Movement Is My Constant: Real conversations on movement, mindfulness, and making meaningful change - for creatives, caregiver

Ana Maia Marques
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This podcast is for the ones who hold space for others—therapists, coaches, educators, healthcare workers, NGO staff, facilitators, and creatives—yet often struggle to make space for themselves. Hosted by Ana, a mindfulness teacher and embodiment facilitator with a background in UX and a passion for thoughtful living, Movement Is My Constant explores how we can stay present, grounded, and resilient while navigating personal growth, life transitions, and the messy in-betweens. Through honest conversations with movement experts, scientists, and thinkers across disciplines, you'll get insights and tools that help you reconnect with your body, build emotional resilience, and move through change with more clarity and ease. You might be wondering... "How can I feel more grounded when life feels overwhelming?" "What does mindfulness actually look like in everyday life?" "How do I keep giving to others without burning out?" "What role does movement play in emotional and mental clarity?" "How do I navigate change when I don’t have a clear plan?" "How can I reconnect with myself after a big life shift?" "Can I grow without constantly pushing myself?" "What are the science-backed ways to feel more present and whole?" If you’re a curious, thoughtful human doing meaningful work—and looking for ways to stay centered while doing it—this podcast is for you. 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale. Each episode delves into blending movement and mindful (or body-mind) practices, embodiment tools, and lived experiences to support your growth, clarity, and well-being—so you can keep showing up for others without losing yourself.

  1. Encore: Mind-Body Connection, Morning Routines & Mindset with Rich Andoh

    AUG 27

    Encore: Mind-Body Connection, Morning Routines & Mindset with Rich Andoh

    Editor’s Note – Encore Release As many of us transition from the slower rhythm of August into the energy of September, this feels like the right moment to revisit my conversation with Rich Andoh. His insights on morning routines, embodied learning, and the mind-body connection are a timely reminder of how movement can help us reset, sharpen focus, and prepare for what’s ahead. Whether this is your first listen or a return visit, notice what resonates with you now, at this point of re-entry. Episode Overview In this encore episode of Movement Is My Constant, Rich Andoh explores how movement shapes the mind-body connection, mindset, and personal growth. He unpacks why morning routines set the tone for mental clarity, emotional regulation, and resilience, and he challenges the limitations of traditional education by advocating for experiential, embodied learning. Rich explains why somatic awareness and kinetic intelligence are often overlooked, how attention and presence transform performance, and why educators must embody what they teach. He also offers practical advice for beginners looking to build body awareness and integrate movement into daily life. Episode Highlights Morning routines as a foundation for clarity and focusReframing frustration to unlock growthMovement as a tool for self-awareness and cognitive developmentWhy direct, hands-on learning outperforms theory aloneThe role of educators in embodying their practicesAttention, focus, and mindfulness in movement trainingThe need for a unified framework for human movement studiesWhy physical experiences remain irreplaceable in a digital worldPractical entry points for starting a movement practiceWhat You’ll Learn ✔️ How morning routines shape readiness and well-being ✔️ Why reframing frustration creates growth opportunities ✔️ The value of experiential learning in education and life ✔️ How mindfulness and attention refine movement skills ✔️ Simple practices to begin cultivating body awareness Links & Resources Follow Rich Andoh Instagram: @hiddenbody.nl Website: hiddenbody.nl Follow Movement Is My Constant Instagram: @movementismyconstant All Episodes: movementismyconstant.com Additional references: Carol Dweck: Growth Mindset Alia Crum: Empowering Mindsets to Optimize Health and Human Performance ✨ Your Takeaway? What insight from Rich resonates most with you now? Share your reflections by tagging us on social media or leaving a review. ✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans. Episode CreditsProduced, Edited and Mixed by Chris ForbesArtwork Design by Utterly CreateMusic is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale

    1h 1m
  2. Clowning, Fooling, and IFS: Embodied Tools for Neurodivergence, Trauma Healing, and Burnout Prevention — with Holly Stoppit

    AUG 14

    Clowning, Fooling, and IFS: Embodied Tools for Neurodivergence, Trauma Healing, and Burnout Prevention — with Holly Stoppit

    Episode Summary In this episode of Movement Is My Constant, I explore the transformative potential of clowning therapy, fooling performance, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work with Holly Stoppit — facilitator, dramatherapist, and artistic director of Beyond The Ridiculous. Holly shares how these creative therapy approaches combine performance, embodiment, and psychology to support neurodivergence, trauma healing, and burnout prevention. We discuss how embodying different parts of ourselves through movement-based therapy and playful improvisation can foster resilience, deepen embodied self-awareness, and open new pathways for growth. Whether you are a therapist, movement practitioner, or someone exploring self-development beyond thought, this conversation offers practical insight into the mind–body connection. What We Cover Home is Right Here, Wherever I Am — Holly’s poem, read by me, on the value of kinesthetic learning and embodied presence.The creative nature of “parts work” in IFS, and how it helps create healthy distance from challenging inner voices.Why pushing for awareness too quickly can lead to burnout, and how fooling can help break the cycle.How meditation begins before the cushion — posture, breath, and arriving as you are — plus Holly’s own tips for building a sustainable practice.About the Guest Holly Stoppit is the artistic director of Beyond The Ridiculous, a collective of solo improvisers who use authentic impulses to create truthful performance. As a facilitator, educator, dramatherapist, IFS therapist, clinical supervisor, and creative consultant, Holly offers embodied, creative, and reflective approaches to exploring the human condition. 🔗 About Holly Call to Action If you want to understand why certain behaviours still drive actions you wish to change — or if you work with others to uncover unconscious patterns — this episode is for you. It offers fresh perspectives on using clowning in therapy, fooling for self-discovery, and somatic approaches to trauma recovery. We also explore how movement-based therapy can complement meditation and mindfulness, shifting from constant “doing” into genuine “being.” I share how my own teacher training shaped this approach, with a new US-based cohort opening soon. Find out more here and use this link to join, and your registration will also support the podcast. Subscribe to Movement Is My Constant wherever you listen. If this episode resonates, share it — with a friend, a therapist, a changemaker, or even a skeptic. For more at the intersection of movement, health, and systems change, join the newsletter at movementismyconstant.com/newsletter. Let's Connect 🎧 Subscribe to Movement Is My Constant on your podcast app. 🎙️ More Episodes: movementismyconstant.com 📱 Follow on Instagram: @movementismyconstant ✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans. Episode CreditsProduced, Edited and Mixed by Chris ForbesArtwork Design by Utterly CreateMusic is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale

    54 min
  3. Redefining Chronic Pain: Move, Heal, and Take Back Control with Dr. Fawad Mian

    JUL 24

    Redefining Chronic Pain: Move, Heal, and Take Back Control with Dr. Fawad Mian

    What if chronic pain isn’t a life sentence—but a system failure? In this episode of Movement Is My Constant, I speak with Dr. Fawad Mian, a board-certified neurologist and regenerative medicine specialist, about why so many high-performing adults struggle to recover from chronic injuries—and what can actually help. We dig into the biology of chronic pain, why conventional treatments often fail, and how regenerative approaches like PRP, prolotherapy, and movement re-education are providing new options for those who’ve been told: "Take the pills, book the surgery, and learn to live with it." Whether you're an athlete, therapist, coach, or someone who refuses to accept surgery as the only answer, this conversation offers practical insights and a different path forward. What We Cover What chronic pain really is—and why it persistsWhy conventional treatments and insurance frameworks fall shortRegenerative therapies explained: PRP, prolotherapy, and moreMovement as medicine: what most rehab protocols missRewiring your mindset to become an active participant in healingWhy surgery isn’t always the only—or best—optionNotable Quotes The problem with the steroid is that it has a couple of different effects. Number one, it's toxic to the cartilage, it's toxic to the bone, it's toxic to tissue, ultimately. - Dr. Fawad Mian I always challenge people, look, I mean, let's just get you moving first. If that's what you can do, start doing that. - Dr. Fawad Mian About the Guest: Dr. Fawad Mian is the founder of Vitality Integrative Wellness in New Jersey. He combines diagnostics, regenerative treatments, and movement re-education to help adults over 55 recover from chronic pain without drugs or surgery. 🔗 Dr Fawad’s website: prolohealing.com 📘 Getting to Pain Free — available on bookshop.org Call to Action If you’re dealing with chronic pain—or have been told surgery is your only option—this episode is for you. There are alternatives. Start by listening, get informed, and begin building a healing plan that fits your body, not just the system. For more on movement-based recovery and building trust in your body, visit movementismyconstant.com/episodes/ Let’s Connect 🎧 Subscribe to Movement Is My Constant on your podcast app. 📩 Join MiMC newsletter for movement-based resources and podcast updates. 📱 Follow on Instagram: @movementismyconstant Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment. ✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans. Episode CreditsProduced, Edited and Mixed by Chris ForbesArtwork Design by Utterly CreateMusic is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale

    42 min
  4. From Movement to Meaning with Jo Hardy: How Embodiment Facilitation Transforms Emotion and Body Awareness

    JUL 10

    From Movement to Meaning with Jo Hardy: How Embodiment Facilitation Transforms Emotion and Body Awareness

    Episode Highlights  🌀 Dance as Divine Connection Jo reflects on how movement becomes a form of prayer—a personal and collective ritual where “the dance space is also the divine.”🌀 Training Through Movement, Not Just Talk In The Change Weaver, movement isn’t optional. Jo outlines how dance, hands-on exercises, and embodied presence are central to how she teaches facilitation.🌀 From Sitting to Sensing Jo shares her evolution from a mindfulness-heavy somatic psychotherapy practice to one that embraced standing up, moving, and listening through the body in motion.🌀 Breaking Free from Performance Why trained dancers often arrive in embodiment spaces feeling trapped by perfectionism—and how conscious dance can return movement to a place of freedom and inquiry.What you'll learn  Why movement can be a deeper form of inquiry than wordsHow trained facilitation supports emotional processing and somatic integrationThe difference between freeform movement and held embodiment practiceHow culture, trauma, and personal history show up in our bodiesThe ethics and subtle skills of facilitating embodied spacesHow embodiment supports emotional resilience, presence, and trustNotable Quotes “Movement can be a form of inquiry.” “Every cell in your body has the potential to perceive the wisdom of the moment.” “Facilitation is not just holding space—it’s participating in the space with integrity.” “The dance space is also the divine.” Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Movement Is My Constant 02:45 Jo’s Path from Therapy to Dance Facilitation 09:19 Embodiment as Inquiry, Not Performance 16:48 Facilitating Emotional and Somatic Process 21:02 The Cultural Layers of Movement 25:51 Building Safety and Trust in Embodied Spaces 35:40 Movement as Integration: From Personal to Collective 45:06 Spiritual Dimensions of Embodied Work 51:17 Training the Next Generation of Facilitators 59:18 Final Reflections Resources and Mentions Jo Hardy's website Follow Jo Hardy on Instagram: @consciousdance Jo's current training offering: The Changeweaver program Let's Connect 🎧 Subscribe to Movement Is My Constant on your podcast app. 📩 Join MiMC newsletter for movement-based resources and podcast updates. 📱 Follow on Instagram: @movementismyconstant ✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans. Episode CreditsProduced, Edited and Mixed by Chris ForbesArtwork Design by Utterly CreateMusic is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale

    1h 21m
  5. Flow Over Force with Anthony Trahair: A Playful Take on Mental Health and Creative Recovery

    JUN 25

    Flow Over Force with Anthony Trahair: A Playful Take on Mental Health and Creative Recovery

    In a world that glorifies urgency and endless productivity, what if the key to clarity, focus, and meaning lies in something as simple—and radical—as play? In this episode, Anthony Trahair shares his journey from chemistry student to circus performer to wellness coach, offering deep reflections on the role of movement and creativity in mental wellbeing. Whether you're feeling burnt out, overstimulated, or just disconnected from your creative edge, this conversation offers practical tools and fresh insights into how we might live, move, and work with more intention. Episode Highlights Why urgency makes us feel important (and why that's dangerous)Burnout culture, productivity myths, and nervous system overloadMovement as a form of emotional regulationFlow state, attention, and the link with neurodivergenceJuggling as metaphor and method for mental healthThe problem with “watch out!” and the power of mindful languageWhy screen time ruins downtimeThe value of daily practices before touching your phoneCreativity, curiosity, and how children learn presence through playKey Ideas & References Marshall Rosenberg – founder of Nonviolent Communication; referenced in how we can shift language to support emotional safety and creativity.The book PlayDHD by Kirten Milliken PhD – mentioned in the context of neurodivergence and reframing attention as a creative strength.The Urgency-Importance Matrix (also known as the Eisenhower Matrix) – used to explain how urgency often feels like importance but is usually a trap.The idea that school is no longer a clear path to employment or purpose, which contributes to disengagement.The importance of having a practice—something grounding you do daily before engaging with tech.🧩 Memorable Quote "If you start your day with your phone, your nervous system’s already hijacked. A practice, before anything else, is a way to claim your mind back." — Anthony Trahair 🔗 Links & Resources 🌐 Anthony Trahair – Official Website 📘 Pearls of Juggling – Book by Anthony Trahair (available on his website) 🧠 Marshall Rosenberg – Nonviolent Communication 📚 PlayHD by Christine Miskinis – Book Info 🎙️ More Episodes at Movement Is My Constant 📲 Follow the Podcast on Instagram @movementismyconstant 📣 Call to Action If you’re navigating a creative block, mental fatigue, or just want to bring more joy into your work, tag a friend or fellow mover who needs to hear this. Rate and review if it resonated ✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans. Episode CreditsProduced, Edited and Mixed by Chris ForbesArtwork Design by Utterly CreateMusic is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale

    57 min
  6. Touch, Trust & Transformation: How Contact Improvisation Builds Emotional Awareness with Tom Goldhand

    JUN 11

    Touch, Trust & Transformation: How Contact Improvisation Builds Emotional Awareness with Tom Goldhand

    What happens when we stop talking and start listening with our bodies? In this candid conversation, dancer and facilitator Tom Goldhand reveals how contact improvisation became a tool for emotional intelligence, embodied self-awareness, and relational trust. Starting dance at 25, Tom was drawn to the space between structure and spontaneity—where movement speaks louder than words. We explore how touch and play open pathways to transformation, why creating safe spaces is vital for partner work, and how curiosity fuels the flow state in dance. This episode is essential listening for teachers, dancers, and anyone exploring contact improvisation as a somatic practice for self-development.   Episode Highlights Tom’s late start in dance and his journey from beginner to facilitatorHow touch unlocks emotional awareness and the challenges it bringsThe balance between safety and bravery in contact improvisationCuriosity and responsiveness as keys to flow and growthTeaching consent and boundaries through movement, without wordsPlayfulness as a serious tool for emotional transformationHolding space for emotional memory triggered by touchThe importance of community in your dance journeyThe washing machine metaphor: surrendering to collective rhythmApplying contact improvisation lessons beyond the dance floor  What You’ll Learn ✔️ How contact improvisation supports emotional healing and somatic awareness ✔️ Why non-verbal communication can reveal deeper truths than words ✔️ Strategies for creating emotionally safe and consent-aware movement spaces ✔️ Differentiating touch as a technique vs. relational inquiry ✔️ Cultivating bravery and presence over performance in dance ✔️ Teaching and learning through structured spontaneity and flow ✔️ Recognizing healthy, supportive dance communities for growth ✔️ Preparing facilitators to hold emotional content safely ✔️ Understanding how the body stores and releases emotional memory ✔️ Practical methods to teach consent, boundaries, and risk in partner dance   Links & Resources 🌐 Tom Goldhand – Official Website 📘 Facebook: Tom Goldhand 🎙️ More Episodes at Movement Is My Constant 📲 Follow the Podcast on Instagram @movementismyconstant ✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans. Episode CreditsProduced, Edited and Mixed by Chris ForbesArtwork Design by Utterly CreateMusic is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale

    1h 14m
  7. Beyond Loneliness: How Movement Builds Meaningful Human Connection with Margarida Guedes De Quinhones

    MAY 21

    Beyond Loneliness: How Movement Builds Meaningful Human Connection with Margarida Guedes De Quinhones

    🎧 Episode Highlights:🔹 The Power of Volunteering: How simple acts of service become catalysts for transformation and connection—for both giver and receiver 🔹 Loneliness Across Generations: Why older adults and remote-working young adults face different versions of the same silent epidemic 🔹 Reframing Aging: Challenging the outdated beliefs that reduce elders to care recipients, instead of full participants in society 🔹 The Symbolism of a Bike Ride: Why “the right to feel the wind in your hair” is about freedom, dignity, and belonging 🔹 Emotional Movement: How shared experiences in physical movement create emotional openness and trust 🔹 Community Healing: How grassroots volunteer projects like Pedalar Sem Idade spark social change from the ground up 🔹 Global Insights: Lessons from Portugal’s adaptation of a worldwide movement—and what every country can learn from it 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why loneliness often goes unspoken—and how to recognize it in yourself and others ✔️ How intergenerational volunteering can dissolve stereotypes and build empathy ✔️ The emotional benefits of volunteering beyond physical movement ✔️ How movement can become a medium for connection, storytelling, and healing ✔️ What “being old” really means—and how to rewrite the narrative ✔️ The importance of supporting community-based projects with donations and time ✔️ Why small, consistent gestures are a powerful form of activism 🔗 Links & Resources:🌍 Pedalar Sem Idade – Website 📖 Cycling Without Age – Global Movement 📸 Follow the Movement: Instagram @pedalarsemidadeportugal 🎙️ More Episodes: movementismyconstant.com | Instagram @movementismyconstant ✨ What Moved You?Did Margarida’s story shift how you think about aging, connection, or purpose? Share your reflections and tag us—we love hearing what landed with you. And don’t forget to subscribe, share this with a changemaker friend, or leave a review. Your voice helps the ripple keep moving. ✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans. Episode CreditsProduced, Edited and Mixed by Chris ForbesArtwork Design by Utterly CreateMusic is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale

    45 min
  8. Laughter as Medicine: Healing, Coaching, and Connection with Julia Johannsen

    MAY 7

    Laughter as Medicine: Healing, Coaching, and Connection with Julia Johannsen

    In this episode of Movement Is My Constant, I talk to Julia Johannsen, founder of the Institute of Systemic Laughter and SenseWise, about the deep, embodied power of laughter. We explore how laughter is more than just a joyful release — it’s a serious tool for healing trauma, resetting the nervous system, and creating instant connection. Julia shares micro practices and reflections that bring laughter into coaching, daily life, and even high-performance contexts. Whether you're a coach, a curious mover, or a self-development enthusiast, this episode invites you to reconnect with laughter as a natural resource for resilience and well-being. Episode Highlights Why laughter is older than language and a natural human bonding toolHow laughter can shake the body, reset the nervous system, and even release traumaThe link between laughter and embodiment: it’s movement, voice, and breath combinedPractical micro practices to shift your emotional state in minutesUsing laughter to access self-confidence, joy, and perspective before high-stakes momentsThe cultural layers of laughter and how it transcends verbal communicationHow to use laughter as a coaching resource — both in group and solo contextsWhy “joy is serious work” — and how it can serve your personal and professional growth🔗 Links & Resources: 🌐 Julia’s Website – SenseWise 📲 Follow Julia on Instagram 🎙️ More episodes: movementismyconstant.com | Instagram @movementismyconstant ✨ What Moved You? Did Julia’s wisdom spark a shift in your perspective? Tag us with your reflections or leave a review with your favorite takeaway. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that blend movement, healing, and conscious growth. ✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans. Episode CreditsProduced, Edited and Mixed by Chris ForbesArtwork Design by Utterly CreateMusic is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale

    43 min
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About

This podcast is for the ones who hold space for others—therapists, coaches, educators, healthcare workers, NGO staff, facilitators, and creatives—yet often struggle to make space for themselves. Hosted by Ana, a mindfulness teacher and embodiment facilitator with a background in UX and a passion for thoughtful living, Movement Is My Constant explores how we can stay present, grounded, and resilient while navigating personal growth, life transitions, and the messy in-betweens. Through honest conversations with movement experts, scientists, and thinkers across disciplines, you'll get insights and tools that help you reconnect with your body, build emotional resilience, and move through change with more clarity and ease. You might be wondering... "How can I feel more grounded when life feels overwhelming?" "What does mindfulness actually look like in everyday life?" "How do I keep giving to others without burning out?" "What role does movement play in emotional and mental clarity?" "How do I navigate change when I don’t have a clear plan?" "How can I reconnect with myself after a big life shift?" "Can I grow without constantly pushing myself?" "What are the science-backed ways to feel more present and whole?" If you’re a curious, thoughtful human doing meaningful work—and looking for ways to stay centered while doing it—this podcast is for you. 🎧 Subscribe now and get grounded, insightful episodes that feel like a deep exhale. Each episode delves into blending movement and mindful (or body-mind) practices, embodiment tools, and lived experiences to support your growth, clarity, and well-being—so you can keep showing up for others without losing yourself.

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