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Many of us move through our teaching lives switching rooms in the same house. We shift between roles. We improvise. We carry a private mix of doubt, intuition, brilliance, and care. In this episode, Shawn sits down with longtime colleague and former student Dr. Amanda Heim, saxophone professor at Gettysburg College, to revisit how somatic work shaped her teaching and the artistic lives of her students for more than a decade.

Their conversation moves through memory, identity, agency, and the quiet transformations that happen in applied lessons. Together they explore:

• how teaching feels like walking through different rooms of a house
• why shifting between modalities (theory, choir, applied lessons, recruiting) creates cognitive load
• how somatic language demystifies the body and normalizes the musician’s lived experience
• the story behind Amanda’s 13-year injury-free studio
• why improvisation is actually advanced preparation, not lack of preparation
• the role of self-belonging in artistic confidence
• the hidden cost of never saying “good job” to ourselves
• imposter feelings as a somatic pattern, not a personal flaw
• how students learn agency, identity, and autonomy through embodied pedagogy
• what happens when we finally celebrate our own work

This episode offers a rare look inside two careers shaped by Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, and nervous-system-informed teaching. It also opens a door into the deeper conversation emerging across the field: what changes when belonging starts inside the body rather than outside it?

Becoming mBODYed is a production of and copyrighted by mBODYed, LLC, 2024. www.mbodyed.com
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/mbodyed/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566020594221
The intro and exit music is Dark Matter by Carlos Velez, recorded by Tosca Duo on their CD Dimensions.
A link to Carlos’s music is available at
https://composercarlosvelez.wixsite.com/carlosvelezmusic/about-me.

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summary

In this bonus episode of the Becoming mBODYed podcast, Shawn introduces the concept of somatic archetypes as survival strategies that help individuals navigate their experiences and emotions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these archetypes not as fixed identities but as fluid patterns that reflect how our bodies have learned to cope with various situations. By exploring each archetype, listeners are invited to recognize their own patterns and the underlying tenderness within them, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and self-acceptance.

takeaways

• Somatic archetypes are survival strategies, not labels.
• Belonging must first be biological before it can be cultural.
• Endurance is often mistaken for integrity in our lives.
• Burnout is a protective mechanism, not a failure.
• The imposter syndrome arises from a lack of internal safety.
• Disconnection serves as a protective response to overwhelming feelings.
• The seeker archetype often escapes into knowledge rather than presence.
• Integration involves allowing all parts of ourselves to coexist.
• Awareness of our patterns gives us the choice to evolve.
• Self-belonging is essential for healing and growth.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Somatic Archetypes

05:16
Understanding Survival Strategies

10:14
Exploring the Over-Efforter Archetype

15:27
The Burned Out Artist

20:15
The Imposter Syndrome

23:48
The Disconnected

27:04
The Seeker

31:50
The Integrator

36:49
Guided Reflection and Conclusion

Becoming mBODYed is a production of and copyrighted by mBODYed, LLC, 2024. www.mbodyed.com
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/mbodyed/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566020594221
The intro and exit music is Dark Matter by Carlos Velez, recorded by Tosca Duo on their CD Dimensions.
A link to Carlos’s music is available at
https://composercarlosvelez.wixsite.com/carlosvelezmusic/about-me.

Send us a text

Summary

In this Pre-season opener of the Becoming mBODYed podcast, Shawn welcomes listeners to the new season, focusing on the themes of burnout, creativity, and the importance of rest and regulation. The conversation highlights community updates, upcoming courses, and the significance of somatic practices in fostering a sense of belonging and self-awareness. Shawn emphasizes the need for honest conversations in education and the arts, encouraging listeners to reconnect with their bodies and creativity.

Becoming mBODYed is a production of and copyrighted by mBODYed, LLC, 2024. www.mbodyed.com
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/mbodyed/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566020594221
The intro and exit music is Dark Matter by Carlos Velez, recorded by Tosca Duo on their CD Dimensions.
A link to Carlos’s music is available at
https://composercarlosvelez.wixsite.com/carlosvelezmusic/about-me.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Becoming mBODYed podcast, host Shawn L Copeland engages in a heartfelt conversation with Laura Stevens, exploring themes of embodied creativity, the challenges of burnout in academia, and the importance of community and support in the arts. They discuss Laura's journey as a musician and educator, the impact of a viral blog post on their lives, and the necessity of rest and empathy in teaching. The conversation highlights the significance of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and the evolving landscape of music education post-COVID.

takeaways

• Burnout is often normalized in academia and the arts.
• Rest is essential for recovery and learning.
• Community support is vital for artists and educators.
• Embracing mistakes leads to growth and learning.
• The impact of COVID-19 has reshaped our understanding of community.
• Empathy in teaching can transform student experiences.
• Career transitions can lead to new opportunities and self-discovery.
• The pressure to achieve can hinder creativity and well-being.
• It's important to model healthy boundaries for students.
• You don't need to be perfect to seek help or guidance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Embodied Creativity

03:02 Laura's Musical Journey and Identity

05:59 The Impact of Relevance Wind Quintet

08:52 Viral Moments and Burnout in Academia

12:09 Navigating Identity and Career Challenges

15:03 The Reality of Burnout in the Music Industry

17:22 The Importance of Community and Representation

20:25 Building a Flourishing Flute Studio

23:24 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

26:33 The Impact of Arts Education

28:39 Exploring Somatic Archetypes

30:32 The Seeker and the Integrator

33:24 Understanding Burnout and Disconnection

36:17 The Role of Rest in Learning

46:37 Cultural Expectations and Work Ethic

49:17 Navigating Change Post-COVID

52:58 The New Normal and Burnout

54:45 Empathy and Boundaries in Music Education

56:12 Embracing Mistakes and Learning

01:00:21 The Challenges of Being a Female Musician

01:02:33 Recognizing Transferable Skills

01:02:41 The Importance of Receiving Praise

Becoming mBODYed is a production of and copyrighted by mBODYed, LLC, 2024. www.mbodyed.com
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/mbodyed/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566020594221
The intro and exit music is Dark Matter by Carlos Velez, recorded by Tosca Duo on their CD Dimensions.
A link to Carlos’s music is available at
https://composercarlosvelez.wixsite.com/carlosvelezmusic/about-me.

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In this episode of the Becoming mBODYed podcast, host Shawn Copeland engages with Dr. Brad Fugate, a professor of music theater, to explore the intersections of embodied creativity, gender identity, and the evolving landscape of music education. They discuss Brad's journey as a countertenor, the historical context of gender roles in music, and the importance of creating safe spaces for students to express themselves. The conversation also explores the impact of social media on performance anxiety, the relevance of the Alexander Technique, and the need to redefine traditional academic structures to foster creativity and a sense of belonging.

Becoming mBODYed is a production of and copyrighted by mBODYed, LLC, 2024. www.mbodyed.com
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/mbodyed/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566020594221
The intro and exit music is Dark Matter by Carlos Velez, recorded by Tosca Duo on their CD Dimensions.
A link to Carlos’s music is available at
https://composercarlosvelez.wixsite.com/carlosvelezmusic/about-me.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Becoming mBODYed podcast, host Shawn L Copeland and guest Karen Cubides discuss the launch of a new coaching program focused on embodied education in the performing arts. They explore the importance of clarity in coaching, the slow adoption of coaching practices in the music industry, and the distinctions between various types of coaching. The conversation delves into the role of somatic coaching, the significance of co-regulation in the coaching relationship, and the insights from polyvagal theory regarding nervous system regulation. In this conversation, Shawn and Karen explore the transformative power of somatic work, emphasizing the importance of connection, vulnerability, and personal development. They discuss how somatic practices can lead to profound changes in individuals, regardless of their initial readiness to receive such experiences. The dialogue highlights the significance of being present and grounded, the journey of somatic coaching, and the qualifications necessary for practitioners in this field. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they illustrate how somatic work can enhance creativity and overall well-being.

Becoming mBODYed is a production of and copyrighted by mBODYed, LLC, 2024. www.mbodyed.com
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/mbodyed/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566020594221
The intro and exit music is Dark Matter by Carlos Velez, recorded by Tosca Duo on their CD Dimensions.
A link to Carlos’s music is available at
https://composercarlosvelez.wixsite.com/carlosvelezmusic/about-me.

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of the Becoming Embodied podcast, host Shawn L Copeland engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Lee Pearson, exploring her extensive journey through music, education, and personal growth. They discuss the challenges faced by musicians, including feelings of inadequacy, physical pain, and the impact of family dynamics on one's identity. Lee shares her transformative experiences in education and the importance of inclusion in the arts, emphasizing the need for systemic change in music education. The conversation highlights the significance of finding one's voice and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and validation in the creative process. In this conversation, Lea Pearson shares her journey from self-publishing her doctoral dissertation to becoming a leader in musicians' wellness and education. She discusses the importance of addressing musicians' injuries, the impact of arts education on gifted students, and the evolution of teaching methods, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lea emphasizes the need for resilience and confidence in musicians, the power of vulnerability in teaching, and the distinction between coaching and traditional teaching methods. In this conversation, Lea Pearson and Shawn L Copeland explore transformative teaching techniques in music education, emphasizing the importance of inquiry, curiosity, and creativity. They discuss the significance of self-expression and body awareness for musicians, the need for inclusive practices, and the value of building a supportive community. Their insights highlight the joy and connection found in music, as well as the barriers faced by individuals in communication and expression. The conversation concludes with an invitation for listeners to connect and engage in the ongoing dialogue about these vital topics.

Becoming mBODYed is a production of and copyrighted by mBODYed, LLC, 2024. www.mbodyed.com
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/mbodyed/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566020594221
The intro and exit music is Dark Matter by Carlos Velez, recorded by Tosca Duo on their CD Dimensions.
A link to Carlos’s music is available at
https://composercarlosvelez.wixsite.com/carlosvelezmusic/about-me.

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of the Becoming Embodied podcast, host Shawn L Copeland engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Lea Pearson, exploring her extensive journey through music, education, and the challenges faced by musicians. They discuss the importance of safety and belonging in fostering creativity, the impact of family dynamics on self-worth, and the systemic issues within music education that contribute to feelings of inadequacy among musicians. Lea shares her personal experiences with pain, validation, and the quest for inclusion in the arts, emphasizing the need for a supportive community that recognizes the diverse voices in music.

To contact Dr. Pearson:

Website:

MusicMinusPain.com

Articles:

Resources for Student-Centered Teaching:

https://musicminuspain.kartra.com/page/TeacherResources

Becoming mBODYed is a production of and copyrighted by mBODYed, LLC, 2024. www.mbodyed.com
Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/mbodyed/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566020594221
The intro and exit music is Dark Matter by Carlos Velez, recorded by Tosca Duo on their CD Dimensions.
A link to Carlos’s music is available at
https://composercarlosvelez.wixsite.com/carlosvelezmusic/about-me.