Red Beard Embodiment Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Mary Gitau, a psychologist and suicide prevention specialist based in Nairobi, shares how she's bringing TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) to communities across Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan affected by conflict and war. She discusses her personal healing breakthrough with TRE and how body-based approaches can reach populations where traditional talk therapy cannot—particularly in cultures where men don't openly discuss emotions. This conversation explores the intersection of TRE with Somatic Experiencing, bioenergetics, and EMDR, the critical importance of cultural adaptation, and both the opportunities and challenges of making trauma healing accessible across diverse communities.

In this episode, Mary shares stories of working with Somali and Sudanese men who experienced profound healing through the tremor mechanism, her journey integrating multiple somatic modalities, and practical wisdom on contextualizing TRE for different cultural settings. She also addresses the challenges of people misusing TRE through online videos and her vision for making trauma healing accessible through free group classes at her organization, the Center for Suicide Research and Intervention (CSRI).

Listen to the full episode to hear Mary's inspiring journey bringing body-based trauma healing to East African communities.

Links & Resources Mentioned
Center for Suicide Research and Intervention (CSRI) https://csricentre.org/ 

Episode Timestamps
00:01 - TRE Training in Kenya with Dr. Berceli 
00:04 - Childhood Trauma and Becoming a Psychologist 
00:06 - Why Talk Therapy Wasn't Enough for Trauma Clients 
00:09 - From Bioenergetics to Trauma Releasing Exercises 
00:12 - Personal Breakthrough: Releasing Pelvic Trauma Through TRE 
00:18 - First TRE Session with Somali Refugees in Nairobi 
00:22 - Working with Men Who Don't Talk About Emotions 
00:28 - Integrating Somatic Experiencing and TRE in Practice 
00:35 - Cultural Adaptation: Avoiding Exorcism Misconceptions 
00:40 - Dangers of Self-Guided TRE from Online Videos 
00:45 - Making Trauma Healing Accessible and Affordable 
00:47 - Teaching Children and Families TRE at Home 
00:48 - Bringing TRE to Conflict Zones in East Africa

In this enlightening episode, host Alex Greene sits down with Dr. Keith Motes, founder of Shaking Medicine and a PhD in quantum physics, to explore the fascinating intersection of science, spirituality, and therapeutic tremoring. Broadcasting from Thailand, Dr. Motes shares his remarkable journey from quantum computing researcher in Australia to becoming a pioneer in teaching neurogenic tremoring. The conversation weaves through multiple lenses—from quantum physics and polyvagal theory to Kundalini yoga, Qigong, and indigenous shamanic practices of the Kalahari Bushmen.

Dr. Motes reveals how his initial discovery of spontaneous movement came through a profound plant medicine experience that catalyzed his departure from academia to pursue full-time somatic healing work. Alex and Keith dive deep into the complementary relationship between psychedelic therapy and tremoring practices, discussing how embodied practitioners can better navigate medicine journeys and integrate trauma release. They explore the power of combining bodywork with neurogenic tremoring, emphasizing the importance of practitioners first embodying the work themselves. This episode offers invaluable insights for TRE practitioners, bodyworkers, and anyone interested in the deeper dimensions of somatic healing and nervous system regulation.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• 00:01:00 Introducing Dr. Keith Motes
• 00:04:00 Physics to Spiritual Practice
• 00:10:00 First DMT Plant Medicine
• 00:13:00 Discovery of Therapeutic Tremoring
• 00:18:00 Developing Shaking Medicine Practice
• 00:23:00 Indigenous and Shamanic Lenses
• 00:26:00 Kalahari Bushmen Shaking Culture
• 00:29:00 Kundalini and Yoga Perspectives
• 00:33:00 Quantum Physics and Vibration
• 00:40:00 Psychedelics and Tremoring Integration
• 00:47:00 MDMA and Trauma Access
• 00:53:00 Bodywork and Touch Facilitation
• 00:58:00 Sensing Energy and Presence
• 01:03:00 Games and Surrender Phases

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Dr. Bradford Keeney - Work with Kalahari Bushmen: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Way-of-the-Bushman/Bradford-Keeney/9781591432050 

Shaking Medicine Teacher Training: https://www.shakingmedicine.com/shaking-medicine-teacher-training 

Zen Shiatsu Bodywork

Connect with Dr. Keith Motes:

Shaking Medicine website: https://www.shakingmedicine.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakingmedicine/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shakingmedicinefoundation/   

Find us Online:

Red Beard Somatic Therapy:

Instagram: @redbeardsomatictherapy
Facebook: @RedBeardSomaticTherapy

In this episode, Alex talks with Charna Cassell, a Trauma-Trained Psychotherapist and Sexuality Coach  from Oakland who combines somatic coaching, bodywork, and energy medicine in her practice. Charna explains why talk therapy often fails to create change in trauma recovery, and how physical practices can transform the nervous system in ways cognitive understanding cannot.

Charna shares her journey through "boundary bootcamp" at Good Vibrations and her training at the Strozzi Institute. "I really needed physical practice," she says about why ten years of talk therapy created awareness but didn't change her nervous system responses.

Throughout the conversation, Charna demonstrates somatic exercises that reveal embodied habits. She explains how our bodies show our patterns under minimal stress and introduces the concept that "until you have an embodied No, you can't have a genuine Yes." The episode covers how repetition creates new neural pathways—like a deer path that becomes visible after being walked repeatedly—and how practice transforms boundaries from rigid or absent to compassionate.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction to Charna
• 04:06 Boundary bootcamp experience
• 10:15 Strozzi Institute training
• 14:47 Current practice overview
• 18:36 Contact exercise demonstration
• 24:02 Freeze response explained
• 27:45 Boundary progression stages
• 31:42 Healing relationship boundaries
• 33:16 Bodywork benefits described
• 37:54 Kundalini yoga journey
• 40:31 Managing collective fear
• 42:27 Breath of fire technique
• 44:04 Ways to work with Charna

Links & Resources

• Website: https://charnacassell.com/
• Website:https://passionatelife.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laidopenpodcast
• FacebookL: https://www.facebook.com/LaidOpenPodcast/ 
• Podcast: https://charnacassell.com/laidopen/

Find us Online: 

Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about the power of embodiment:

https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedBeardSomaticTherapy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbeardsomatictherapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermgreene

In this episode of the Red Beard Embodiment podcast, host Alex welcomes Simona Irwin and Layah Jane Singer-Wilson for a genuine conversation about Five Rhythms dance as a pathway to befriending fear and healing trauma.

The guests share their personal stories – Simona recounting her first Five Rhythms experience that brought unexpected tears after years of emotional blockage during her health struggles, and Layah describing how movement became her medicine during a pivotal health crisis in her twenties. Together, they discuss their collaborative course "BEFRIENDING EMBODIED MOVEMENT: AN INTRODUCTION TO 5RHYTHMS™" created to bring this transformative practice to everyone, including those who might be homebound or facing physical limitations.

Through gentle explanations and personal examples, they reveal how the five rhythms – flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness – create a container for our emotional lives, allowing fear and other difficult feelings to move through the body naturally. Their approach honors both the cathartic potential of movement and the importance of regulation, creating a trauma-sensitive framework that meets practitioners exactly where they are.

Whether you're curious about embodied practices or seeking new ways to process old wounds, this conversation offers compassionate insight into how our bodies naturally know the way through fear when given the chance to move with awareness.

Key Highlights:

• [00:00:] Welcome and introduction to our guests
• [01:12] Five Rhythms as embodied healing practice
• [02:39] Simona and Layah's backgrounds and expertise
• [05:46] Simona's moving first dance experience
• [10:20] Understanding the five rhythms wave
• [13:16] How Layah found her calling through movement
• [17:34] Alex shares his dance journey beginnings
• [20:19] The origins with Gabrielle Roth at Esalen
• [27:33] Creating trauma-sensitive movement spaces
• [31:12] Inside their accessible online course
• [33:35] Movement and nervous system regulation
• [37:27] Mindfulness principles in movement practice
• [41:16] Adaptations for all bodies and abilities
• [46:31] A personal healing story through dance
• [51:11] How to join the movement community

Links & Resources

Layah Jane

• Website: layahjane.com
• Instagram: @layahjane.movement

Simona

• Website: turningtowards.me
• Instagram: @turningtowards

Find us Online: 

Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about the power of embodiment:

https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedBeardSomaticTherapy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbeardsomatictherapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermgreene

What if your client’s tremor, stretch, or undulation wasn’t a symptom—but a sign of healing? In this episode, Alex sits down with physical therapist, somatic educator and TRE Provider, Joel Begin to explore the natural, spontaneous movements that often arise in bodywork, movement therapy, and somatic healing—but are still largely misunderstood.

Joel shares the story behind his 2022 paper, “Characterizing a Common Class of Spontaneous Movements,” a collaborative work that brings together perspectives from across the globe to map out how tremors, shakes, and fluid movements emerge across therapeutic, spiritual, and cultural contexts. From TRE® and myofascial unwinding to Qigong and authentic movement, Joel helps us reframe these expressions not as random or pathological—but as beneceptive and healing.

Together, we explore the potential of spontaneous movement as a doorway into nervous system regulation, trauma resolution, and embodied intelligence. This episode invites you to see what might already be happening in your sessions with new eyes—and perhaps, to trust the body just a little more.

Key Highlights: 

• [00:02:00] The Paper That Sparked It All: Characterizing a Common Class of Spontaneous Movements
• [00:08:00] What Is Myofascial Unwinding?
• [00:14:30] Modalities That Evoke Spontaneous Movement
• [00:17:45] Spiritual Practices & Movement States
• [00:24:00] Case Study: Spontaneous Movement After Surgery
• [00:27:00] When Movement Feels Uncomfortable
• [00:33:00] TRE®, Trauma, and the Polyvagal Lens
• [00:38:45] Understanding Freeze Through Biotensegrity
• [00:41:00] What Makes These Movements Arise?
• [00:43:30] Creating a Container for Curiosity

Links & Resources

• Joel Begin’s 2022 Paper:
   “Characterizing a Common Class of Spontaneous Movements”
   Read the full paper in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
• Joel Begin’s Practice – Creative Pathways PT
• Continuum Movement: https://continuummovement.com/ 
• Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine: https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/about-peter 
• Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/ 
• Myofascial Release John F. Barnes

Find us Online: 

Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about the power of embodiment:

https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedBeardSomaticTherapy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbeardsomatictherapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermgreene

What happens when your body calls for change—and you actually listen? In this powerful episode, Alex sits down with Matthew Cooke, founder of Body-Based Breakthrough (B3), to explore how burnout led him away from the tech hustle and into the healing world of somatic coaching. With roots in high-performance culture and a life-changing crash into chronic stress, Matthew shares how he pieced together his own path to nervous system healing—one breath, one journal entry, and one movement at a time.

Matthew opens up about the unexpected clarity he found in yoga classes and long walks, how he began listening to his body in new ways, and the moment a client told him, “It’s a shame there’s only one of you.” That nudge sparked the creation of B3—a replicable somatic system now used by coaches, therapists, and leaders around the world. From working with senior tech execs to certifying a new generation of somatic practitioners, Matthew’s approach is both deeply personal and highly practical.

Together, Alex and Matthew unpack the principles of B3, the importance of orientation and regulation, and how somatic practices are transforming how we live, lead, and heal. Whether you’re a practitioner or someone simply curious about nervous system work, this episode is full of insights that will land in your body as much as your mind.

Key Highlights:

• [00:00:05] Introducing Matthew Cooke and Body-Based Breakthrough (B3)
• [00:03:32] From tech startup to burnout at 24
• [00:05:38] Body and mind at war—seeking deeper understanding
• [00:06:33] Yoga and long walks spark clarity and insight
• [00:07:27] Journaling during movement—early seeds of B3
• [00:08:31] Clients experience reduced anxiety and imposter syndrome
• [00:09:47] “It’s a damn shame there’s only one of you”
• [00:10:25] B3 is born—systematizing somatic coaching
• [00:11:07] The endless curiosity of the nervous system
• [00:12:09] B3 practice components: movement, journaling, breathwork, coaching
• [00:12:31] The role of orientation—start and end of the practice
• [00:12:54] Nervous system safety and external environment

Links & Resources

• Body-Based Breakthrough (B3) Website: https://www.bodybasedbreakthrough.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybasedbreakthrough/
• Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine: https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/about-peter 
• Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/ 
• Organic Intelligence by Steve Hoskinson
• DARe (Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experience) – Diane Poole Heller: https://traumasolutions.com/learn-dare-approach/ 
• Irene Lyon’s Nervous System Work – irenelyon.com

Find us Online: 

Website: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbeardsomatictherapy/ 

In this episode of the Red Beard Embodiment Podcast, Alex sits down with Ruth Milsten, a licensed clinical social worker, yoga teacher, and trauma specialist, to explore the transformative power of safe, regulating touch and holistic healing. Ruth shares her journey from traditional social work to integrating yoga, sound healing, and somatic practices into her therapy. She delves into the unique challenges and gifts of being a highly sensitive person, offering insights into how to navigate trauma, build self-compassion, and create a sense of safety in the body. Whether you're a therapist, a highly sensitive individual, or someone curious about the mind-body connection, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical tools.

Ruth Milsten brings over 30 years of experience working with developmental trauma, complex PTSD, and highly sensitive individuals. In this episode, she discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for clients, whether through yoga, sound healing, or regulating touch. Ruth explains how trauma impacts the nervous system and shares her multi-modal approach to therapy, which includes movement, breathwork, and energy clearing. She also highlights the challenges faced by highly sensitive people, who often struggle with overstimulation and people-pleasing tendencies, and offers strategies to help them reconnect with their inner selves and build resilience.

Don’t miss this rich conversation on healing trauma, embracing sensitivity, and the power of safe touch. Ruth’s expertise and compassionate approach offer valuable tools for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the mind-body connection. Tune in now to learn how to create safety and regulation in your own life or in your practice.

Key Highlights:

• [00:15] Ruth's journey from social work to somatic therapy
• [05:30] Understanding trauma’s impact on the nervous system
• [10:45] The challenges and strengths of highly sensitive people
• [15:00] Attachment theory and mother-infant bonding
• [20:20] Practical self-regulation techniques for healing
• [25:40] The importance of integrating movement into therapy
• [30:10] How to develop a personalized healing practice
• [35:25] The role of breathwork in trauma recovery
• [40:50] How trauma manifests in physical symptoms
• [45:15] The connection between trauma and chronic stress
• [50:30] Tools for managing emotional overwhelm
• [55:00] Final thoughts and key takeaways from Ruth

Links and Resources: 

• Dr. Elaine Aron The Highly Sensitive Person: https://hsperson.com/ 
• Eastern Body, Western Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Eastern-Body-Western-Mind-Psychology/dp/1587612259 
• DSM V: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm 
• Stephen Terrell - Nurturing Resilience: https://www.amazon.com/Nurturing-Resilience-Developmental-Trauma-Integrative/dp/1623172039 
• Stephen Porges: https://www.stephenporges.com/ 

Follow us on social media: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedBeardSomaticTherapy 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbeardsomatictherapy/ 
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermgreene/ 

In this episode, Alex welcomes Siv, a chiropractor and TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises)provider with over 15 years of experience integrating neurogenic tremoring into her practice. Siv shares her journey of discovering TRE, its deep impact on her patients, and how she combines this natural healing technique with chiropractic care to address deep-seated trauma and stress. Together, Alex and Siv discuss the art, science, and philosophy behind TRE and explore its potential to transform how we think about recovery and resilience.

Alex and Siv dive into the origins of TRE and its connection to the autonomic nervous system. Siv recounts her first encounter with TRE at a chiropractic conference, where she experienced tremoring firsthand and immediately recognized its potential. The conversation covers practical applications, from reducing post-exercise soreness to supporting emotional trauma release. They also discuss the concept of integration, exploring how tremoring enhances physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being by helping the body find balance.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction
• [00:02:11] What is TRE and Why It’s a Game-Changer for Your Nervous System
• [00:07:18] Building the Foundations: Neurogenic Integration Course
• [00:12:49] Siv’s First Encounter with TRE: A Chiropractor’s Perspective
• [00:16:57] How TRE Boosts Post-Workout Recovery
• [00:34:18] Transforming Stress Responses with Neurogenic Tremoring
• [00:52:18] The Role of Guided Meditation After TRE Sessions
• [01:04:42] HeartMath and TRE: Exploring Coherence and Connection
• [00:18:25] TRE for Trauma Recovery: Empowering Clients Through Self-Healing
• [00:40:15] The Philosophy of Tremoring: Art, Science, and Meaning
• [00:56:30] Creating a Community Through Shared Healing Practices

Links and Resources: 

• Neurogenic Integration
• Red Beard Somatic Therapy
• Red Beard TRE 
• Integrated Human
• HeartMath
• David Berceli 

Follow us on social media: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedBeardSomaticTherapy 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbeardsomatictherapy/ 
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermgreene/ 

Interested in working with us? Book your free consultation call now! 

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=21594065&appointmentType=category:Free%20Consultation 

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/mailinglist 

In this episode, Alex sits down with Simba Stenqvist, a TRE provider and trainer originally from Sweden, now based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Simba runs a retreat and healing center called Living with the Spirit, which he co-founded with his wife. With a background in martial arts and a passion for embodiment and holistic healing practices, Simba shares his journey into TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) and how he integrates it with other modalities like polyvagal theory to create a comprehensive approach to healing.

Throughout the conversation, Simba delves into the principles behind his retreat center's approach, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment for deep healing. He explains how his work is not just about physical exercises but also about addressing the mental and emotional aspects of healing. Simba shares insights into his methodology, which includes traditional Chinese medicine, breathwork, and sound healing, all aimed at helping individuals better understand and regulate their nervous systems. He discusses the transformative power of neurogenic tremoring and how it aligns with the principles of polyvagal theory.

Listen to the full episode to discover more about Simba’s journey, the mission behind Living with the Spirit, and the upcoming TRE retreats in Thailand. 

Links and Resources: 

• Website: https://livingwiththespirit.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwiththespirit/ 

What happens when a sound engineer dives deep into the human nervous system? In this episode of Red Beard Embodiment podcast, host Alex Greene sits down with Sam Curtis, a seasoned sound engineer who has worked with music legends like Michael Jackson and David Bowie. Sam shares his unexpected journey from the world of music to becoming a passionate advocate for nervous system health and trauma healing.

Sam opens up about his personal experience with burnout and how it led him to discover TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises). He explains how TRE, a simple yet powerful technique that involves shaking the body, helped him release deep-seated tension and trauma, leading to profound personal transformation. Sam also delves into his fascination with the polyvagal theory, a model that explains our autonomic responses to stress, and how it has informed his understanding of the nervous system.

Sam's unique perspective as a sound engineer turned TRE provider offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of our minds, bodies, and emotions. Whether you're struggling with stress, trauma, or simply curious about the power of the nervous system, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with new tools for healing and growth.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 04:40 TRE in Japan
• 08:25 Sam's Background in Sound Engineering
• 12:43 Sam's First Paid Gig
• 17:07 Touring with Bands and Working in Studios
• 24:07 Burnout and the Turning Point
• 27:11 Introduction to TRE
• 31:34 TRE and Trauma Resolution
• 40:58 Music for Healing
• 45:25 Polyvagal Theory and Music
• 50:15 Fascia and the Nervous System
• 56:01 Introduction to IFS
• 01:03:11 Integrating TRE and IFS
• 01:13:11 Leading Edge and Future Plans

Links and Resources: 

• Website: https://www.soundmansam.com/