Shows
The Joanne Avison PodcastThe Wisdom Within Your FasciaCould your fascia know things before your mind does?In this episode, Joanne explores how our fascia can hold deep wisdom and even spiritual insights - and is SO much more than just a file of old injuries, tension and trauma. She highlights how fascia's sensory responses often precede cognitive awareness, suggesting that its feedback could actually guide our paths more accurately than logic...Through helpful examples and metaphors, Joanne explains how fascia integrates both the body's structural and fluid nature, emphasizing its role in self-awareness, instinct, and intuition. And she ...2025-07-1935 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastFascia, Seizures & Healing: A Mother’s Incredible Journey, with Heather NatoliIn this moving episode, Joanne speaks with homeopath and fascia-focused bodyworker Heather Natoli, whose son’s life-threatening vascular tumour led to a remarkable journey through fascia, medicine, and healing.What began with childhood seizures became a story of deep listening, surgical precision, and fascia’s role in regeneration. Heather shares how a fascia-focused lens - paired with conventional medicine - helped guide her son back to health, and how that experience now shapes her clinical work at The Fascia Clinic.Together, Joanne and Heather explore:– How fascia bridges structure, time, and healing– The role of...2025-07-1127 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastIs Your Stress Actually Stored in Your Fascia?Fascia, burnout, and hidden stress in the body — discover how micro-movements and breathwork helped release years of tension in this fascia-first healing story.In this episode, Joanne shares the powerful story of Alex — a high-performing professional whose unexplained burnout didn’t shift through talk therapy, meditation, or even rest. The breakthrough came from an unexpected source: working with their fascia…You’ll learn how chronic tension, anxiety, and emotional holding patterns can physically embed themselves in your tissues — and how micro-movements, breath, and subtle awareness can begin to unravel them.✨ This is a fascia-focused...2025-07-0339 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastFrom Chocolate to Fascia: Joanne Avison on Living AnatomyIn this episode the tables are turned and Joanne is interviewed by her colleague John Sharkey about her new book, 'Myofascial Magic in Action.' The conversation explores the book's inspirations, its relation to her previous works, and its practical applications for manual and movement therapists. Joanne discusses the importance of understanding fascia as more than the sum of anatomical parts, aiming to bridge the gap between intellectual theory and practical application in various movement practices. Contributors to the book, including recognized experts like Paul Thornley, Dr. Wilbur Kelsick, Dr Karen Kirkness and Helen Eadie, bring diverse p...2025-06-2647 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastWhat If Your Training Was Missing This?In this episode of the Myofascial Magic In Action Podcast, co-founders Joanne Avison and Paul Thornley discuss a recent workshop in Manchester and the keys participants went home with - secrets they don’t often share! They delve into the foundational principles of myofascial magic, and explore the disconnect between traditional fitness regimens that don’t honour real, practical human movement... Paul shares insights from his workshop, stressing the importance of understanding the human body as a fluid, integrated system rather than focusing solely on muscle-based exercises and out of date regimes. They share how to adapt train...2025-06-2031 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastIs Fascia Your Body's Path to Spiritual Connection?Join Joanne as she seeks to build a bridge between science and spirit, between body and soul, and dives deeper into the incredible ways fascia can serve as a pathway to spiritual awakening… Fascia forms a liquid crystal matrix of communication - and deep consciousness - within us all. Today Joanne further unpacks this fascinating tissue, and how it relates to our embryological origins and the interconnectedness of our left and right brain hemispheres… Incorporating groundbreaking insights from renowned scientists and professors Neil Theise, Iain McGilchrist, Jill Bolte Taylor and John Sharkey, Joanne considers fascia’s unique implica...2025-06-1337 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastHow Movement Becomes a Healing Practice, with Brea JohnsonWhat if anatomy wasn’t just intellectual? What if it’s part of our felt sense?In this fascinating conversation Joanne is joined by Brea Johnson, a yoga educator with over 20 years’ experience in anatomy and movement, and founder of the globally recognised online platform Heart + Bones Yoga.Together they explore how understanding fascia, proprioception and movement awareness can transform how we practice, teach and experience movement. And they reflect on the delicate interplay between intellectual understanding of anatomy and intuitive body awareness; passionately advocating for the unlearning of reductionist models and a more h...2025-06-0542 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastMove Better, Hurt Less: Pattern Interrupt for LongevityCan subtle movement shifts really prevent long-term pain? In this episode, Joanne Avison and Paul Thornley unpack the power of pattern interrupts — small, intelligent changes that help you move better and hurt less.From gym routines to ballet classes, we often repeat movement patterns without realising they’re leading us toward strain or injury. Joanne and Paul explore how micro-movements and balanced training can restore mobility, reduce wear and tear, and keep us feeling good long-term.They share real-life examples from their practice, and offer simple, fascia-informed strategies that work for everyone — not ju...2025-05-2842 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastRedefining Medicine: Empathy, Energy and the Human Connection with Carol M DavisWhat does it truly mean to bring compassion into healthcare — and can empathy be taught?In this profound and moving conversation, Joanne Avison is joined by Emeritus Professor Carol M. Davis, author of What Is Empathy and Can Empathy Be Taught? Together, they explore the essential role of compassion in physical therapy, embodied movement, and fascia-informed healing.From Margaret Mead’s famous story of the healed femur to Carol’s own journey in redefining patient care, this episode dives deep into the energy of empathy, transcendence in therapeutic presence, and the spiritual architecture of hea...2025-05-1545 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastThe Hidden Language of Fascia: Translating Your Body's StoryIn this moving episode Joanne Avison and Paul Thornley delve into the hidden language of fascia, and its profound role in helping us to understand and care for ourselves… Fascia SPEAKS, giving us vital insights into our history, our emotions, and our current state, and it says so much through movement. It is the narrator of our stories. So whatever movement modality we teach, or manual therapy we offer, we can deeply benefit our clients (and ourselves!) by learning to read its whispers.Joanne openly shares her personal journey with a diagnosis of breast cancer, and how un...2025-05-0827 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastWhat Makes a Great Movement Teacher?In this lovely episode Joanne and Paul show how passionate movement teachers can raise their confidence by finding their own path, beyond the protocol they learned. Through understanding how every body is uniquely organised, we can find grace and patience with ourselves as we learn - even when we don’t know what to do!! With their decades of experience, they share the importance of supportive mentorship and openness within our teaching community, particularly when it comes to understanding fascia which is transforming movement education. So how can you become a better educator? How can you use fas...2025-04-2326 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastYour Fascia Is a Spiritual Interface - Here’s WhyIn this thought-provoking episode, Joanne shares her groundbreaking insights on the fascinating connection between our fascia and spiritual embodiment. Listen in as she explores the relationship between the fascia matrix and spirituality, with a blend of light-heartedness and a deep appreciation of being human in our errors and joys! The body-wide fascia matrix is involved in every part of us as an expression of being alive. Does its motion, its shape, its biomotional intelligence provide us with a sensory segue into spiritual awakening? Join us to explore from clients’ experiences and simple techniques how we can...2025-04-1632 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastUnlocking the Mystery of Time: Are You Stuck Living in Linear Time? with Shane McDermottWe live inside a concept of “linear time” and “linear space” and we work on the basis of “linear form” in movement, from the way classical anatomy is taught. Yet fascia, the fascinating “matrix of time and space” in the body - is part of everyone’s non-linear form and non-linear motion...In this episode, Joanne is joined by her friend and colleague Shane McDermott to delve into the fascinating topic of “linear time” and how it can dominate our productivity and our culture and our self-image. What if we have the power to change that, with just a subtle shift in...2025-04-0940 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastRelieve Shoulder Tension Naturally – No Equipment Needed!Are you tired of feeling stiff and restricted in your shoulders? Do you wish you could move with ease and freedom - or have some key techniques to give your clients, with no equipment needed!? Did you even know your shoulder blades are like another set of hands at the back of you? In this episode of Myofascial Magic In Action, Joanne Avison and Paul Thornley share some gorgeous, nuanced techniques to manage myofascial issues, this time focusing on shoulder motion. You'll be able to prevent injuries and optimize your (or your client’s) movement efficiency, with the...2025-04-0221 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastWhy Your Hands Hurt & How to Fix It – Expert Tips & ExercisesThis week’s episode is a lesson in HANDS, with tips, tricks and techniques for transforming them into the assets they love to be. They will love you for it!! Find out - through using your own therapeutic touch - why “grip strength” is NOT all there is to health... The opposite quality is actually essential too, to maintain flexibility. Using these fabulous and simple techniques you’ll find the answer to flexible supple hands - and how to help them move better for longer - regardless of age and ability. You can also prevent the kind of injur...2025-03-1934 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastEscaping the Productivity Trap: How to Align with Your True Nature - with Shane McDermottIn this conversation, Joanne Avison interviews Shane McDermott, an advanced practitioner, photographer, therapist, and explorer, often referred to as a “contemporary renaissance man”. They introduce the essential difference it makes to understand the human body beyond anatomy - and into archetypes - over time. To begin, they reminisce about meeting 25 years ago while teaching for Tom Myers and reflect on their time training with Caroline Myss, when she first taught Sacred Contracts (Archetypes) in person. Joanne and Shane delve into the transformative impact of understanding archetypes on body work therapy, emphasizing the way we understand time and how i...2025-03-141h 04
The Joanne Avison PodcastMyofascial Magic - Joanne and Paul explore the new book!Join Joanne Avison and Paul Thornley as they unveil the secrets of MYOFASCIAL MAGIC in the new book. ‘Myofascial Magic In Action - A Movement Practitioner’s Guide to How the Body Really Moves’ is a comprehensive guide to injury prevention, bodywork practices, and holistic healing; and is full of practical ways to work with the human body, whatever your modality. Learning about this intricate and fascinating web of connective tissue we call fascia can upgrade your practice. It transforms how you perceive the human body and the people you work with, using the natural biomotional intelligence of the tissue...2025-02-2831 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastListening vs Hearing: How to Tune Into the World Around You, with Shane McDermottIn this episode of The Joanne Avison podcast, Joanne and her guest, Shane McDermott, engage in a deep conversation about the different qualities of listening... Can we listen from the heart? With our hands? As well as our ears?They discuss the four key levels of listening - download listening, factual listening, empathetic listening, and generative listening - and how they impact our perception of reality. It’s a must-hear for everyone - especially those who work with people in a therapeutic or service based way. And Shane shares insights from his diverse studies and experiences, including hi...2025-02-201h 22
The Joanne Avison PodcastHealing Diastasis Recti: Simple Movements for RecoveryJoin us to learn three great movements for healing Diastasis Recti.Your body is round and it needs to do what it does naturally, which is breathe, gently spiral and walk - while it heals. Some methods of working with this issue require you to compress and tighten an area that is already in trouble. That’s a bit like shouting at yourself when you fell over and grazed your knee! What you really want is a gentle hand to help you get up and clean the graze and give you a bit of loving kindness!! H...2025-02-1248 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastThe Lost Connection: How Science Separated Body, Mind & SoulIn this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the history of how the study of science in the West separated soma from soul. It has deep implications to our understanding of the intricate relationship between the body and the being that animates it. The notion of soul separation has sparked intense debate, with many seeking to reconcile the principles of science and spirituality. By understanding how the somatic approach was separated from the study of psychology, we can wonder if tapping into the wisdom of our body might foster a deeper connection with our soul. Join Joanne Avison, c...2025-02-0421 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastRethinking pelvic floor exercises: a balanced approachIn this episode, Joanne Avison and Paul Thornley are rethinking pelvic floor exercises and exploring a balanced approach to women’s wellness and rehabilitation. We discuss how traditional approaches often overlook the interconnectedness of the body and how a more holistic and subtle approach that honours the myofascial structures, can lead to more effective and sustainable results. Join us as we delve into the world of fascia wisdom, and discuss why subtle treatment and rehab strategies are so important. Our goal is to provide you with a deeper understanding of pelvic wellness including diastasis recti, and...2025-01-2820 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastDoes fascia hold the key to emotional relaxation?In this thought-provoking, actionable episode, we delve into the fascinating connection between fascia, emotions and simple things we can do to promote our own relaxation directly. We explore simply smiling or frowning; and observe how it changes the feelings (and our shape!) as a somatic experience. Drawing on her expertise, Joanne examines the integral role of fascia (with easy examples) in fostering a deeper sense of connection between body and mind. By embracing simple, embodied practices and somatic micro movement, (that everyone can do), we can unlock new pathways to emotional relaxation, conscious movement and embodied awareness. J...2025-01-2118 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastDoes fascia hold the key to emotional relaxation?In this thought-provoking, actionable episode, we delve into the fascinating connection between fascia, emotions and simple things we can do to promote our own relaxation directly. We explore simply smiling or frowning; and observe how it changes the feelings (and our shape!) as a somatic experience. Drawing on her expertise, Joanne examines the integral role of fascia (with easy examples) in fostering a deeper sense of connection between body and mind. By embracing simple, embodied practices and somatic micro movement, (that everyone can do), we can unlock new pathways to emotional relaxation, conscious movement and embodied awareness. J...2025-01-2104 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastPlantar Fasciitis Myths Debunked: Real Solutions for Foot PainJoin Joanne and Paul in this fascinating episode as they share insights - and debunk some common myths - around Plantar Fasciitis. There's often different reasons FOR the pain, and it can need a variety of different treatments depending on the root cause. Sometimes Plantar Fasciitis is blamed on high arches, sometimes on low arches (flat feet). Sometimes there’s shin splints (from overuse) and sometimes lack of motion is blamed. Often it’s hard to know what, where and why you, or a client, might be struggling - it just hurts.So in this episo...2025-01-1427 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastExploring Anatomical Variability and Learning with Professor Darrell EvansJoin us for this conversation with the brilliant Professor Darrell Evans, diving deep (in plain language) into the fascinating world of anatomy, embryology, biological development and the interconnectedness of connective tissues. What does that really mean?Professor Evans shares his brilliant and unconventional career journey, insights from his academic roles, his innovative teaching methods, and his perspectives on anatomical variability. (What makes us all the same is that we are all unique!! Right?)We also touch on how we integrate personal experience in professional practice, as Joanne shares her experience of treating Professor Evans as...2025-01-0359 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastThe Number One Mistake Weekend Athletes Make (And How to Fix It)Join Joanne and Paul in this engaging conversation, we delve into the crucial topic of RECOVERY for ‘weekend warriors’ - those of us who push the physical limits during our weekends off or find time for only short concentrated stints of activities, whether it’s marathon training, football, sports, HIIT or intense biking…whatever we do at high intensity. Full recovery is often overlooked as unnecessary. It can be under-appreciated - it’s actually ESSENTIAL.We discuss the science of myofascial repair, the perils of overexertion, and the psychological tricks that can easily lead us into overdoing it. We sha...2024-12-2023 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastExploring Alexander Technique with Tully Hall: A Journey of Self-Discovery and HealingIn this episode Joanne talks with the brilliant Alexander Technique practitioner Tully Hall. The conversation delves deep into the principles and benefits of the Alexander Technique, emphasizing its gentle approach to enhancing sensory awareness and self-regulation. We touch upon the importance of integrating body, mind, and spirit in healing practices and explore the benefits of using sound and vibration in therapeutic contexts. Tully shares a profound personal experience of healing from a traumatic hand injury, attributing her recovery to a blend of Tai Chi, Alexander Technique, and meditative practices. This episode was originally recorded and...2024-12-1355 min
The Joanne Avison Podcast5 Myths About Back Pain Relief You Still BelieveIn this episode, Paul and Joanne explore 5 of the most prevalent myths about back pain that you may still believe. We provide you with valuable insights and wellness tips to help you manage chronic pain and discomfort, whilst ensuring you're not inadvertently making it worse!! There really are different options for effective prevention and recovery - when you understand how the myofascial matrix works. From fascia research to intelligent movement, join us as we discuss the importance of self-awareness and a preventative approach to avoid injury and prevent low back pain before it happens. We hop...2024-12-0621 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastWhat if Your Fascia Connects Emotion, Energy, and Spirituality?In this episode Joanne explores the profound and intriguing connection between your body’s fascia and your emotional, energetic, and spiritual well-being.We look at how we can tap into the self-organising power of our bodies, fostering a deeper understanding of our biomotional intelligence and internal somatic register - through the fascia - if we understand a little of how Spirit animates us.Join me on a journey of discovery, exploring the intricate relationships between fascia, energy, awareness and spirituality, and uncover the transformative potential of conscious embodiment...SIGN UP TO THE JO...2024-11-2920 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastIs It Science or Magic? Exploring the Power of Intention and HealingIn this episode Joanne interviews Kelley McLaughlin, a highly qualified bodywork and movement practitioner (certified in John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Therapy). The conversation delves into the concept of 'magic' in healing and fascia, highlighting the importance of intention, curiosity, and the intersection between science and mystery. They discuss their shared experiences in the scientific field, including a significant moment at Ohio State University, where interdisciplinary collaboration led to ground-breaking discoveries.Kelley also explores her holistic approach to bodywork, emphasizing the integration of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects within a scientific framework. Everyone works in their...2024-11-2245 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastCan Yoga REALLY Improve Your Mental Health?What if there were simple tools that could improve your inner world immediately - without you folding yourself into a “pretzel” or meditating for hours? In this episode, Joanne Avison interviews Jyoti Manuel, of Special Yoga, who works every day with adults and children, making a profound difference to their well-being. We explore the question: can yoga really improve mental health? Are there super simple, easy things we can do to make a difference to our daily stress on every level - without doing headstands? From reducing anxiety and depre...2024-11-1529 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastBeyond the Gym: How Functional Movement Enhances Your Daily LifeIn this episode, we're going beyond the gym to explore the transformative power of functional movement in enhancing our daily lives and the lives of those we care for. By incorporating specific features of holistic fascia training and movement optimisation, we can experience improved movement efficiency, dynamic stability, and optimal alignment. Join Joanne and Paul as we delve into the world of fascial performance, integrative health, and holistic self-care.SIGN UP TO THE JOANNE AVISON NEWSLETTER Simply scroll down to ‘Join Our Collective’ and pop in your...2024-11-0824 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastUnlocking the Secrets of the Embryo: the Science You Never Knew. With Dr Karen KirknessJoin Joanne in this brilliant chat with Dr. Karen Kirkness as they take a fascinating journey to unlock the secrets of the embryo, that remarkable human blueprint we all share! From the earliest stages of development, the embryo’s genetic code orchestrates a complex dance of tissue dynamics, fascia insights, and biological pathways - which Karen describes so beautifully so we can all understand it!Join us to explore the magic and the mystery, the science and the curiosity that inspires us all about where we each began. And there’s more…it’s Emb...2024-11-0141 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastWhat Your Fascia is Trying to Tell You About Your BodyDiscover the hidden language of your body, and how it makes SUCH a huge difference to your ability to enjoy moving and being in your body - if you learn to tune into it... Fascia, as you'll discover in this week’s episode, literally signals to itself and to you 24/7 - ALL the time! If you know what you’re listening to, you can discover this hidden language of your body and learn to read its messages. It’s much more than a complex network of connective tissue. It holds secrets to optimal wellness on several subtle levels...2024-10-2524 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastMuscle Trembling? Signs You're OvertrainingIf you’ve ever experienced muscle trembling during or after a workout or a class - you may have heard the idea that it’s “good for you”. But, as Paul and Joanne discuss in this episode, it could actually be a sign that you’re overtraining, and it’s essential to recognize these warning signs to avoid injury. You can maintain optimal performance, if you understand when “more” is NOT NECESSARILY “better”. In this episode, we’ll delve into some research in exercise science and explore the connection between muscle fatigue, overtraining syndrome, and the body’s way of signal...2024-10-1721 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastThe Truth About Myofascial Release: What You Need to KnowIn this enlightening episode, Joanne delves into the fascinating world of myofascial release, discussing various interpretations of this powerful bodywork technique and what it means to different people. Tune in to discover how myofascial release has become a well known complementary health technique - and... what does it really mean? It has very different interpretations for different bodywork modalities... So this episode will expand your understanding and provide a wider - and perhaps more helpful - context for something called myofascial induction.Whatever bodywork techniques you use or enjoy, Joanne will shed light on the...2024-10-1030 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastExploring Anatomy Through Spirals: A Deep Dive with Dr Karen KirknessJoin Dr. Karen Kirkness and Joanne Avison in this enlightening exploration of anatomy through the lens of spirals, where they delve into the fascinating intersection of holistic health and anatomical insights, as revealed in Karen’s book Spiral Bound. In this open-hearted deep dive, from 2021, Karen (now Dr. Kirkness) shared her expertise in fascia research and the principles of tensegrity medicine. It highlights the importance of body mapping, for structural integrity and deeper understanding and effective learning.Whether you’re a practitioner or simply curious about the body’s dynamics, we hope this episode will inspire curiosity about...2024-10-0340 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastFascia, Spirit, and Movement: Inside Joanne Avison's New BookEnjoy this story (behind the story!) of Joanne Avison’s groundbreaking new book, that explores the intricate connections between our body’s anatomy and holistic wellness through understanding fascia, spirit, and movement. In this episode Joanne tells the delightful story behind how it all happened.The new book, Myofascial Magic In Action, offers therapeutic micro-movement techniques that promote holistic health and wellness. In the book you'll discover how to incorporate anatomy awareness and micro-movement medicine into your personal practice, enhancing your journey toward holistic healing. Whether you're a health practitioner or someone seeking personal growth, it offers valu...2024-09-2616 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastAncient Wisdom for Modern Living: Permaculture, Ayurveda and Yoga with Justin RobertshawDiscover the transformative power of ancient wisdom in our modern lives through the harmonious practices of permaculture, Ayurveda, and yoga. In this enlightening conversation, Joanne and wellness consultant Justin Robertshaw explore how these holistic health systems foster balanced living, community empowerment, and environmental harmony. Joanne and Justin discuss the intersection of yoga, Ayurveda and permaculture, highlighting how these practices can support sustainable living in ways that honour everyone’s experience. Our listeners working in therapeutic roles might be particularly interested to hear Justin discussing the importance of a client-centred approach grounded in experiential learning, and really explaining the...2024-09-1947 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastUnlocking Fascia: The Ultimate Reset for Peak PerformanceJoanne and Paul are back with another Myofascial Magic In Action episode! Listen in as they explain how fascia influences movement and adaptability - not just during intense exercise but also during our everyday activities. Fascia can thicken or soften and adapt to repeated stress - so whether it's weightlifting or long periods of sitting, it learns to meet the demand of “that performance”. It is constantly seeking a balance between performance and recovery.That really is key to lo...2024-09-1338 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastThe Future of Medicine: How Energy, Fascia & Intuition Shape Healing, with Carol DavisJoin us on an enlightening journey as we explore the future of medicine and how energy, fascia, and intuition are shaping the landscape of healing. In this episode, Emeritus Professor Carol Davis and Joanne delve into the exciting realm of integrative healing, highlighting the wellness revolution that emphasizes functional wellness and holistic health. Discover how intuitive healing and alternative medicine are becoming essential components in therapeutic and medical approaches, bridging the gap between materialistic science and physical therapeutics.We also discuss the role of fascia in our bodies and its significance in complementary therapies, as well as...2024-09-0553 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastUnlock Your Potential: Martial Arts & Neuromuscular Therapy with Paul ThornleyWe've discovered a long-lost never-heard-before interview with the brilliant Paul Thornley from 2021, and simply had to share it with you!! In it Paul shares the transformative power of combining martial arts with neuromuscular therapy, distinguishing how classical biomechanics and holistic, 21st century anatomy do - or don’t - make sense of our embodied existence. He does this in such a unique way that it inspires all of us to ask new questions to truly improve our overall wellness.Before Myofascial Magic In Action even began, Joanne and Paul joined forces out of a mutual passion for un...2024-08-3051 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastWhy Micro Movements have MACRO impact - if you know how to work them!In this episode Joanne addresses a fascinating question about micro movement, from a Myofascial Magic in Action course participant. She unpacks why daily micro movements can lead to such significant improvements in wellbeing, explaining this phenomenon through the key concepts of challenge, courage, and care.Could it be that these small, mindful movements can serve our wellbeing as much (if not more than) the grand physical achievements we might strive to achieve? Is this the missing link in understanding myofascia applied? How exactly does the body’s natural ability to self-organize link to overall health? What can we...2024-07-2424 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastWhy we need to ditch Mechanisms for Magical Movements: A New ParadigmIn this episode Joanne and Paul explore the evolution of movement science, emphasising the non-linear, self-organising nature of human bodies. With a delightful blend of historical anecdotes, personal stories, and foundational research, they challenge the traditional biomechanical approach to human movement.Joanne reveals how an 18th century mechanical duck offers insights into why we’ve long thought mechanically about the human body (and we all know Joanne’s NOT a fan of this approach!), while Paul passionately argues for the immense benefits of using intuitive, fascia-based movement practice over conventional exercise protocols.PLUS, Joanne gives you...2024-07-1750 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastHow confident cueing can transform your teaching…How honest is your cueing? In this episode Paul and Joanne talk about “honest cueing” and “honest movement”. They explain why it's essential to “cue from the heart in your own way”, in a fascinating and thought-provoking chat...From pacing around like an agitated cat, to presenting on stage (and all the in between of cueing well in class), Joanne and Paul share many open-hearted stories and passionately argue for why cueing is *such* a key to magical movement! Enjoy!ABOUT US - MYOFASCIAL MAGIC IN ACTIONVisit https://myofascialmagic.com/homeFOLLOW U...2024-07-0239 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastWhy these 5 words matter so much to movement teachersThis episode is inspired by important questions we’re very often asked by movement teachers about cueing and language.So... What exactly do we all mean by the word Stretch? Or Stabilise? Or Strengthen? Or Stiffen? Is Stress always a bad thing, or can it actually be a good thing sometimes? We explore each word and its implications, as well as how we can use them wisely….or not so wisely!!Again and again, we hear these 5 ‘S words’ come up, regardless of the particular modality...2024-06-1839 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastWhy playful movement is ESSENTIAL, according to Wil BrownIn this episode Joanne talks to Wil Brown, the founder of London Movement Group. Wil is all about experiencing life via physical exploration, in action. He sees his job as “sharing what I figure out…” and has gained tens of thousands of fans following his lively and committed approach to playful movement.Joanne and Wil talk about their respective experiences and how, through exploring very different routes to movement methods and approaches, they agree entirely on such things as the importance of recovery time - and playfulness!! Movement is not (and can’t be) an intellectual process, so it’s...2024-06-1141 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastAre you a McDonald's or a Michelin Star style movement teacher?Myofascial Magic in Action is not a method – it’s a standard available for all the different methods we teach and learn in movement. It raises the game around the difference we can make to ourselves and our clients, whatever modality we choose. Focusing particularly on Yoga and Pilates, we make the important distinction between “delicious” bespoke movement and "fast food" one-size-fits-all movement... We also share stories about the highlights and lowlights of teaching - see if you recognise your own experiences here! We hope you enjoy hearing how we rate the Michelin Star movement experience...2024-06-0726 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastCelebrating Ten Years of the British Fascia Symposium!It’s the 10th Anniversary of the British Fascia Symposium, so we wanted to celebrate!So this is a special conversation with Jan Trewartha, the brilliant Director of the BFS and The Fascia Hub. Listen in to hear how it all began, tales of Joanne presenting at the very first one, what's coming up in this year's Symposium in June, and the ethos behind it all.And if you'd like more info on this not-to-be-missed event for the fascia community, we've provided it all below. Hope you enjoy! THE BRITISH FASC...2024-05-3047 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastTo floss, or not to floss..?In this episode Paul and Joanne respond to a question they received about the value of Neural Flossing or Spinal Flossing. The question “to floss or not to floss?” is one worth considering – and even if you disagree, this conversation might expand the questions you ask! Joanne wasn’t entirely sure what the term meant, so by asking Paul, this conversation unfolded. It isn’t intended to ruffle any feathers or diminish the work of very well-intentioned therapists, but we do challenge the notion of how valuable “flossing” is - by the interpretation we use. In any event, it is su...2024-05-2422 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastGeometry and the Subtle BodyThis week’s episode is Joanne's response to a request – to talk about Geometry and what it means in understanding the body. It’s a fascinating exploration. Joanne's response includes a reading from her book Yoga Fascia Anatomy and Movement. She talks about how important Geometry is to our form – and how the ancient wisdom behind Yoga and the Sanskrit language (among other languages) is much incredibly sophisticated. It is really an invitation to appreciate how complex and brilliant the body is - literally and symbolically. We hear how, in the East (where the being and the b...2024-05-1614 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastThe Wonder of DissectionJoin us for an informal discussion between Paul and Joanne about the art and wonder of dissection. It can be so valuable – and practitioners can learn so much – yet there are some distinctions to understand about it.“Both of us have had the privilege of working with – indeed – learning with, John Sharkey – and we are better practitioners for having been in the Lab with him on so many occasions...”You will hear all about that in this podcast, as well as learning about many of the eye-opening, empowering, and downright surprising discoveries we've both made through our ow...2024-05-1029 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastCompetitive, or Collective..?Competitive versus Collective – this is such an important theme in the personal and the professional field – especially in bodywork and movement therapy. Exploring these ideas can be so helpful in expanding our awareness of other modalities, and enhancing the actual work we do!In this episode Joanne Avison considers how we can sometimes be in competition with ourselves – and how it can work to give ourselves the opportunity to “collect” a broader base of information and grow with it... This theme, of the power of the collective, is deep to Cynthia Allen’s ethos in the...2024-04-3023 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastCynthia Allen: The kind of woman the world needs right now!The Dalai Lama is reported to have said: “the world will be saved by the Western Woman.” Cynthia Allen is the kind of woman I think of when I remember that. So in this episode, it really is my pleasure to talk to her, to share ideas with her and to listen to her speak from her vast experience and relentless focus on making a difference in the world.Cynthia has been working in wellness, healthcare management, and organizational consulting for over 35 years. In 2001, she became a Certified Feldenkrais® practitioner and, more recently, a Senior Traine...2024-04-2341 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastThe Automagically Fabulous Pelvic FootPaul and Joanne share their experience and stories about pelvic issues, how they affect so many of us, and... how misunderstood they might be! How can we “rephrase” our understanding of the mythical “Pelvic Floor” and discover the magic of releasing the Pelvic Foot? This is not a made up idea, by movement instructors who didn’t like learning anatomy! Paul talks about the key science behind this structural understanding of the human body. Effectively, you have a pelvic foot – not a pelvic floor... It’s true, and magic happens when you know that, know how...2024-04-1825 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastMyofascial Magic: The Automagically Fabulous Pelvic FootPaul and Joanne share their experience and stories about pelvic issues, how they affect so many of us, and... how misunderstood they might be! How can we “rephrase” our understanding of the mythical “Pelvic Floor” and discover the magic of releasing the Pelvic Foot? This is not a made up idea, by movement instructors who didn’t like learning anatomy! Paul talks about the key science behind this structural understanding of the human body. Effectively, you have a pelvic foot – not a pelvic floor... It’s true, and magic happens when you know that, know how...2024-04-1625 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastNeil Theise - genius, scientist, spiritualist and Keynote Speaker at MBFB Summit 2024!In this episode Joanne interviews the brilliant Neil Theise. Joanne believes that his book “Notes on Complexity” should be on every curriculum in the world. There is something in it for every age and every living, animated being!If you love this conversation with Neil as much as we do, you can get more of him at the Feldenkrais Move Better Feel Better Summit in May 2024, where he'll be the Keynote Speaker. The Summit is live online around the world and you can click here to join the summit and enjoy his and many ot...2024-04-0946 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastShoulder Shrugs and BugsShoulders are such an expressive part of us! A shrug can replace a thousand words, right? Do you, or any of your clients, experience shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, aching, stiffness or just limited range of motion in this amazing, if complex, “joint”?In this episode Paul and Joanne share some delightful stories about shoulders. What do you gain from training them? How can you avoid straining them? What are the many elements in Myofascial Magic that we can bring to the table (or mat or machine, when we are teaching) that will automagically enhance working with shoulders?...2024-04-0225 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastWalking the WalkWelcome to the second episode of our Myofascial Magic strand! I recently co-founded Myofascial Magic In Action with the esteemed Paul Thornley, with the mission of providing practitioners with client-centred micro-movement keys. And now we're bringing you our shared passion - and the answer to some of your burning questions - in the form of this special joint podcast series, releasing every couple of weeks.In this episode we talk about one of the most fundamental movements of most of our lives - WALKING... Fifteen years ago Monty Python did a sketch called The Ministry of Silly Wa...2024-03-2026 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastFascia, the In-Between and the Sandwich Generation!It's just been Mother's Day here in the UK, which inspired me to take a deep dive into "the in-between" which is a rich source of magic in my life. As a mother and a daughter, I live in the in-between of those two roles. This podcast is a bit about my personal journey with that, the in-between tissue of the fascia, and how this incredible matrix forms the in-between of us... We are all, after all, seeking the magic balance between understanding the science and spirit of this living architecture of ours! It's the magic of that I ge...2024-03-1436 min
The Joanne Avison PodcastWelcome to the Myofascial Magic podcast!To all fascia-focused movement and manual practitioners, it’s a delight to announce the new Myofascial Magic Podcast!I recently co-founded Myofascial Magic In Action with the esteemed Paul Thornley, with the mission of providing practitioners with client-centred micro-movement keys, to optimise individual ability and make a transformative difference. And now, we want to bring you some of this game-changing information in the form of a podcast!In this first episode, Paul and I talk about all that is behind the Myofascial Magic in Action (MMIA) Course, what motivated us and why it’s so powe...2024-03-0726 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastDr Karen Kirkness on spiral anatomy, spinning many plates, and being humanWelcome to the second episode of this new season, in which I interview the wonderful Dr Karen Kirkness!Karen is a yoga practitioner and recovering academic. Her book, Spiral Bound: Integrated Anatomy for Yoga, provides a rationale for curating movement practices that are led by the rotational constraints of the body. In this podcast (recorded in 2023 before Karen was rightfully awarded her PhD) we share our admiration for each other’s work and our fascination with spiral anatomy. If you are a movement teacher or manual practitioner; if you are a mot...2024-02-2741 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastThe Story of Myofascial Magic In ActionI am so excited to be back this Spring with a new podcast season! We have all sorts of wonderful interviews and updates for you about fascia, myofascial magic and lots of news and events. In this week's episode I tell you all about my new book, Myofascial Magic In Action, and how it came into being. It’s quite a personal story of alchemy - turning the lead of a wound into a the gold of a gift - and it’s all true!Plus, this Spring is getting off to a great start as o...2024-02-2233 minThe Joanne Avison PodcastThe Gift of Defining FasciaFor many it’s the season for gifting, and I want to share a very special gift with you, dear Listener!John Sharkey and Mark Flannigan have just released a gold standard, peer-reviewed research paper which seeks to move us towards an interdisciplinary definition of fascia, particularly for the benefit of all fascia-focused movement and manual practitioners. It’s an incredible and important piece of work, so I couldn’t resist sharing it with you in this special episode.Every movement instructor and manual practitioner I meet seeks to help others to mov...2023-12-1946 min