection in mental well-being. Learn more about DR ADAM DORSAY at https://dradamdorsay.com/Get his book SUPER PSYCHED: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love Mentioned in this Episode:Phosphorescence, a book by Julia Baird   ✨MEET YOUR HOST ✨ Hey, I'm Alena, a Somatic Therapist, Educator, and Hapkido Black Belt. My mission is to support women — especially those in service or helping professions — finally shift from recurring cycles of hustle and overwhelm to a space of clarity, presence, and peace. On this podcast, we have honest conversations about true healing and inner freedom. We specifically dig into navigating that challenging space I call "grey area mental health"—when you're not fully well, but maybe not "sick enough" for conventional support.. My signature program, The LionLife Method, is all about accessing body-based (somatic) tools to help you reconnect inside and out, recalibrate your nervous system and reclaim your energy, for good. Connect with me on Instagram at @alenaturley for more daily insights on somatic healing and living in alignment. ✨ Your Free Resources: Halt the Hustle Cycle! Before you leave, I want to give you something to help you start reclaiming your energy today. If you're tired of feeling fatigued, rushed, and frustrated, I created an anti-depletion protocol just for you: ⚡️ Get instant, free access to my somatic guide: "3 Ways to Break the Hustle Habit." at www.alenaturley.com/3-ways This guide provides three powerful ways to heal from depletion right now, allowing you to step into greater ease and possibility. Inside, you'll learn how to cultivate deeper:  • Self-Love  • Connection  • Purpose Plus, when you sign up, I'll send you my top transformative tools and resources each week to keep you moving toward clarity and presence.   Highlights: 01:13 Discussing Ancestry and Personal Background 03:10 Professional Journey and Experiences 03:51 Star Wars and Personal Interests 04:40 Connecting Through Pets and Family 06:31 Resiliency Programs and Coaching 10:59 The Concept of Connection 14:22 Experiencing Awe and Radical Amazement 18:54 Music, Flow, and Personal Pleasures 25:11 A Tribute to George Michael 25:25 Embracing the Gay Community 26:02 The Safe Haven of Gay Clubs 27:21 The Joy of the Castro District 29:11 Martial Arts and the Power of Presence 31:32 The Importance of Authenticity 36:10 The Power of Trying New Things 37:21 The Magic of Music and Connection 43:06 The Essence of Connection in Mental Health 46:27 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

    47 min
  2. 07/10/2025

    97 — Awakening Feminine Power Through Qigong with Ting Ting Guan

    Ting Ting Guan is the founder of the Guan Jing Method, a unique movement practice she channeled during a period of deep introspection and transformation in Los Angeles. Drawing from a deep connection to nature and her Chinese-Mongolian heritage, Ting Ting’s work integrates movement, breath, and energy work, focusing on helping people clear emotional blockages and transmute challenging energy. Having previously facilitated yoga teacher trainings globally, she now leads Guan Jing workshops, retreats in stunning locations like Egypt and Mexico, and a comprehensive teacher training program, all aimed at helping individuals find greater balance, intuition, and power by connecting with their inner "mountain pass" and moving through life's challenges with grace and expansion. You can find more information about Ting Ting Guan and the Guang Jing method at GuanJingMethod.com on INSTAGRAM and get her free resources. ✨MEET YOUR HOST ✨ Hey, I'm Alena, a Somatic Therapist, Educator, and Hapkido Black Belt. My mission is to support women — especially those in service or helping professions — finally shift from recurring cycles of hustle and overwhelm to a space of clarity, presence, and peace. On this podcast, we have honest conversations about true healing and inner freedom. We specifically dig into navigating that challenging space I call "grey area mental health"—when you're not fully well, but maybe not "sick enough" for conventional support.. My work, including my signature program, The LionLife Method, is all about accessing body-based (somatic) tools to help you recalibrate your nervous system and reclaim your energy. Come hang out with me on Instagram at @alenaturley for more daily insights on somatic healing and living in alignment. ✨ Your Free Resources: Halt the Hustle Cycle! Before you leave, I want to give you something to help you start reclaiming your energy today. If you're tired of feeling fatigued, rushed, and frustrated, I created an anti-depletion protocol just for you: ⚡️ Get instant, free access to my somatic guide: "3 Ways to Break the Hustle Habit." at www.alenaturley.com/3-ways This guide provides three powerful ways to heal from depletion right now, allowing you to step into greater ease and possibility. Inside, you'll learn how to cultivate deeper: Self-Love Connection Purpose Plus, when you sign up, I'll send you my top transformative tools and resources each week to keep you moving toward clarity and presence.

    52 min
  3. 10/08/2025

    96 — Unraveling Shame: Embracing Our Authentic Selves with Nicole Healy

    On Healing Trauma and Building Trust... In this episode of the Unboxable Podcast, we enjoy a heartfelt conversation with Nicole Healy. We discuss navigating personal challenges, offering empathetic support, and fostering deep connections while maintaining boundaries. Nicole shares her personal story of a husband's gambling addiction and her desperate and courageous steps to regain control over her life and family. We delve into the importance of somatic practices, recognising and addressing personal resistance, and fostering safety and honesty within relationships. There's an emphais on the power of small, courageous decisions in transforming your life and the lives of those you love. Highlights: 01:02 Deep Conversations and Open Hearts 01:54 Exploring Empathy and Sensitivity 02:30 Supporting Loved Ones in Addiction 03:26 The Power of Somatic Therapy 05:35 Overcoming Resistance in Healing 06:46 The Journey to Self-Healing 11:07 The Turning Point: Embracing Change 17:01 Courage and Willingness to Change 21:48 Understanding the Need to Control and Rescue 22:27 Adapting to New Ways of Being 23:30 The Power of Compassion and Boundaries 25:32 Honesty and Connection in Relationships 28:04 Embracing Imperfections and Authenticity 30:30 Redefining Strength and Vulnerability 36:12 Gratitude for Past Selves and Healing 37:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement ABOUT NICOLE: I'm Nicole from Myndful Healing and I am a trauma informed holistic and somatic therapist using my lived experience to support people who have a loved one living with or in recovery from addiction. Find out more about Nicole's work and connect with her at: www.myndfulhealing.com   📌 Stay Connected Your host, Alena, is a somatic practitioner, business alchemist, black belt, mum of three, and digital storyteller with decades of experience dedicated to nurturing women as they emerge through seasons of challenge - from burnt out to brilliant, exhausted to truly alive.  Follow @alenaturley for more conversations on healing, transformation, and inner freedom with somatic therapies. _______ Before you go, here's a free guide for you. It's called 3 Ways to Break the Hustle Habit. It helps you do what you love, connect with those you love, and build self-love in three ways. ⚡️ Get instant access to the somatic guide “3-Ways to Break the Hustle Habit” for free at www.alenaturley.com/3-waysOr BOOK A PRIVATE SESSION at www.alenaturley.com

    40 min
  4. 19/07/2025

    95 — Thriving After Rock Bottom with Jessica Read

    In this episode of the Unboxable Podcast, I am joined by Jessica Read, an advanced EFT practitioner and hypnotherapist. We discuss Jessica's journey through anxiety, PTSD, and chronic stress, leading her to holistic wellbeing. Jessica explains EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and its powerful impact on stress, anxiety, PTSD, and personal development. We also delve into the importance of addressing trauma somatically and spiritually, and how finding the right healing modality, whether EFT, hypnotherapy, or traditional talk therapy, can profoundly transform one's life. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes and professional insights, emphasising the importance of choosing to heal when you are ready and willing. 00:43 Meet Jessica Reed: Holistic Wellbeing Advocate 01:19 Understanding Holistic Wellbeing 03:07 Exploring EFT: Emotional Freedom Techniques 05:46 Personal Experiences with EFT and Trauma 14:21 The Power of Gestalt Therapy 18:56 Personal Trauma and Chronic Stress 19:42 Medication Side Effects and Anxiety 20:17 Processing Trauma with EFT 20:58 Exploring Alternative Healing Methods 21:53 The Importance of Personal Physiology and Spiritual Mapping 22:33 Jessica's Current Work and Practice 24:57 The Healing Journey and Client Transformations 28:06 The Role of Willingness in Healing 31:19 Energy Depletion and Self-Care 36:30 Finding the Right Healing Approach 37:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Jessica Read is - in her own words - an EFT practitioner | hypnotherapist | 6/3 Mani-Gen | Visionary. "In 2017, I hit rock bottom. Overworking, unresolved trauma, and self-doubt left me battling anxiety, burnout, and panic attacks daily. Through emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and aligned growth, I rebuilt myself and my business. Now, as an intuitive business mentor with 17+ years of entrepreneurial experience, I guide women to create success that's not just scalable - but emotionally sustainable. We blend:- Deep healing- Energetic alignment and- Strategy that actually fits your life, your cycle, and your soul." https://jessicaread.com/links https://www.instagram.com/jessica.read.ilc/   📌 Stay Connected Your host, Alena, is a somatic practitioner, business alchemist, black belt, mum of three, and digital storyteller with decades of experience dedicated to nurturing women as they emerge through seasons of challenge - from burnt out to brilliant, exhausted to truly alive.  Follow @alenaturley for more conversations on healing, transformation, and inner freedom with somatic therapies. _______ Before you go, here's a free guide for you. It's called 3 Ways to Break the Hustle Habit. It helps you do what you love, connect with those you love, and build self-love in three ways. ⚡️ Get instant access to the somatic guide “3-Ways to Break the Hustle Habit” for free at www.alenaturley.com/3-ways

    39 min
  5. 19/05/2025

    93 — Soulful Connections: Finding Purpose with Lisa McLean

    In this heartfelt episode of the Unboxable Podcast, host Alena Turley converses with long-time friend Lisa McLean about personal growth, mindfulness, and holistic health. Lisa shares her life's journey from being a sick child to becoming a marketing consultant and eventually transitioning into a holistic counsellor and mindfulness mentor. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, parenting challenges, meditation practices, and the transformative potential of addressing intergenerational trauma and stress. This episode is rich with insights on how to live a more connected, purposeful, and joyful life. HIGHLIGHTS:  01:41 Introducing Lisa McLean, Holistic Counsellor 02:46 Lisa's Journey to Wellness 05:56 The Impact of Childhood Illness 08:06 Exploring Trauma and Healing 21:53 The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness 26:25 Personal Stories of Meditation 30:56 The Addictive Nature of Cortisol and Stress Hormones 30:59 Rediscovering Forgotten Frameworks for Joy and Love 31:45 Emotional Intelligence and Ancestral Wounds 32:54 The Benefits of Emotional Work and Personal Growth 34:00 The Calm Life Project: A Journey to Self-Regulation 35:27 Parenting and Personal Growth: A Delicate Balance 36:54 The Challenges and Rewards of Emotional Regulation 39:47 The Power of Awareness and Emotional Expression 48:11 Taking Action: The Key to Personal Transformation 55:00 Final Thoughts and Resources for Holistic Counselling Stay in touch with Lisa and access her free resources for mindfulness, connecting with teens and more below.   Website |  Instagram | Facebook | Free Guide 📌 Stay Connected: Your host, Alena, is a somatic practitioner, business alchemist, black belt, mum of three, and digital storyteller with decades of experience dedicated to nurturing women as they emerge through seasons of challenge - from burnt out to brilliant, exhausted to truly alive.  Follow @alenaturley for more conversations on healing, transformation, and inner freedom with somatic therapies. Explore how we can work together here _______ This podcast is brought to you by AlenaTurley.com — enabling women to come home to themselves through healing, connection, and inner freedom.   _______ Before you go, here's a free guide for you. It's called 3 Ways to Break the Hustle Habit. It helps you do what you love, connect with those you love, and build self-love in three ways. ⚡️ Get instant access to the somatic guide “3-Ways to Break the Hustle Habit” for free at www.alenaturley.com/3-ways

    58 min
  6. 31/03/2025

    92 — Healing the Chakras, Our Energy Organs, with Lisa Erickson

    In this episode of the poddy, we meet Lisa Erickson, an energy worker, workshop leader, and author specializing in women’s energetics, sexual trauma healing, goal manifestation and contemplative energy practices for daily life. She is the author of Chakra Empowerment for Women: Self-Guided Techniques for Healing Trauma, Owning Your Power & Finding Overall Wellness and The Art and Science of Meditation: How to Deepen and Personalize Your Practice.  Lisa shares her extensive expertise on chakras, women's energetics, and how energy systems shift at different life phases. We discuss what chakras are, how they function, and their importance in our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The conversation covers the general structure of the seven chakras, their associated colors, emotions, and body parts. Lisa provides insight into her methods of working with clients, helping them address specific life phases or emotional patterns through chakra-focused energy work. We learn about the practical effects of chakra realignment and energy healing on one's life and relationships, emphasizing personal transformation and ripple effects on those around us. The episode includes a discussion on energy hygiene and boundary setting, particularly for women who often absorb others' emotions. - Lisa also shares her own practices for maintaining her energy balance through Tibetan Buddhism. Connect with Lisa http://www.EnlightenedEnergetics.com Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ChakraempowermentInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/Chakraempowerment ____________________ 📌 Stay Connected: Your host, Alena, is a somatic practitioner, black belt, mum of three, and digital storyteller with decades of experience dedicated to nurturing women as they emerge through seasons of challenge - from burnt out to brilliant, exhausted to truly alive. Follow @alenaturley for more conversations on healing, transformation, and inner freedom with somatic therapies. 📌 Brought To You By: This podcast is brought to you by AlenaTurley.com — enabling women to come home to themselves through healing, connection, and inner freedom.  Get instant access to the somatic guide “3-Ways to Break the Hustle Habit” for free at www.alenaturley.com/3-ways

    28 min
  7. 09/02/2025

    91 — Adventures of a one-time Bond girl with author, Anika Pavel

    ANIKA PAVEL, a multi-talented writer, model, actress, and one-time Bond girl. She is the author of the compelling new book ENCOUNTER WITH THE FUTURE. Anika’s unique life journey from her childhood in Iron Curtain Czechoslovakia to her rise as an international fashion model and actress, and now a writer, makes her a fascinating guest.  Encounter with the Future is a collection of essays that weave together Anika's experiences across continents and historical events, told with her characteristic wit and perceptiveness. ____ In this episode of the Unboxable podcast, I interview the remarkable Anika Pavel. We explore Anika's journey from Czechoslovakia to becoming a celebrated writer, her life as a grandmother, her modelling and acting career, including being a Bond girl, and her latest book 'Encounter with the Future'. We touch on topics of resilience, the influence of historical figures, cultural differences, and the power of storytelling. Introducing Annika Pavel, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts Early Life and Inspirations On Writing and Her Book Modeling and the Bond Girl Experience Health and Lifestyle Cultural and Historical Insights  ANIKA PAVEL, a multi-talented writer, model, actress, and one-time James Bond girl. She is the author of the compelling new book ENCOUNTER WITH THE FUTURE. Anika’s unique life journey from her childhood in Iron Curtain Czechoslovakia to her rise as an international fashion model and actress, and now a writer, makes her a fascinating guest for your podcast. Encounter with the Future is a collection of essays that weave together her experiences across continents and historical events, told with her characteristic wit and perceptiveness. 📌 Stay Connected: Your host, Alena, is a somatic practitioner, black belt, mum of three, and digital storyteller with decades of experience dedicated to nurturing women as they emerge through seasons of challenge - from burnt out to brilliant, exhausted to truly alive. Follow @alenaturley for more conversations on healing, transformation, and inner freedom with somatic therapies. 📌 Brought To You By: This podcast is brought to you by AlenaTurley.com — enabling women to come home to themselves through healing, connection, and inner freedom.  Get instant access to the somatic guide “3-Ways to Break the Hustle Habit” for free at www.alenaturley.com/3-ways

    33 min
5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Ranked in the Global Top 5% for Self-Improvement, the Unboxable Podcast is the essential mental health resource for over-extended givers—the healers, educators, creatives, and high-achievers ready to reclaim their vitality. Hosted by somatic practitioner Alena Turley, this 5-star-rated show bridges the gap between high-performance and deep, soulful recovery. If you are a "flat-chat" professional running on empty, Alena and her multidisciplinary guests provide the somatic tools and trauma-informed insights needed to shift from chronic depletion to regulated, gentle power. Tune in for: — Somatic Therapy & Nervous System Regulation: Move beyond mindset hacks to true physiological healing. — Soulful Recovery: Real-life stories of trauma recovery and conscious living. — Expert Interviews: Candid conversations with global leaders in healing and self-development. Stop running on autopilot. Start showing up as the most fully alive version of yourself—not just for others, but for you.