Connecting the Thoughts Podcast

Megan Canell RN, NC-BC

The place where women in health and leadership come to reconnect to their body, their truth, and their story. Here we explore the stories behind strong women; the stressors they've carried, the pivots they've made, the ways their bodies have spoken to them, and the somatic practices that have brought them back into rhythm again.

Episodes

  1. Healing the Spine & Spirit: A Journey with Anna Allen

    2D AGO

    Healing the Spine & Spirit: A Journey with Anna Allen

    In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, host Megan, RN, sits down with Anna Allen, founder of Body Mind Spirit Connected. Anna shares her powerful story of navigating a challenging divorce while raising three young children, and how the physical "breaking" of her back—three herniated discs—became a catalyst for a deep, natural healing journey.  We dive into: The Emotional-Physical Connection: How a lack of emotional support manifested as spinal issues. Natural Healing Modalities: Anna’s experience with acupuncture, the Eden Energy Method, and intuitive massage. The Power of "Health Work": Why listening to your body and taking care of yourself is the best advertisement for your business and life. Leading by Example: How choosing self-care teaches our children to do the same. Connect with Anna Allen: Website: Body Mind Spirit ConnectedPhone: 813-215-5050 (Text for best response)Location: Off Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL Episode Chapters 01:15 – Meet Anna Allen: What is "Body, Mind, Spirit"?  02:15 – The Breaking Point: Divorce, Herniated Discs, and No Insurance  04:30 – Starting a Business with "Not a Penny to My Name"  07:00 – Finding the Eden Energy Method & Natural Healing  10:42 – Intuitive Massage: "My Hands Just Know What to Do"  13:00 – Educating Clients: Looking Beyond Physical Symptoms  15:00 – Understanding Auras and Distance Healing  17:11 – Eastern Modalities & Clearing Energy Blockages  21:27 – The Spine as Support: Connecting Emotions to Physical Pain  24:00 – Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Humility  28:17 – The Miracle of Working Without Pain  32:39 – Lessons for Mothers: Choosing Yourself to Teach Your Children  37:16 – Diversifying a Purpose-Driven Business  39:23 – Overcoming "Head Chatter" and Negative Self-Talk  39:23 – Overcoming "Head Chatter" and Negative Self-Talk  41:43 – Lessons from the "Dark Night of the Soul": Finding Joy in the Struggle  43:00 – Keeping Your Own Cup Full: How Caregivers Give Their Power Away 44:09 – Finding and Losing True Love: Processing Grief and Ongoing Connection  45:30 – Facing Stage 3 Colon Cancer: Listening to the Body When There Are No Signs  47:00 – Post-Surgery Recovery: Using Light Therapy and Natural Healing to Return to Work  49:00 – Understanding Boundaries: Learning What You Can and Cannot Give  51:07 – Practical Techniques: Using Facial Points to Affect the Full Body  54:00 – The "Board Meeting" With Yourself: Looking at Business from a Leadership Aspect  56:15 – Celebrating 30+ Years in Business: Retirement vs. Staying on Purpose  58:00 – Creative Outlets: The Healing Power of Quilting, Gardening, and Fresh Herbs  01:00:30 – The Importance of Grounding: Why We Need to Feel Supported  01:03:00 – Final Thoughts: Choosing What Lights You Up and Finding Peace

    1h 2m
  2. The Power of Self-Reflection That Transformed a Healthcare Professional into a Mindset Mentor

    APR 22

    The Power of Self-Reflection That Transformed a Healthcare Professional into a Mindset Mentor

    Most women in health and wellness hold back their true power because they’re afraid to fully shine. What if revealing your authentic self is the secret to your most explosive growth? Sarah Breshears, a multi-million dollar mentor for health entrepreneurs, shares the raw truth about how embracing her past — from clinical work to healing her money mindset — transformed her into a magnetic leader.In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, Sarah opens up about her journey from burnout to brilliance, revealing how she’s expanded her capacity for abundance, trust, and authenticity. You’ll discover the pivotal moments that pushed her to say “enough is enough,” and how she used somatic practices, yoga, and water therapy to heal her nervous system and unlock her true potential.We break down:   How her clinical experiences in pediatrics, NICU, and palliative care shaped her approach to serving women with powerful gifts  The real story behind busting through financial limiting beliefs rooted in childhood poverty  The mindset shifts that helped her scale from $355 monthly packages to high-ticket offers — one small step at a time  The importance of slowing down, resting, and creating safe spaces within — including her favorite yoga practices that reignite her glow  Practical tools to quiet the inner critique, listen to your intuitive North Star, and confidently say no without guilt  If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or feeling like you’re hiding your magic behind a mask, this episode is your permission slip to step into your full power. Sarah’s story reminds us that transformation requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to be vulnerable.Perfect for women entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and wellness leaders ready to break free from hustle culture and tap into their limitless capacity. Whether you’re seeking clarity on your next move or yearning to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your unique journey and shed the masks that hide your brilliance. Sarah Breshears is a mentor to health and wellness entrepreneurs, known for helping women build authentic, bold online brands while healing mental and emotional blocks along the way. Her approach combines clinical insight, somatic healing, and spiritual authenticity, making her a trusted guide for women ready to own their magic.Join us to uncover how your deeper stories, healing practices, and self-trust can elevate your business and life, because your magic is already within you, waiting to be unleashed.Ready to walk in your truth? Click play and start transforming your mindset, capacity, and influence today.

    55 min

  3. APR 8

    Why Traditional Fitness Fails the Neurodivergent Brain | With Abby Clapper

    Episode Summary Join Megan (RN & Somatic Conditioning Coach) and guest Abby Clapper as they explore the intersection of personal training and neurodivergence. In this episode, they debunk the "all-or-nothing" fitness trap and discuss why novelty and individualization are the true keys to long-term health for high-impact women and unique nervous systems. Chapters/Time-Stamps 00:00 — Introduction: Connecting the Thoughts and Rhythm Wellness 00:45 — From Corporate Wellness to Accidental Entrepreneurship 03:06 — Finding a Niche: How a Client Inspired Abby to Focus on Neurodivergence 05:01 — The Snowflake Theory: Why No Two Brains (or Workouts) are Alike 06:48 — Entrepreneurship Real Talk: Navigating the Instability of Business 09:25 — Breaking the All-or-Nothing Mindset in Fitness and Life 11:22 — Listening to the Body: Training Around Chronic Conditions & Flare-ups 12:20 — Individualizing the Masses: Challenges of Group Fitness & Corporate Settings 18:25 — The Importance of Preparation: Whiteboards and Environmental Safety 22:31 — Clinical vs. Cert-Only: The Value of an Exercise Science Background 25:45 — Overcoming "Gymtimidation": Building Confidence for Beginners 27:12 — The "Gymtimidation" Root: Why a bad first experience stops people from starting 30:15 — Somatic Awareness: Learning to differentiate between "pushing through" and "listening to" the body 34:40 — High-Performance Pressure: How leadership roles can lead to a disconnect from the self 38:50 — The "Masculine Energy" Trap: Moving out of the "strict box" and into a fluid rhythm 42:15 — Small Wins: Why starting with 10 minutes of movement is more effective than an hour of force 46:30 — The Nervous System "Safety" Cue: Creating an environment where neurodivergent clients can thrive 51:10 — Practical Advice: Abby’s favorite "entry-level" somatic habits for busy leaders 55:02 — Debunking the Myth: Why "Fitness" doesn't have a specific look or body type  56:45 — Closing: Where to find Abby and how to subscribe to Connecting the Thoughts Final Quote & Takeaway "Fitness is for every body and brain, even if it doesn't feel like it, even if you feel like you're not 'the fitness person.' It doesn’t have to look a certain way, and it doesn't have to be scary." — Abby Clapper Highlights & Key Quotes "All of our brains are like a snowflake or a thumbprint. They're all so unique. So we all need something different.""Fitness is for every body and brain, even if you feel like you're 'not a fitness person.'"About Your Host Megan Canell is a Registered Nurse, Board Certified Nurse Coach (NC-BC), and founder of Rhythm Wellness. She specializes in somatic conditioning for high-impact leaders, helping women move from chronic overdrive into regulated power. Connect with Rhythm Wellness Book a Clinical Interview: Let’s look at your unique stress patterns and capacity.Website: https://rhythmwellnesstpa.com/?selected_service=4&latepoint=instantInstagram: @rhythmwellnesstpaPodcast: Connecting the Thoughts (Available on all platforms)Connect with Today’s Guest Abby Clapper is a Personal Trainer specializing in neurodivergent clients. Resources: Check out Abby's "Free Resources" tab to start building your own individualized workout. @coachabbyclapper#SomaticConditioning #NeurodivergentFitness #NervousSystemRegulation #RhythmWellness #ConnectingTheThoughts #NurseCoach

    56 min

  4. MAR 22

    Unlocking Your True Potential: The Power of Self-Discovery and Creativity with Yuki Carlsson

    In this insightful conversation, we explore the journey of transitioning from traditional roles to purpose-driven leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and how creative outlets like writing can serve as powerful tools for self-regulation and growth. Our guest shares personal stories, practical advice, and the transformative power of aligning with one's true passions. Chapters 00:00 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 05:11 Finding Alignment in Work and Passion 12:31 Combining Skills and Passions 20:57 Navigating Midlife Transitions 24:50 The Role of Leadership in Personal Growth 39:27 Creating Vulnerable Spaces for Growth 42:23 Inviting Reflection and Change

    44 min

  5. MAR 9

    Connecting the Thoughts: Regulating the Nervous System Through Motherhood & Loss with Dr. Jordan Matthew

    Welcome back to Connecting the Thoughts, a space curated by Rhythm Wellness for women in health and leadership to reconnect with their minds, bodies, and truths. In this episode, host Megan, RN (Somatic Conditioning Coach and Founder of Rhythm Wellness) sits down with Dr. Jordan Matthew of Thistle Family Chiropractic. This conversation is a deep dive into the Rhythm Wellness philosophy: exploring how our bodies speak to us through stress and how we can use somatic awareness to find our rhythm again after life’s biggest pivots. Dr. Jordan opens up about the "tornado" of navigating three consecutive miscarriages while launching a business, and how she moved from "survival mode" to regulated healing. We discuss the physiological reality of "mom brain," the importance of nervous system regulation, and why community is the ultimate resource for a healthy recovery. Whether you are navigating a career shift, a fertility journey, or the beautiful chaos of motherhood, this episode will help you connect the thoughts between your physical symptoms and your emotional well-being. Find your rhythm with us: Rhythm Wellness: https://rhythmwellnesstpa.com/Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectingthethoughtspod/Connect with Dr. Jordan Matthew: @JordanMatthewDCTimeline: 00:00 – Introduction: Reconnecting mind, body, and truth. 01:25 – The Pivot: How a family tragedy led Jordan to Chiropractic care. 08:37 – Thistle Family Chiropractic: Treating the nervous system, not just the spine. 13:28 – The Reality of Loss: Navigating three miscarriages while building a business. 20:19 – Postpartum Mental Health: Breaking the stigma of PPA, PPD, and medication. 28:18 – The Balancing Act: Managing mom guilt, solo-practice life, and Lachlan. 30:50 – Reclaiming Self: Moving from "avid athlete" to 15-minute grace-filled movement. 33:47 – Mom Brain & Breastfeeding: The physiological drain of long-term nursing. 35:35 – Survival Mode: Finding safe co-sleeping resources and better rest. 39:17 – ADHD Burnout: Using meditation and movement as grounding tools. 45:29 – The Birth Worker Brew: Building a community referral system. 48:49 – Hospital Births & Anxiety: Making the safe choice for your "rainbow baby." 50:38 – Closing: Where to connect with Dr. Jordan Matthew.

    52 min

  6. FEB 1

    From Surgery to Somatic Wisdom: Rethinking Stress, the Brain & the Body | Guest Juliette Astor, MD

    What happens when curiosity about the brain leads you back to the body? In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, I sit down with physician Juliette to explore her unconventional path through medicine—from a deep fascination with biology and the mind, to general surgery, plastic surgery, and ultimately opening her own wellness-forward practice. We talk about: How stress can become a catalyst for growth rather than burnout Why understanding the brain without the body is incomplete What Juliette learned moving through different surgical disciplines How body scans, regenerative medicine, and nervous-system awareness are changing the way we approach health And what it really looks like to step outside traditional systems and build something aligned This conversation is for anyone who’s felt called to question the path they were placed on—and listen more closely to what their body has been asking for all along. 🎧 Listen with curiosity. 🧠 Reflect with intention. 🌿 Reconnect to your own rhythm. How has your relationship with stress shaped the way you care for yourself today? Let us know in the comments.

    47 min

  7. FEB 1

    Healing Journeys in Nursing with Ashley Chancellor

    In this episode, host Megan and guest Ashley Chancellor discuss the journey of nursing, the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, and the importance of self-care and boundaries in the nursing profession. They explore personal experiences with burnout, injuries, and the transition from bedside nursing to coaching. The conversation emphasizes the significance of breathwork, mindfulness, and community support in healing and transformation. Ashley shares insights from her writing process and the importance of reclaiming one's rhythm in life and work. Takeaways: -Nursing is a journey of healing, both for patients and nurses. -COVID-19 has significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare workers. -Burnout is a common issue among nurses, often leading to physical injuries. -Self-care is essential for nurses to maintain their well-being. -Setting boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. -Breathwork and mindfulness can greatly improve mental health and stress management. -Writing can be a powerful tool for processing trauma and emotions. -Community support is vital for personal and professional growth. -Everyone has their own unique healing journey and should be supported in it. -Transformational healing requires understanding individual needs and beliefs.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nursing and Personal Journey 03:13 Traveling as a Nurse and Holistic Healing 06:10 The Impact of COVID-19 on Nursing 08:52 Injury and the Body's Signals 12:00 Navigating Healthcare and Self-Advocacy 14:57 The Emotional Toll of Nursing 17:59 Transitioning to Nurse Coaching 20:57 The Role of Belief in Healing 24:01 Coaching Methodology and Self-Care 26:59 Overcoming Resistance in Coaching 29:57 Conclusion and Future Directions 35:36 The Importance of Community and Support 37:13 Assessing Hope and Building Resilience 39:28 Mindfulness and Meditation Practices 41:02 The Role of Coaching in Self-Discovery 42:45 Addressing Burnout in Healthcare 44:00 Tools for Managing Stress and Burnout 46:23 The Power of Breathwork 49:25 Understanding the Impact of Breath on Health 52:23 Writing as a Tool for Self-Reflection 54:34 The Journey of Self-Care and Boundaries 57:11 Navigating Work-Life Balance in Nursing 01:00:55 Creating a Culture of Support in Healthcare 01:03:10 The Ripple Effect of Self-Care 01:06:17 Guided Grounding Practice 01:10:09 Final Thoughts on the Nervous System and Breathwork

    1h 11m

  8. FEB 1

    Understanding Your Body: A Journey with Dr. Aissa

    In this engaging conversation, Dr. Aissa shares her journey from an uncertain beginning in physical therapy to becoming a holistic fitness coach and author. She discusses the importance of understanding one's body, asking the right questions in healthcare, and the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Dr. Aissa emphasizes the role of movement in healing, the challenges of motherhood, and the significance of self-discovery and community support. Her book, 'Connect the Body Dots,' serves as a guide for individuals seeking to take control of their health and wellness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Aissa and Her Journey 03:04 The Struggles of Understanding One's Body 05:56 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions 09:10 Inspiration Behind the Book 11:51 Connecting the Dots: Holistic Health 14:57 Motherhood and Teaching Healthy Habits 17:59 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Alignment 20:56 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth 26:01 From Grind Mode to Balance 30:06 The Power of Movement and Recovery 33:55 Listening to Your Body's Needs 39:07 Understanding Pain and Injury 41:55 The Importance of Holistic Health 46:14 Empowering Clients for Independence

    49 min

  9. FEB 1

    Connecting the Thoughts on Support Systems, Business Adversities, and Nervous System Health

    In this episode of Connecting the Thoughts, I speak with Kerri-Lyn about her journey in health and wellness, the importance of community support, and the integration of Eastern and Western medicine through her practice, Klynergy. We discuss personal experiences with injuries, the significance of slowing down to listen to the body, and the therapeutic aspects of Jiu-Jitsu. Kerri shares insights on future workshops aimed at empowering women and promoting holistic healing.

    1h 20m
  • 9 Episodes

About

The place where women in health and leadership come to reconnect to their body, their truth, and their story. Here we explore the stories behind strong women; the stressors they've carried, the pivots they've made, the ways their bodies have spoken to them, and the somatic practices that have brought them back into rhythm again.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Canell RN, NC-BC
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Connecting the Thoughts Podcast
  • Show Website
    Connecting the Thoughts Podcast