The Place for Connection

Melissa Beaton
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Place for Connection, where I believe that connection is the CUREthe podcast where soul meets science, and healing takes centre stage. Hosted by clinical & forensic psychologist, Melissa Beaton, this podcast dives deep into the art and science of connection – to yourself, your community, and the big beautiful world around you. Each episode is a juicy mix of expert wisdom and heartfelt stories from psychologists, bodyworkers, doulas, yogis, spiritual guides, breathwork facilitators, doctors, nurses, and more.

Episodes

  1. A letter to my colleagues about my lived experience of ADHD

    09/23/2025

    A letter to my colleagues about my lived experience of ADHD

    Send us a text Melissa Beaton shares a letter written to her colleagues about her personal journey as a psychologist with ADHD, addressing the prejudice and biases she's experienced within the mental health profession. • Struggling with executive dysfunction throughout life despite extensive therapy and personal development • Initially attributing difficulties to early life experiences, attachment disruptions, and possible brain injury • Discovering ADHD diagnosis later in life after realizing something still wasn't right • Experiencing shame and judgment from colleagues after diagnosis • Finding that medication transformed daily functioning and self-perception • Advocating for acceptance of how patients identify rather than trying to change them • Combining psychological approaches (ISTDP and IFS) with ADHD treatment for comprehensive improvement If you want to connect with me, check out my breathwork sessions at Zenso House, join my Tuesday morning online group called Connection, or consider my Bali trip in late April. Find me on Instagram @ZensoHouse or visit my website www.zensohouse.com.

    8 min
  2. Living Life on Your Own Timeline with Ash Cam

    07/27/2025

    Living Life on Your Own Timeline with Ash Cam

    Send us a text Ash Cam, founder of Reset Workplace and Reset podcast host, guides us through the liberating journey of creating our own timelines instead of following society's prescribed milestones. Through her personal story of moving overseas at 30, leading global teams, and now expecting her first baby at 36, she offers wisdom on living life authentically on your terms. • Creating self-trust by exercising that "muscle" repeatedly through life decisions • How Ash and her partner consciously prepared for two years before conceiving  • Reframing feelings of being "behind" by focusing on areas of abundance in your life • Using jealousy as a green flag to identify what you truly want • The power of intentionally disconnecting from daily routines to gain clarity • Finding support through motherhood mentors who demonstrate career and personal growth after children • Creating reset moments through nature, phone-free walks, and retreats • Using the wisdom of your 90-year-old self as a guiding light for decisions For more from Ash, find her on Instagram or listen to the Reset podcast which releases new episodes every Tuesday or check out her website & instagram here: https://www.resetworkplace.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/reset___podcast/ And if you enjoyed the episode, remember to share it with your friends, like, comment & subscribe - this is how the podcast is shared with more incredible humans, just like you!  With love, Melly.

    41 min
  3. "Your Body Isn't the Problem, It's the Solution" with Dr. Anthea Todd

    06/15/2025

    "Your Body Isn't the Problem, It's the Solution" with Dr. Anthea Todd

    Send us a text What if your body isn't betraying you, but actually trying to send you a message?  Dr Anthea Todd, founder of Female Fundamentals and best-selling author of "What's My Body Telling Me," joins us for a fascinating exploration of body wisdom and the four fundamental pillars that can transform your health when conventional medicine falls short. Drawing from her background in chiropractic care and dual master's degrees in women's health and reproductive medicine, Dr Todd shares her personal and professional journey of discovering what happens when we get caught in what she calls "the space between" – where you're not sick enough for medical intervention, yet far from feeling vital and alive. It's in this space where so many women struggle with symptoms like fatigue, skin issues, hair loss, and mood disorders despite being told all their tests look "normal." The conversation takes unexpected turns as we delve into practical strategies for reconnecting with your body's intelligence. Learn why doing things that genuinely make you feel alive is more important than ticking wellness boxes, how morning and evening sunlight exposure dramatically impacts your hormones, why electrolytes might be more important than that supplement routine, and how balancing blood sugar could be the missing key to your energy and mood issues. Dr Todd explains complex concepts with refreshing clarity – from how ketosis generates 400 times more cellular energy than carbohydrate metabolism to how our "default mode network" keeps us trapped in unhelpful stories about ourselves. Her perspective on symptoms as messages rather than problems to eliminate offers a paradigm shift in how we approach health challenges. Whether you're battling unexplained symptoms, feeling overwhelmed by contradictory health advice, or simply seeking to optimize your wellbeing, this episode delivers both scientific insights and practical wisdom to help you tune into what your body is really telling you. Connect with Dr Anthea Todd on Instagram @dr.antheatodd or visit her website  www.femalefundamentals.com.au to learn more about her work, hair testing, and group programs designed to help you implement the fundamentals in your daily life. Our host is Melissa Beaton, Clinical & Forensic Psychologist, Founder of Zenso House.  Would you like to work with Mel? Check out her website: www.zensohouse.com Or follow her on instagram @zensohouse If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review & share it with your friends, it helps us spread the word to more people. And more than anything, thank you for listening and for your support!

    59 min
  4. Decode the Body’s Messages: Kinesiology, Frequency & Emotional Freedom

    05/25/2025

    Decode the Body’s Messages: Kinesiology, Frequency & Emotional Freedom

    Send us a text What if your body was holding onto the emotional patterns your mind can’t access? 👀 In this transformative episode of The Place for Connection, I sit down with powerhouse healer Danica Marcinek, founder of DNM Kinesiology, who went from navigating depression and anxiety through traditional therapy to discovering the power of muscle testing, bioresonance, and energetic self-responsibility. You’ll learn: How kinesiology taps into the subconscious stories stored in your musclesWhy nervous system rewilding is the future of mental healthDaily energetic hygiene practices to stay grounded in a chaotic worldThe truth about triggers and how to let them lead you instead of derail youWhy integration—not substitution—is the key when combining energy work and clinical psychologyWe’re talking real healing, not band-aid solutions. This episode is part of our bigger vision at Zenso House—a space for nervous system rewilding, deep connection, and becoming the most connected, alive version of yourself. For more on Danika’s work and her upcoming 8-week program Leading Within, follow @dnmkinesiology or visit dnmkinesiology.com And don’t forget—connection is the cure. But FIRST follow @zensohouse so we can continue this AWESOME connection! 💛 Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute a replacement for psychological therapy. The views held in these posts are my own.

    51 min
  5. Doctors Told Her the Illness Was Permanent—Her Body Proved Them Wrong

    04/27/2025

    Doctors Told Her the Illness Was Permanent—Her Body Proved Them Wrong

    Send us a text Doctors told Krystal Ryan her autoimmune condition was permanent—medication for life, possible surgeries, and no chance of full recovery. But deep within, Krystal felt a fierce rebellion against this diagnosis. Determined not to settle for a lifetime of chronic illness, she embarked on a radical healing journey that changed everything. Krystal's life once revolved around relentless busyness, achievement, and a constant chase for worthiness. Sound familiar? It wasn't until her body forced her to slow down that she discovered something revolutionary: True health isn’t just the absence of symptoms—it’s the presence of wholeness. In this raw and revealing episode, Krystal shares how she transformed her autoimmune diagnosis into a powerful awakening. She introduces us to her gentle yet profoundly effective approach of reconnecting with the body's innate wisdom, shifting from a battle against illness to compassionate curiosity toward symptoms. Discover how treating your body’s signals with patience and kindness—much like befriending a cautious animal—can unlock deeper healing than conventional medicine ever imagined. If you've ever felt trapped in cycles of busyness, battled chronic health issues, or simply yearned for a deeper connection with yourself, this conversation will blow your mind and soothe your soul. Tune in to find out why your body isn't broken—it's speaking. Are you ready to listen? Learn more about Krystal’s groundbreaking work at www.bhavabody.com.au and her transformative program, "You Are the Medicine." You can find more information about Podcast Host Melissa Beaton & founder of www.zensohouse.com by accessing the contact page on her website or following @zensohouse on your favourite social media platform.  #Healing #Autoimmune #BodyWisdom #HolisticHealth #KrystalRyan #MindBodyConnection #Embodiment

    58 min
  6. Tantra Isn’t What You Think—Rita Anaiê on Healing & Liberation

    03/15/2025

    Tantra Isn’t What You Think—Rita Anaiê on Healing & Liberation

    Send us a text What if the key to deep healing isn’t in your mind, but in your body? 🤯 In this episode of The Place for Connection, I sit down with Rita Anaiê of Chrysalis Tantra, a tantric and body shaman who walked away from a corporate career in architecture after receiving unexpected spiritual guidance. Through Tantra, she discovered a path to embodied healing, self-liberation, and deep transformation—and now she’s here to share it with you. 🔥 What you'll learn in this episode: ✨ What Tantra really is (hint: it’s not just about intimacy) 🌿 How trauma is stored in the body—and how to release it 🧘‍♀️ Why most of us are dissociated from our bodies (and how to reconnect) ⚡ The power of self-responsibility in breaking old patterns 💫 How mindful touch, rituals, and shadow work fuel spiritual growth 💡 Why we don’t manifest what we want—we manifest who we are Plus, Rita shares how she healed chronic UTIs through tantric practices, proving that true healing happens from the inside out. This conversation is for anyone ready to break free from stored trauma, reconnect with their body, and step into radical self-acceptance and transformation. ✨ Hit play and let’s dive in! ✨ 🔔 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: ✔️ Follow & Subscribe to The Place for Connection so you never miss an episode! ⭐ Leave a review—it helps more people find these conversations! 📲 Follow @zensohouse for more deep healing & embodiment insights! 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! 🚀 Want to explore Rita's work? Visit www.chrysalistantra.com to connect with her and see if you’re a good fit for her transformational offerings.

    54 min
  7. Master Your Mind & Money: Finding Financial Freedom in Trading with SJ Chiovitti

    02/15/2025

    Master Your Mind & Money: Finding Financial Freedom in Trading with SJ Chiovitti

    Send us a text Can Trading Be a Path to Holistic Growth and Wealth Creation? What if trading wasn’t just about financial gains but a journey of deep personal transformation? In this episode, we sit down with SJ Chiovitti, co-founder of Tradehouse Australia, whose unconventional path into trading was shaped by a complex personal history and a passion for supporting troubled youth. From learning alongside Jordan Belfort to building a thriving trading community, SJ shares how she transformed her experiences into a trading philosophy that blends financial success with emotional intelligence and ethical wealth-building. We dive into: ✨ How “pips and pizza” nights evolved into a powerhouse education platform ✨ The hidden psychological challenges of prop firms and risk management ✨ Why emotional intelligence is a trader’s secret weapon ✨ The role of functional breathwork in preventing self-sabotage and mastering resilience Trading is more than numbers—it’s about mindset, discipline, and self-awareness. Whether you’re an aspiring trader or simply interested in holistic success, this episode will leave you with practical tools to integrate financial growth with personal development. 🎧 Tune in and transform the way you think about trading and wealth! Want to learn from SJ? Connect with her on Instagram: @sj.chiovitti Interested in breathwork, therapy, or my group programs? Find me at www.zensohouse.com or on Instagram: @zensohouse

    53 min
  8. Healing Through Internal Family Systems with Megan Pasierbek

    02/01/2025

    Healing Through Internal Family Systems with Megan Pasierbek

    Send us a text Get ready for an inspiring deep dive into the power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Megan Pasierbek—IFS therapist, coach, and immersive meditation facilitator. In this episode, Megan shares her personal journey through mental health challenges and how IFS therapy completely transformed her life. From navigating bipolar recovery to uncovering the hidden wisdom of our inner parts, Megan brings a wealth of knowledge on self-compassion, emotional integration, and deep healing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about how to build a more harmonious inner world and healthier relationships. 💡 What you’ll discover in this episode: ✨ Megan’s personal transformation through IFS and bipolar recovery ✨ How IFS therapy helps you understand and embrace your inner parts ✨ The magic of “parts language” and how it transforms relationships ✨ The role of community and connection in healing ✨ Practical, beginner-friendly ways to start your IFS journey ✨ Why self-compassion is the key to lasting change 🌀 Whether you’re new to IFS or looking to deepen your practice, this episode will leave you with insightful, actionable tools to start creating more inner peace today! 👉 Want to work with Megan? Find her at www.meganpasierbek.com.au and follow her on Instagram: @mentalhealthcoachmegs 👉 Want to connect with Melissa? Head to www.zensohouse.com and follow @zensohouse on instagram.  💛 Connection is the cure!

    54 min
  9. Transforming Your Body Image and Performance Mindset with Jo Turek

    01/18/2025

    Transforming Your Body Image and Performance Mindset with Jo Turek

    Send us a text Join us as Jo Turek, an insightful psychologist and dedicated recreational athlete, reveals her holistic approach to mental well-being. Jo's personal journey from a sedentary lifestyle to embracing her athletic identity offers a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of nutrition, sleep, movement, and social connections in nurturing mental health. With a particular emphasis on the transformative power of becoming a recreational athlete, Jo encourages listeners to recognize their dedication and embrace their athletic identities, regardless of their competitive goals. Her insights are especially pertinent for women over 40, who face unique challenges in maintaining physical health and preventing injuries. Our conversation uncovers Jo's experiences with extreme fitness modelling and the shift towards performance-based sports like CrossFit and marathon running. Straying from the pressures of aesthetic goals, Jo found empowerment in celebrating personal achievements and the joy of shared growth within a supportive community. Whether it's the humbling challenges of CrossFit or the meditative rhythm of long-distance running, Jo's story underscores the value of performance over appearance and the positive mindset shifts that accompany this realisation. Her reflections on the importance of community and mutual coaching highlight the profound impact of shared journeys in both fitness and psychology. The episode also delves into the psychological aspects of high-performance sports, highlighting the challenges athletes face with body image and societal expectations. Jo shares her candid experiences with disordered eating and the pressures of maintaining certain physiques, particularly in competitive bodybuilding. Her transition to embracing all foods for mental well-being and healthier body image offers valuable lessons for listeners. Moreover, we explore the growing role of sports psychology and the unique resilience required by elite athletes. Jo's insights into balancing physiological needs with performance goals emphasise the importance of community and joy in fostering overall well-being, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between mental resilience and physical pursuits. Jo Turek is available for consultations from The Good Joint in Burleigh in the beautiful Gold Coast in Australia, and via telehealth worldwide. Melissa Beaton runs psychotherapy 1:1, group workshops, professional development opportunities, and breathwork workshops from her Southport based offices. She is also available via telehealth worldwide. Find out more information about melissa at www.zensohouse.com

    51 min
  10. Embracing the Beautiful Messiness of Motherhood with Bridget Wood from Nourishing the Mother

    12/15/2024

    Embracing the Beautiful Messiness of Motherhood with Bridget Wood from Nourishing the Mother

    Send us a text How does motherhood transform us into more self-aware and profound versions of ourselves? We are thrilled to host Bridget Wood, co-host of Nourishing the Mother, as she shares her insight into the emotional evolution that comes with being a mother. Bridget's personal stories reveal how the journey prompted her to reassess her identity and embrace self-care as essential to parenting. We unpack how the pressures of conscious parenting, coupled with the influence of social media, often lead to feelings of shame and guilt, urging all mothers to accept their imperfections as a natural part of the process.  Emotions like anger and anxiety are more than just challenges; they are clues leading to deeper understanding. Together with Bridget, we examine the complex emotional landscape mothers navigate, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging these feelings. By sharing anecdotes from her own life, Bridget illustrates how facing these emotions brought long-buried aspects of herself to light, ultimately forging a stronger self-connection. Listen as we encourage mothers to cultivate internal awareness, fostering emotional clarity and nurturing a healthier relationship with themselves and their children. This episode is a heartfelt guide to embracing the beautiful messiness of motherhood.

    52 min
  11. The Journey from Trauma to Transformation with Michelle M May

    12/01/2024

    The Journey from Trauma to Transformation with Michelle M May

    Send us a text What if the stories we hide are the exact keys to unlocking our healing? In this episode of The Place for Connection, I’m joined by the incredible Michelle M May—author, psychotherapist, Chair of the New Washington School of Psychiatry, ISTDP trainer, and trailblazing thinker—to explore a question that could change your life: What happens when we stop hiding and start telling the truths that set us free? Michelle shares the raw and deeply personal journey behind her book, What I Couldn't Tell My Therapist: The Truths We Told to Heal Ourselves. Born from her own medical trauma, her story unfolds into a powerful narrative of collective healing, touching on the universal threads of pain, resilience, and transformation that bind us all. We talk about the courage it takes to share stories wrapped in family dynamics and secrecy—and the liberation that follows when we let go of what weighs us down. Michelle dives into the heart of healing, exploring how honest conversations with loved ones can break cycles of silence, nurture connection, and spark collective growth. One of the most eye-opening moments in this episode? Michelle’s metaphor of "puppet strings"—the unconscious patterns that pull at our lives. Together, we uncover how recognising these strings can lead to self-compassion, freedom, and genuine transformation. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt held back by perfectionism, guilt, or the weight of untold stories. Let’s uncover the messy, beautiful path of healing, one thread at a time. 🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and leave a review to help other women discover these life-changing conversations. Your voice helps grow our community and spread the power of connection! 🔗 Links & Resources: - Follow us on Instagram:  @zensohouse  @michellemmaylpc - Visit our websites:  www.zensohouse.com  www.michellemmaylpc.com/ - Buy her book: www.michellemmaylpc.com/whaticouldnttellmytherapist Thank you for joining us in this journey—hit subscribe, share with friends, and connect with us online to keep this supportive conversation going. 🌞

    1h 1m
  12. Breastfeeding, Sleep, and Sanity: The New Mama Survival Guide with Melissa Hays from Cocoon and Cradle

    11/17/2024

    Breastfeeding, Sleep, and Sanity: The New Mama Survival Guide with Melissa Hays from Cocoon and Cradle

    Send us a text In the very first episode of The Place for Connection, I am thrilled to welcome Melissa Hays from Cocoon and Cradle! Together, we explore the messy, magical paradoxes of motherhood and how to navigate this wild journey of breast feeding, sleep and sanity with a bit more grace, intuition, and self-compassion. Join us on a heartfelt journey with Melissa Hays, an internationally certified lactation consultant and sleep expert, as she shares her candid experiences from the world of midwifery to the realities of motherhood. Melissa opens up about the challenges she faced, including the traumatic birth of her first child and the pervasive misinformation surrounding early motherhood. Her experiences led her to embrace holistic approaches to parenting, empowering herself and others to trust their instincts in navigating infant sleep and feeding. Discover how Melissa's personal struggles with traditional sleep training methods ignited her passion for promoting evidence-based, intuitive practices. She unveils the overwhelming pressure new parents often feel from social media's misleading advice and emphasises creating supportive communities where mothers can share genuine, resonant insights. By normalising alternative parenting practices and emphasising the importance of intuition, Melissa aims to help parents navigate the complexities of raising their children with confidence and heart. In this episode, we also discuss the paradoxes of motherhood—balancing unrealistic expectations with self-compassion and acceptance. Melissa provides reassurance through personal anecdotes, encouraging mothers to embrace mixed emotions without guilt and to cherish the fleeting moments of parenting. By highlighting the significance of community support and the power of intuition, this episode offers a nurturing space for listeners to reflect on their own parenting journeys and find solace in shared experiences. Tune in as we unravel ways to honour the path of motherhood by embracing the contradictions and learning to follow our instincts.  This is a beautiful, heartfelt chat that’s as real as it gets. Listen now, subscribe, and be sure to leave a review to help other mums find these conversations. Your feedback makes a huge difference in growing our community!  🔗 Links & Resources: - Follow us on Instagram:  @zensohouse  @cocoonandcradle - Visit our websites:  www.zensohouse.com  www.cocoonandcradle.com Thank you for joining us in this journey—hit subscribe, share with friends, and connect with us online to keep this supportive conversation going. 🌞

    56 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Place for Connection, where I believe that connection is the CUREthe podcast where soul meets science, and healing takes centre stage. Hosted by clinical & forensic psychologist, Melissa Beaton, this podcast dives deep into the art and science of connection – to yourself, your community, and the big beautiful world around you. Each episode is a juicy mix of expert wisdom and heartfelt stories from psychologists, bodyworkers, doulas, yogis, spiritual guides, breathwork facilitators, doctors, nurses, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Beaton
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Melissa Beaton
  • Show Website
    The Place for Connection