Conversations for the Moving Self

Episod

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  Episode 31 - More Than a Side Hustle: How Massage Therapy and Musical Theater Shaped Bethany Wynn 18.07.2026 1j 14min

  In this episode, Megan sits down with Bethany Wynn, a Level 5 advanced clinical massage therapist based in London with a background in musical theatre. Bethany shares her journey from performing on cruise ships and UK tours to building a thriving massage practice rooted in compassion rather than the "no pain, no gain" mentality she grew up with in performing arts.They dig into what it really means to take care of your body as a mover or performer, from the loneliness of being sidelined by an injury with zero support, to redefining self-care as something accessible and ongoing rather than a luxury reserved for when things go wrong. Bethany opens up about why she stepped back from performing, how massage and the stage have always been intertwined in her life, and the powerful idea of finding your "village" of people who genuinely have your back.The conversation also covers Bethany's new 16-week research project exploring how clinical massage can support people through grief, plus practical wisdom on listening to your body's whispers before they become shouts, and learning to tell the difference between resistance born from fear and resistance that's your body asking you to slow down.A warm, honest conversation about movement, healing, community, and giving yourself permission to rest (dog cameo included).
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  Episode 30 - Laurent Roure on Somatic Practice and Yoga, Encouraging Invitations, and Liberation 11.07.2026 1j 11min

  This episode features Laurent, a yoga and somatic teacher whose approach blends Scaravelli Yoga with Feldenkrais-based somatic work. Laurent has been practicing yoga for over three decades, starting in the disciplined world of Ashtanga in the 90s before discovering a more receptive, listening-based approach through Scaravelli and years of one-to-one study with teachers including osteopath John Stirk and a direct lineage holder of Vanda Scaravelli's teaching.Recorded during Mental Health Awareness Week, the conversation explores what "action" really means when it comes to wellbeing, why self-care often needs to come before we can show up for others, and how Laurent builds a personal toolkit of practices, from cranial-sacral and fascial therapy to self-massage, foot care, cooking, and gardening, depending on what a given week calls for.Laurent and Megan also talk candidly about the current shifts happening in the yoga and wellness world, the tension between traditional and evolving practices, and a shared feeling that a "post-pandemic energy" seems to be resurfacing in people right now. A grounded, thoughtful conversation about returning to the body as a place of safety, and why there's no single right way to practice.
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  Episode 29 - "No Other Choice" - Olia Poliakova on building a dance career when there was no roadmap 04.07.2026 56min

  In this episode, host Megan sits down with Olia Polyakova — Ukrainian-born, London-based movement artist — recorded live in Mauritius, where the two former London Contemporary Dance School classmates have been spending time together. The conversation is warm, candid, and deeply personal, touching on what it really means to build a life around dance.Olia opens up about why she chose to spend holiday time in the studio, and how dancing without stakes or agenda feels less like work and more like taking a shower — something purely for yourself. She traces her path back to growing up in Ukraine, where the only visible models for a dance career were ballerinas or teachers, and how she chose dance anyway — not because she had a plan, but because she simply couldn't imagine anything else.The conversation moves into the honest reality of freelancing: what a bad week looks like (bar work, job hunting, silence) versus a good one (extras work on set, life modelling, studio sessions, photo shoots, club dancing). For Olia, variety isn't stressful — the absence of work is. The two also dig into training, and Olia is refreshingly candid about needing to trick herself into going to class, whether through networking instincts or sheer necessity. Neither of them find showing up easy, and the difference between training inside a structured program versus navigating it alone as a freelancer is a thread that runs throughout.On the creative side, Olia shares how her solo work lives in detailed improvised scores rather than fixed choreography, and how tangible objects — rope, clay — tend to anchor a piece before the meaning fully arrives. Visual and conceptual elements, she explains, emerge from opposite directions and meet somewhere in the middle.It's a genuine, unfiltered conversation about the unglamorous grind and the quiet joys of a life built around movement.
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  Episode 28 - Priya Khan on Practical Mindful Moments, Guilt, and Working from Alignment 27.06.2026 57min

  Megan sits down with Priya Khan, a certified life coach and mindfulness expert, to explore how mindfulness can be a powerful tool for women navigating demanding, passion-driven careers.Priya shares her personal journey from the corporate world to coaching — a path sparked by motherhood and her own experience of feeling overwhelmed. She introduces a three-layered framework for self-awareness, tuning into the mind, heart, and body's energy, and explains how this approach helps her clients make decisions that feel truly aligned rather than externally pressured.The conversation gets especially real when they dig into the unique challenges faced by dancers and performers — how passion and identity can blur, how guilt creeps in when you need to rest, and how to tell the difference between a productive push and harmful burnout.The highlight of the episode is a live coaching moment where Priya guides Megan through a mindfulness exercise in real time, helping her shift from frustration to clarity and practical action — a beautiful demonstration of how these tools work in everyday life.The episode closes with Priya reflecting on how she finds joy amid personal hardship, offering a grounding reminder about the power of gratitude and intentional balance.
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  Episode 27 - Jasmin Rothwell on Movement, Authenticity, & Making Space for New Teachers 13.06.2026 1j 6min

  In this episode, Megan sits down with Jasmin Rothwell, yoga teacher and somatic coach based in London, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a life around movement and well-being.Jasmin opens up about her path from corporate recruitment to the yoga mat — from burning out building a yoga community in Manchester, to relocating to London for a fresh start and a much-needed period of reflection. She shares what it's really like to freelance in one of the world's most expensive cities, and why she recently made the decision to take on a part-time job to bring more structure and sustainability to her week, without giving up the work she loves.They get into the real barriers facing newly qualified yoga teachers in London, where high certification requirements and studio access costs can make it incredibly difficult to get started. Jasmin shares the grassroots initiative she's developing to change that — creating space for new teachers to gain real experience in a supportive environment. They also explore the deeper dynamics of teaching itself: what it means to hold space for students, the balance between containment and freedom in a class, and the mutual growth that happens on both sides of the mat.Expect honest talk about money, worth, creativity, and what it means to build a career rooted in genuine care rather than performance — and why sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is slow down.
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  Episode 26 - Paloma Perez-Rojas on The Winding Path to Freelance Careers, Putting in the Work, and The Importance of Community 06.06.2026 51min

  What does it take to build a dance career on your own terms? In this episode, Megan sits down with Paloma Perez Rojas — American dancer, mentor, and founder of The Dancing Business — to trace her journey from a shy seven-year-old doing cartwheels to a working artist and entrepreneur based in Madrid, Spain.Paloma opens up about the winding road that brought her to dance: switching from visual art to movement, stretching for 90 minutes a night to catch up with her peers, nearly choosing medicine over performance, and eventually stepping away from dance entirely before social media brought her back. Her honest content about balancing a full-time job with a dance career resonated with thousands — and sparked an idea.Today, The Dancing Business is a thriving Instagram community and 12-week mentorship program helping dancers around the world build sustainable careers outside of traditional structures. Paloma also shares what it's like to balance this digital platform with an artist residency at Tejido Conectivo dance company in Madrid — and why community, not just creativity, is what keeps her going.This one is for every dancer who's ever wondered if there's a different way.
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  Episode 25 - Gerard Hawley on the Taoist Principle, Wu Wei, and the Rich Tension between Martial Roots and Meditative Qualities 30.05.2026 1j 18min

  In this episode, Megan sits down with Gerard Hawley — Tai Chi practitioner, teacher, and founder of a thriving school of around 100 students — to explore a practice that is as much a philosophy as it is a physical discipline. Gerard shares how Tai Chi began as a personal tool for managing stress before growing into a deeply fulfilling teaching career spanning six years, and he takes us into the technical and spiritual layers that make Tai Chi unlike any other movement practice. At the heart of the conversation are two powerful concepts: Wu Wei — the Taoist principle of going with the flow rather than forcing — and No Mind, the idea of responding instinctively and without overthinking, whether in martial practice or everyday life.Together, Megan and Gerard unpack the balance between Tai Chi's martial roots and its meditative qualities, and why that tension is actually what makes the practice so rich. Gerard reflects on what it means to teach a discipline that asks students to move softly while remaining deeply connected — and how that same principle applies to navigating life's challenges. He also shares his vision for growing awareness of Tai Chi across the UK, collaborating with other experienced practitioners, and bringing this ancient art to more people, including those with health challenges who might not immediately see themselves as Tai Chi students.
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  Episode 24 - Steph Mattiussi Holisitic Approach to Movement and Health, Conditioning the Body versus Caring for it, and Treating the Human First 23.05.2026 50min

  In this episode, Megan sits down with Stephanie Mattiussi — dance scientist, educator, and head of dance science and health at London Contemporary Dance School — for a conversation that feels both personal and deeply professional. Stephanie traces her journey from early ballet and tap training through to discovering dance science at university, sharing how combining her love of movement with her curiosity for science opened up a whole new path. Recording just ten days before her due date, she also reflects openly on how her movement practice has shifted during pregnancy, bringing a refreshing honesty to what it means to listen to your body in different seasons of life.Together, Megan and Stephanie explore what a truly holistic approach to movement and health looks like — both for the students Stephanie supports and for herself. They discuss the balance between conditioning and caring for the body, the importance of treating people as humans first, and how community and connection can transform the way we relate to physical practice. Stephanie also shares her strategies for staying grounded when energy is low, reminding us that rest and boundaries are just as much a part of a healthy practice as movement itself.
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  Episode 23 - Paula Nacif on Unrestrictive Approaches to Health, the Power of Nature, and Finding Wholeness 15.05.2026 1j

  In this episode, Megan sits down with Paula Nacif — massage therapist, herbalist, and naturopath — to talk about her journey from the arts world into holistic health. Paula opens up honestly about how her own movement practice took a back seat when she opened her studio, and shares her philosophy that well-being doesn't need to be restrictive or overwhelming — it can start with something as simple as a breath. She also reflects on how her background in ballet and working with dancers shaped the way she thinks about body care and longevity in physical careers.Paula walks us through her daily rhythm as a practitioner, from limiting herself to four clients a day to weaving in morning walks and quiet time with nature. She shares the story of a pilgrimage she took with her mother along the Camino de Santiago, and how that journey taught her to slow down and let go of self-limiting beliefs. At the heart of it all, Paula's message is about helping people find wholeness — in their bodies, their routines, and their lives.
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  Welcome to Conversations for the Moving Self 15.05.2026 2min

  If you're new here, start with this one.Conversations for the Moving Self is a podcast and community for movement and wellbeing practitioners navigating what it really means to build a sustainable life in this career. In this intro episode, host Megan shares why she created this space, what you can expect, and where she's at right now — because she's not coming to you from the other side of it. She's in it too.You're not alone in this. Welcome.
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  Episode 22 - BONUS Episode with Host, Megan Bader on Caring for the Human, Injury, and Being Informed by Different Movement Practices 18.04.2026 31min

  Our host, Megan Bader, jumps on a special bonus episode today to answer some of the questions she normally asks her guests as well as unpacks overcoming injury and how it can shape your journey as a movement artist, and does not have to be the end of the story.
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  Episode 21 - Emily Bufferd on Employing Curiousity in Training Spaces, Spaces Built Around Humanity, and Navigating Pressure 21.03.2026 1j 8min

  In this episode, Megan sits down with NYC-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and producer Emily Bufferd for a wide-ranging conversation on dance education, artistic practice, and the realities of sustaining a life in the field.Together they explore the relationship between teaching and performing, the importance of practicing what we ask of our students, and how curiosity and explanation can deepen the learning process. Emily shares insights from her work with dancers of all ages, discussing the value of offering students the “why” behind movement and creating environments where dancers feel safe enough to ask questions, take risks, and explore their artistry.They also reflect on the evolving landscape of dance education - from balancing high standards with thoughtful support, to navigating the pressures of competition culture, to adapting teaching practices as our understanding of the body continues to grow. Throughout the conversation, both Megan and Emily return to a shared belief: that dance spaces should center respect, humanity, and curiosity just as much as technique.
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  Episode 20 - Kelly Lynch on Curiosity, Listening, and Balance 28.02.2026 1j 6min

  In this episode, Megan welcomed American professional dancer and movement educator Kelly Lynch to discuss her journey in dance and her approach to teaching and recovery. Kelly shared her experiences transitioning from a classical ballet background to exploring modern dance and performance art, including her time with companies like Streb Extreme Action and her work as a health coach. They discussed the importance of curiosity, self-care, and listening to one's body in dance and movement practices. Kelly emphasized the need for dancers to challenge their instincts and make choices that align with their personal goals and well-being.The conversation also explored autonomy within structured training environments, the perception of discipline in ballet, and how teachers can balance technical rigor with emotional expression and anatomical awareness. Kelly spoke about supporting dancers through mental health challenges, cyclic hormonal changes, and injury recovery, offering practical strategies that foster resilience and longevity. Together, they reflected on balancing high-level training with genuine care, and the importance of creating adaptable, supportive spaces where dancers can thrive — both in the studio and beyond it.
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  Episode 19 - Shelley Kyne on Memory within the Body, Sharing Movement Values with Children, Trust, and Energy Exchange 21.02.2026 1j 7min

  In this episode, Megan sits down with Shelley Kyne, British movement and wellbeing practitioner, former professional dancer, personal trainer and Level 5 sports massage therapist, for an open and honest conversation about sustaining a life in movement.Together, they reflect on Shelley’s journey from a 15-year professional dance career into personal training and massage therapy, and how her relationship with movement has evolved as it shifted from passion to profession. They speak about returning to fast-paced environments like London, the challenges of maintaining self-care in demanding industries, and the importance of creating small, achievable rituals — like short morning movement practices — to stay connected to the body.The conversation explores the contrast between the perfectionism often ingrained in dance and the adaptability and softness found in practices like yoga, alongside a deeper look into the realities of sports massage, building trust with clients, and working holistically with performers and athletes. Shelley shares insight into balancing freelance life with motherhood, and how movement can become a powerful tool for resilience, autonomy, and emotional wellbeing — especially for children growing up in a comparison-driven world.This episode is a grounded, thoughtful reflection on self-care beyond the surface — for performers, practitioners, parents, and anyone navigating high-performance spaces while trying to stay human.
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  Episode 18 - Ricardo Ludgero Souza on Prioritising Joy and Care within Freelancing and Social Structures Today 14.02.2026 1j 6min

  In this episode, Megan is joined by Ricardo, a professional dancer and creative working across stage, film and commercial performance, for an honest conversation about sustainability, authenticity and care within a demanding freelance dance career.Ricardo shares his journey into dance, from early training and time on the Centre of Advanced Training Programme at The Place to performing in Wicked and creating his own short dance film, Shattering Conceptions. Together, they explore what it means to stay connected to joy and self-expression in an industry that often prioritises output, speed and visibility.The conversation moves through themes of self-care and mental health, including journaling, therapy, emotional regulation and taking intentional breaks to prevent burnout. Megan and Ricardo reflect on empathy in creative work, the pressure to prioritise others, and how sustainable practices can look different across seasons of life.They also discuss navigating freelance structures — finding the right agent, managing multiple projects, and building supportive professional relationships — alongside broader reflections on the commercialization of dance and the importance of returning to its roots.Throughout the episode, Ricardo speaks candidly about vulnerability, resilience and showing up authentically, offering a reminder that longevity in dance is built not just on discipline, but on care, presence and honesty.
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  Episode 17 - Alethia Antonia on Balancing Rigor and Care, Different Seasons of Life, and Creating Spaces that Support Growth 07.02.2026 56min

  In this episode, Megan is joined by Alethia, a British Caribbean choreographer, performer, teacher and researcher based in the UK, for a wide-ranging conversation on sustainability, authorship and care within contemporary dance practice.Together, they reflect on their respective journeys into movement, from early training to their current work across choreography, teaching and research. The conversation moves through questions of balance — between rigor and rest, planning and intuition, holding space for others while tending to one’s own capacity — particularly within freelance life.Alethia shares candidly about navigating burnout, energy management, and how living with ME has reshaped the way they approach creation, rehearsal structures and long-term projects. Megan and Alethia also explore dancer empowerment in the studio, the value of trust and risk-taking in process, and the often unseen labour behind choreography.The episode closes with reflections on inhabiting dual identities as choreographer and performer, the grief and growth that come with changing physical capacities, and a shared call for greater accessibility and inclusivity within dance spaces and theatres.
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  Episode 16 - Rose Aida Sall Sao On Training, Touring, and Devotion 23.01.2026 42min

  In this episode, Megan is joined by Rose, a Dutch–Senegalese independent dance artist based in London, for a rich conversation on training, creativity, and navigating constant change as a freelance artist.Rose shares how practices such as Kalaripayattu and other movement forms have shaped her relationship to discipline, devotion, and artistic freedom, and how she balances rigorous technique with poetic expression. Together, they explore routines and solitude as anchors while touring, the dialogue between training and creativity, and how cultural exchange, risk-taking, and embodied presence continue to inform Rose’s evolving practice as a performer, choreographer, and teacher.
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  Episode 15 - Megan Castro on Commitment to Practice, Choreographic Processes, and Barriers to Continuing a Personal Movement Practice 17.01.2026 1j 4min

  In this episode, our host Megan, is joined by Megan Castro, a freelance dancer originally from South Carolina and currently based in Utah. Megan shares an intimate reflection on improvisation as both a creative practice and a way of listening to the body through sharing insight into a daily movement journal practice that she began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together they explore how the practice has evolved into a personal archive that continues to shape her relationship to dance, documentation, and self-trust. The conversation explores authenticity in movement, navigating time constraints in choreographic processes, and using improvisation as a tool for stripping away habit and expectation. They also explore the difference between letting the people involved shape the work and adhering to strict choreographic structures that may reduce individual expression.Megan discusses how sharing her personal movement journal practice on social media has informed her approach to the platform as a reflective space, and how this connects to cultivating a more sustainable relationship with the body as an artist.
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  Episode 14 - Emma Poyer on Current Life Lessons, Transient Practice, Facilitation, and Freelancing 11.01.2026 52min

  In this episode, Megan is joined by dear friend Emma Poyer, a Réunionese multidisciplinary dance performer and choreographer based in the UK. Emma’s practice weaves contemporary dance, ballet, global forms, improvisation, ritual, and storytelling, drawing from her multicultural roots and a deep commitment to co-creation, collective rhythm, and embodied leadership.Together, they explore what it means to freelance sustainably while navigating constant shifts in work and location, and what Emma is learning along the way. The conversation also unpacks identity in and out of the studio, the value of leaving things open to be discovered, and reflections on teaching practice—touching on seasons of learning, unlearning, and ongoing transformation.
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  Episode 13 - JJ James on COPTERS AND HEARSES, Self Care in a Capitalistic Structure and Collaboration Spaces 03.01.2026 40min

  In this episode, Megan is joined by contemporary dance artist and choreographer JJ for a reflective conversation on queerness, care, and making work within systems that often resist softness. Beginning with a gentle catch-up, they speak about daily rituals, studio time, and the small structures that help sustain a freelance artistic life.JJ shares the ideas behind Copters and Hearses, a work that sits inside the tension between self-care and capitalism. Together, they explore how care becomes commodified, how movement and cultural practices are taken up and discarded, and how artists are asked to continually optimize themselves in the name of wellness.The conversation turns toward the studio, where JJ reflects on trust, honesty, and genuine connection in collaboration — leading without certainty, caring without performance, and creating spaces that feel both held and open. The episode closes with JJ sharing their upcoming performance at the Resolution Festival, grounding these questions in embodied, lived practice.