Shows
The Core Connect PodcastAging Well Without Injectables: Dr. Rabia Malik on Collagen, Peptides & Skin HealthDid you know that up to 1% of each filler injection is not eliminated from your body?Or that Botox can lead to major facial distortions over time (and why)?This week, Marianne sat down with Dr Rabia Malik, a GP and skin health doctor known for her no-injectables approach and fabulous results at The Harrods Wellness Clinic. Together, they explored how to age confidently without relying on Botox or fillers, diving into:The real risks of injectables and how these must be explained to women thoroughlyWhy Dr. Malik's chosen to build a no-i...
2025-11-2853 minThe Core Connect PodcastDiastasis, Low Ab Pooch, or Saggy Skin? 5 Things to Do Before a Tummy TuckStruggling with a lower-ab pooch that won’t budge?Wondering if diastasis is still the reason your core feels weak?Thinking about a tummy tuck, but not sure if you actually need one?Before you go down the surgical rabbit hole, this episode walks you through the 5 essential steps every woman should take first.The ones that can dramatically change your core, your waistline, your healing, and keep you from a rather invasive procedure.We dive into:How to know if your abs exercises are actually helpingWhy protein, collagen, and bo...
2025-11-2115 minThe Core Connect Podcast3 Resources to Heal Your Inner ChildIn this personal episode, Marianne shares why it's so important as regulated adults to connect with that wounded part of the self, as well as the transformative insights she's discovered along the way.Drawing from her own experiences, she explores how gentle, intentional work can bring healing and clarity.Marianne also shares three easy exercises you can start with, especially when relationships become triggers.She highlights 3 practical resources for listeners ready to begin their own inner child work:Katie Freiling – An inner child coach offering guidance and somatic exercises to reconnect with the self.http...
2025-11-1414 minThe Core Connect PodcastFertility, cycle literacy and reclaiming female power with scientist Michelle SnyderDid you know that cholesterol is actually good for you and your sex hormones?Or that you could control your fertility naturally?In this conversation with fertility educator and nutrition scientist Michelle Snyder, we explore how true cycle literacy goes far beyond contraception or conception.It’s about helping women reclaim their trust in their body.It's about re-balancing power in society.In this episode we talk about:How to track your cycle for conception and contraception purposesWhether apps help us connect or disconnect from our inner knowingThe tox...
2025-11-0749 minThe Core Connect PodcastWhat ‘Mobility’ Really Means 👊 And Why You Need It.You’ve seen the word everywhere: Flexibility & Mobility, Hyrox & Mobility, Mobility Flow.But what does it actually mean?In this short solo episode, Marianne breaks it down for you: where the term comes from, how it fits into modern fitness, and why it’s so much more than stretching.You’ll learn:The real difference between mobility and flexibilityHow your nervous system plays a role in how you moveWhy mobility is the foundation for strength, posture, and pain-free livingWhy it should be a critical part of your physical routine if you want to get over chr...
2025-10-3107 minThe Core Connect Podcast✨Miscarriages, Stillbirth, and Finding Grace Through Grief with Alana GalliniWhat do we say to parents who have suffered the unimaginable?How do we birth and parent after traumatic childhood events?Should we talk about baby loss and death with our children?All these questions Alana Gallini and Marianne explore in this poignant episode.Alana is a mother of three mini humans earthside who, in 2019, lost her firstborn. She recalls what it felt like, emotionally, logistically, and humanly, to discover her baby’s condition, make the decision to keep Grove from suffering, and go through a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) and...
2025-10-2453 minThe Core Connect PodcastPelvic Floor Training During Pregnancy: Why Squeezes Won’t Save YouIf you’re pregnant, you may have been told:“Do 100 Kegels aday to prevent tearing during birth.” But what if that advice was outdated—and could actually do more harm than good?In this episode, Marianne is busting the myths around pelvic floor training during pregnancy and shifting the focus to what truly prepares you for birth and optimises recovery.Overrecruiting your pelvic floor can lead to dysfunction—leaks, painful sex, hip pain, and even a more challenging birth experience. Instead of old-school practices, Marianne guides you through a more effective approach:🔹Squeeze less—More cont...
2025-10-1709 minThe Core Connect PodcastThe Core Clinic: Prolapse Rehab, Pelvic Floor Surgery & Femininity with Zoe DaviesWelcome to the very first episode of The Core Clinic, a brand-new segment of the podcast where Marianne offers real-time guidance to people navigating pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, and other core concerns.In this episode, Marianne welcomes Zoe Davies, a 40-year-old mother of two and Pilates & yoga instructor trainee, who recently underwent reconstructive pelvic floor surgery. Together, they explore what her ideal postpartum care could have looked like 12 years ago, and what others can learn from Zoe's journey today.All mothers who have delivered vaginally, especially with the assistance of forceps, and those...
2025-10-1029 minThe Core Connect Podcast🤰 Running, Abs & Epidurals: Your Top Prenatal Questions AnsweredIt's Q&As time!Last month, Marianne received a flood of thoughtful questions on Instagram. In this episode, she's picked out 5 of the most common ones to walk you through. She'll cover what the science says, what leading medical guidelines recommend, and of course, her perspective from years of working with pregnant women in clinics and in the studio. 02:07: Diastasis Recti Explained: How to Prevent a Significant Abdominal Separation04:13: Why Exercising During Pregnancy is a Scientifically Proven Must.08:55: Running in the Third Trimester: Pros and Cons12:46: The Epidural 16:29: Prenatal Reformer or Regular Refor...
2025-10-0321 minThe Core Connect PodcastMobility, Motherhood, Mastery with Ava RodriguezIn this episode, Marianne welcomes Ava Rodriguez, industry titan, fine educator, powerhouse of mobility and inspiring mother of two teenage daughters.Together, Ava and Marianne explore what it really takes to:Rise above industry trends and be recognised for your expertiseBalance raising a family with teaching and mentoring other instructorsBuild a method that truly changes livesBut beyond her credentials, this episode is about discovering Ava’s personality: her drive, her grounded approach, and the authenticity that makes her unforgettable.Here’s the exciting part: Ava is coming to Dubai soon fo...
2025-09-2654 min
Lifestyle. Family. Business par Audrey Fosseries#30 - La réalité de l'entrepreneuriat : de l'intensité à la vision long terme avec Marianne TafaniAujourd’hui, je reçois Marianne Tafani, professeure de Pilates et fondatrice du centre CoreConnect à Dubaï.Nous nous connaissons depuis plus d’un an, et à force d’échanges en coulisses, j’ai vite réalisé qu’au-delà de son expertise et de son énergie passionnée, il y avait tout un backstage de l’entrepreneuriat qu’on ne voit pas toujours :- les coûts fixes,- la charge mentale,- le stress lié au cash flow- et la nécessité de tenir avant de pouvoir recruter et déléguer.Dans cet épisode...
2025-09-201h 11The Core Connect PodcastYour Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery Guide 🤱Too many new mothers are told to “just start doing Kegels” within days of birth.But this advice can do more harm than good. In this episode, Marianne breaks down the myths around pelvic floor recovery and offers a realistic, research-backed timeline for the first 3 months postpartum.Drawing on the work of leading expert Kari Bø and her own years of supporting 2,280 women, she explains why active recovery works in the early days postpartum in the same way active recovery works for athletes post-event. She suggests a timeline for isolated pelvic floor tra...
2025-09-1921 minThe Core Connect PodcastThe #1 thing you can do to prevent dementia and enhance your brain health with Dr Reza Hosseini GhomiMeet Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, a Boston-based neuropsychiatrist, engineer, 4x health tech founder, and cancer survivor whose story and insights are nothing short of inspiring.In this episode, Marianne and Reza cover everything from the surprising #1 risk factor for Alzheimer’s (it’s not your genes), to simple morning routines for brain health, to why your 40s are the decade to invest in yourself. Reza also opens up about surviving cancer, reshaping his life’s purpose, and how he uses his own journey to guide others.What you’ll hear in this episode:02:37...
2025-09-1227 minThe Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | A Conversation on Postnatal Recovery, Timelines & Empowerment: Matt Marney Interviews MarianneWe talk openly about ACL tears and their recovery protocols.But pelvic floor tears? That silence is costing women time, confidence, and long-term health.In this episode, Matt Marney, Pilates educator, personal trainer, meditation teacher, and founder of Wellness Education Dubai, interviews Marianne Tafani, women’s health advocate and creator of the Core Connect postnatal method and studio.Marianne shares the personal story that led to the creation of her postnatal courses.Together, they explore:Realistic timelines for postnatal recoveryThe role of Pilates in rebuilding strength and confidence after birthThe issues w...
2025-09-051h 14The Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Unlocking the Power of Your Menstrual Cycle with Chantal BlakeDo you ever wish you could skip your period? Or wonder why your moods, energy, and focus seem to change throughout the month? What if you could use your cycle to enhance your sports performance, fertility, or even daily life?👀 In this episode, Marianne is joined by Chantal Blake, a menstrual health specialist, former nurse, environmental engineer, mother of three, and author of Peaceful Period. Chantal’s journey spans the globe—from New York City to Algeria, Oman, Yemen, and now Senegal—and her wisdom on the menstrual cycle is both deeply scientific and profoundly empowering.✨ There’s...
2025-08-291h 04The Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Studio Owner Series - Jill Harris on 30 Years in Pilates, Building FitSprings, and Resilience in EntrepreneurshipToday’s episode is part of the special Studio Owner Series.In this episode, Marianne chats with Jill Harris, a powerhouse of creativity in the Pilates world. With 30 years in the industry, 25 years as a studio owner, and a gorgeous smile on social media, Jill’s impact is profound.Jill is also the visionary behind FitSprings, a piece of equipment developed over nearly a decade to support those with impairments or recovering from injuries, or simply those who like to feel lighter during fun workouts.You won’t want to miss this conversation. Jill s...
2025-08-221h 07The Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Bone Density, Cruise Ships & Life Barefoot with Gemma Pearson from Osteoporosis PilatesWhat does it really take to build strong bones and age well? In this episode, I sit down with Gemma Pearson, a clinical Pilates specialist and former dancer, who now runs a thriving practice supporting students with osteoporosis from her home in the South of France.But this conversation is about so much more than osteoporosis. It’s about the power of training your feet and shifting your mindset in the face of conditions and injuries. It's about redefining strength as we age. It's about lifestyle, the Reformer (and whether...
2025-08-1550 minThe Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Why Breakfast Still Matters ... and 4 Other Women's Health Tips with Zeina MaktabiThis week, Marianne welcomes Zeina Maktabi, functional nutritionist, registered dietician, and newly minted Pilates mat instructor .With a deep passion for health that’s spanned decades, sharpened during COVID, Zeina brings clarity, compassion and calm to the often-noisy world of wellnessadvice.In this conversation, she busts one of the biggest myths circulating among health circles: you do need that breakfast.Especially as a woman. Zeina explains how skipping it can elevate cortisol at the wrong time, disrupting your hormonal balance and energy levels. But cortisol isn’t the enemy. It’s also essential for wakeful...
2025-08-0843 minThe Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Period Pain, Infection Prevention & Easing Postpartum Recovery: The Comeback of Womb Steaming with Liberty GelderloosHave you heard of vaginal steaming? This ancient practice is making a comeback for a reason—it can help with chronic infections, heavy periods, birth preparation, postpartum healing, and even reconnecting with your inner wisdom 🧘♀️Our guest this week bridges the gap between tradition and modern self-care: Liberty Gerderloos is a menstrual cycle specialist known for creating powerful steaming blends that help women master their cycles, free themselves from infections, and recover faster postnatally.In this episode, Liberty shares: 02:12 How growing up in a natural community in Montana led her to the “steam path”13:50 How...
2025-08-0146 minThe Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | The Truth about IVF, Vaginismus and Fertility-boosting Practices: A Taboo-free Conversation with Dr Gael Abou GhannamNo. You probably don’t need that tummy tuck. You definitely don’t need intimate wipes, creams, or whiteners. And you may not even need the IVF treatment you’ve been offered.My guest today, Dr. Gael Abou Ghannam, is an Obstetrics, Gynecology, and fertility specialist who tackles these uncomfortable, often taboo, topics head-on.Trained in Lebanon and Belgium with a specialization in fertility preservation for cancer patients, Dr. Gael has become one of the leading voices for women’s health in the Middle East—a renowned researcher, podcaster, and brilliant obstetrician.In this episo...
2025-07-2546 minThe Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Beyond Spinach: Understanding and Treating Iron Deficiency with Dr Dheeraj KhiataniFatigue, Hair Loss, Poor Concentration—Could You Be Iron Deficient?Did you know that iron deficiency can develop years before anemia sets in? Or that you'd need anywhere between 8 to 30 kilograms of spinach just to meet your recommended daily iron intake?In this episode, Dr. Dheeraj Khiatani, a Singapore-based General Practitioner and one of Asia's leading experts on iron deficiency, joins Marianne to discuss the essentials of iron absorption and iron loss. Together, they explore:The demographics, dietary habits, and cultural factors that make iron deficiency so common.Why many women go undiagnosed despite suff...
2025-07-1845 minThe Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Birth Timing & Intuition: Navigating Labour with Doula Stevie McKenzieThis week, Marianne dives into the stages of labour and the all-important question- when should you head to the hospital? - with doula, hypnobirthing educator, and lactation specialist Stevie McKenzie.Stevie and Marianne also explore how tuning into your intuition and embracing discomfort in daily life can prepare you for a more empowered experience.🎙Curious about how to prepare your body pre-pregnancy? Check out: The powerful episode with Chantal Blake on mastering menstrual health: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/unlocking-the-power-of-your-menstrual-cycle/id1766482868?i=1000678559124&l=arThe conversation with Liberty Gelderloos on the benefits o...
2025-07-111h 00The Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Tackling C-Section Overhang, Avoiding Surgery and Reclaiming Mobility with Scar Treatment Specialist Emma HollyDid you know that chronic shoulder or hip pain could be linked to a distant scar, like a C-section scar? In fact, some shoulder surgeries and even hip replacements can be avoided by addressing scar tissue concerns.Scar tissue is about 20% less functional than healthy tissue, causing adhesions and inflammation that often go unnoticed, yet play a significant role in chronicpain.In this episode, Marianne is joined by Emma Holly, a renowned UK-based physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience specialising in scar treatment. Emma certifies therapists globally and has made it her mission to treat...
2025-07-0455 minThe Core Connect PodcastStill in pain? Discover Brain-Based Mobility with Osteopath Kevin Hendry.Tight neck and upper back?Clicking knees and hips?Chronic pain?What if mobility tools could unlock it all?In this last episode of our first season, Kevin Hendry shares his journey from traditional osteopathic practice to becoming the Director of Education at RAD Mobility after healing chronic baseball injuries.Kevin and Marianne discuss:What mobility actually is. And no, it's not stretching.The science behind brain-based mobility tools.How RAD products work to release deep-seated tension and improve movement patterns.Practical strategies for addressing chronic pain.Performance e...
2025-06-2735 minThe Core Connect Podcast📚5 Life-Changing Summer Book Recommendations for Holistic Core HealthDealing with incessant bloat?Or chronic tension in your core?You're not alone, and the answers you're looking for might not be found in our Pilates classes.In this episode, Marianne shares 5 transformative books that approach core health from a truly holistic perspective. Beyond "zip it up". She dives deep into the interconnected world of gut health, feminine wisdom, energetic anatomy, and the cultural forces that shape how we relate to our bodies.Marianne also offers one tip or technique per book to get started.Featured Books & T...
2025-06-2017 minThe Core Connect Podcast5 Unusual Tips to Recover from a C-Section FasterJust had a C-section and feeling overwhelmed?This episode is for you.If you don't want any extra pressure.Or a longer to-do list.In this episode, you'll learn simple ways to help you:Process your birth experience (especially if it didn’t go to plan)Feel safe and grounded,Heal well and fast,Honour your new identity as a mother.🎧 In under 15 minutes, Marianne shares:Why birth story reflection is essential after an emergency C-section,3 powerful, nourishing foods to aid your recovery,How to extend the cocoon throu...
2025-06-1318 minThe Core Connect PodcastUnderstanding Rib Flare and How to Fix ItRibs sticking out?Bras tight, even now that you are back to your pre-baby weight?It might well be yet another bonus of having children: The infamous rib flare.In this short and practical episode, Marianne explains:What rib flare actually is, and why it’s not just cosmetic.The three main types of rib flare: Postural, related to changes to the infrasternal angle, and scoliosis-prompted.Why so many women experience a mix of these without knowing it.The hormonal and structural changes in the perinatal period that can lock your ribs into dysfu...
2025-06-0615 minThe Core Connect PodcastWhy Breakfast Still Matters ... and 4 Other Women's Health Tips with Zeina MaktabiThis week, Marianne welcomes Zeina Maktabi, functional nutritionist, registered dietician, and newly minted Pilates mat instructor (yes, Dubai, you’ll be seeing her on our mats soon!).With a deep passion for health that’s spanned decades, sharpened during COVID, Zeina brings clarity, compassion and calm to the often-noisy world of wellness advice.In this conversation, she busts one of the biggest myths circulating among health circles: you do need that breakfast.Especially as a woman. Zeina explains how skipping it can elevate cortisol at the wrong time, disrupting your hormonal balance and energy le...
2025-05-3043 minThe Core Connect PodcastMy Pilates Journey (Part 2): The Road to Studio OwnershipIn this candid second episode of her Pilates journey, Marianne opens up about the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience it took to build the business of her dreams. She also shares the strategies that helped her build a loyal and like-minded client base early on in our instructor journey.From teaching over 40 hours a week during pregnancy and postpartum, to navigating the upheaval of leaving places of work during Covid, to finally finding the space that became her studio, this episode is a deep dive into the reality behind the passion.Milestones covered in th...
2025-05-2338 minThe Core Connect PodcastA Conversation on Postnatal Recovery, Timelines & Empowerment: Matt Marney Interviews MarianneWe talk openly about ACL tears and their recovery protocols.But pelvic floor tears? That silence is costing women time, confidence, and long-term health.In this episode, Matt Marney, Pilates educator, personal trainer, meditation teacher, and founder of Wellness Education Dubai, interviews Marianne Tafani, women’s health advocate and creator of the Core Connect postnatal method and studio.Marianne shares the personal story that led to the creation of her postnatal courses.Together, they explore:Realistic timelines for postnatal recoveryThe role of Pilates in rebuilding strength and confidence after birthThe issues w...
2025-05-161h 14The Core Connect PodcastMarianne’s Pilates Journey (Part 1): When Movement Became MedicineMarianne walked into her first Pilates class in London at 22, just hoping to move without pain. Chronic injuries had ended her rhythmic gymnastics dreams as a teen, and her body was still in recovery. At 16, the pain was so bad her friends would push her around in supermarket trolleys, because walking was too much.A simple, no-frills mat class in 2008, the first time she’d moved pain-free in nearly a decade.What began as physical relief soon became something deeper.By 27, in the midst of a mental health crisis, Pilates gave her...
2025-05-0930 minThe Core Connect PodcastFR - Le pouvoir de l'aromathérapie avec Audrey Fosseries, doula, maman nomade et conseillère en huiles essentiellesUne senteur vous a-t-elle déjà consolé, apaisé ? Une huile vous a-t-elle déjà aidé à traverser un rhume ou unetempête émotionnelle ? Dans ce premier épisode en français du Core Connect Podcast, Audrey Fosseries, membre fondatrice de la grande entreprise d'huiles essentielles doTERRA partage son parcours singulier où santé naturelle, maternité, intuition et liberté se rejoignent.Audrey est maman de quatre enfants, doula spécialisée enfertilité, conseillère fondatrice chez doTERRA et entrepreneure en ligne. Depuis trois ans, elle voyage à plein temps avec sa famille tout en menant son activité professionnelle au...
2025-05-0253 minThe Core Connect PodcastBirth Timing & Intuition: Navigating Labour with Doula Stevie McKenzieThis week, Marianne dives into the stages of labour and the all-important question- when should you head to the hospital? - with doula, hypnobirthing educator, and lactation specialist Stevie McKenzie.Stevie and Marianne also explore how tuning into your intuition and embracing discomfort in daily life can prepare you for a more empowered experience.🎙Curious about how to prepare your body pre-pregnancy? Check out:The powerful episode with Chantal Blake on mastering menstrual health: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/unlocking-the-power-of-your-menstrual-cycle/id1766482868?i=1000678559124&l=arThe conversation with Liberty Gelder...
2025-04-251h 00The Core Connect PodcastHealing Attachment Wounds and IFS Therapy with Psychotherapist Luz Maria Villagras SurcoIn this powerful episode, Marianne welcomes Luz Maria Villagras Surco for a heartfelt conversation on attachment wounds and the path to inner healing.With nearly three decades of experience, a deep understanding of understanding of multicultural and interfaith dynamics, and trainings in clinical hypnosis, NLP, conscious parenting and Neurofeedback, Luz Maria is a renowned holistic therapist and mum of three based in the UAE.Today, she offers insights on how early relational patterns continue to shape our adult behaviours, particularly in parenting and intimate relationships, and provides empowering strategies for cultivating emotional safety and connection.
2025-04-1839 minThe Core Connect PodcastLeaking, Laughing, Lifting: 4 Reasons you're not Weak!Want practical tips on how to approach healing incontinence based on the real reasons you are leaking?Listen up!In this solo episode, Marianne busts the myth that all pelvic floor symptoms stem from weakness. You'll learn how overactive muscles, neurological misfiring, and core coordination issues can all play a role in pelvic floor dysfunction. And strategies to get better!If you've ever experienced leaking when laughing, running, or lifting, and were told to “just do Kegels”, this conversation is for you! What This Episode Covers:Why leaking isn’t always a str...
2025-04-1118 minThe Core Connect PodcastOverthinkers, a Head-Heart Meditation for YouIn this week's episode, Marianne guides listeners through the Head-Heart Meditation - a simple yet powerful practice designed to lock the mind in the heart.For those who often find themselves caught in cycles of overthinking, this meditation offers a gentle invitation to drop all concerns into the heart, shifting awareness from mental noise to a deeper, more grounded presence.The episode features the soft hum of the harmonium in the background, an organic, slightly imperfect sound (the harmonium at times gets squeaky) that enhances the raw and grounding nature of the practice.Tak...
2025-04-0407 minThe Core Connect PodcastSun Exposure, Vitamin D & the True Meaning of Discipline with Health Scientist Abs SharmaIs the sun, the very source of life and a symbol of vitality across civilizations, really bad for us?In the final episode of this three-part series, health coach and sports scientist Abs Sharma joins Marianne Tafani to discuss a widely debated topic: Sun exposure!This episode takes a historical detour back to the 1970s to explore how fear of sun exposure took root. Abs and Marianne break down the many benefits of natural light, the crucial role of vitamin D, and why a well-rounded lifestyle can actually improve sun tolerance.They...
2025-03-2838 minThe Core Connect PodcastThe Truth About Lifting Weights & Getting Bulky with Abs SharmaConvinced by the health benefits of weight training but worried about “looking like a gym girl”?Here’s the thing: building significant muscle mass is incredibly difficult without enhancements—especially as we age. You’re unlikely to get bulky unless you’re consistently overeating, training intensely every day, and taking hormones.Today, Abs Sharma and Marianne break down this common myth. Abs explains the three main reasons why this fear is unfounded and how women don’t have the testosterone levels needed to build muscle like men. Gaining significant muscle mass takes extreme dedic...
2025-03-2130 minThe Core Connect PodcastCreatine for Women: Myths & Science with Abs SharmaHow often do you hear that creatine is a must for hitting your fitness goals? What does the latest research say? And have the long-term effects of creatine been adequatelystudied?With over 1,000 studies on creatine supplementation, only 5-10% of which are conducted on women, the research remains inconclusive—leaving us cautious, if not outright sceptical. In this episode, sports scientist and health coach Abs Sharma shares his journey into sports and health coaching and why he believes in “original medicine” for optimal well-being.What to look forward to:03:40: A "Health Connector"...
2025-03-1443 minThe Core Connect PodcastPeriod Pain, Infection Prevention & Easing Postpartum Recovery: The Comeback of Womb Steaming with Liberty GelderloosHave you heard of vaginal steaming? This ancient practice is making a comeback for a reason—it can help with chronic infections, heavy periods, birth preparation, postpartum healing, and even reconnecting with your inner wisdom 🧘♀️Our guest this week bridges the gap between tradition and modern self-care: Liberty Gerderloos is a menstrual cycle specialist known for creating powerful steaming blends that help women master their cycles, free themselves from infections, and recover faster postnatally.In this episode, Liberty shares:02:12 How growing up in a natural community in Montana led her to the “steam path”13:50 How to us...
2025-03-0746 minThe Core Connect PodcastMeditation for Beginners: 3 Steps to Overcome ResistanceDo you feel like meditation isn’t for you? Too many thoughts, too little time, or the inability to sit still?You’re not alone. In this solo episode, Marianne shares how she once felt the same way but managed to build a solid and consistent meditation practice over the past eight years.She breaks down three simple steps to get into meditating in a way that is accessible to all, particularly those raised in the culture of producing more, rather than being. 03:48 Start with Mindful Movement – Practices like Pilates and Yoga, when don...
2025-02-2816 minThe Core Connect PodcastBone Density, Cruise Ships & Life Barefoot with Gemma Pearson from Osteoporosis PilatesWhat does it really take to build strong bones and age well? In this episode, I sit down with Gemma Pearson, a clinical Pilates specialist and former dancer, who now runs a thriving practice supporting students with osteoporosis from her home in the South of France.But this conversation is about so much more than osteoporosis. It’s about the power of training your feet and shifting your mindset in the face of conditions and injuries. It's about redefining strength as we age. It's about lifestyle, the Reformer (and whether...
2025-02-2150 minThe Core Connect PodcastPelvic Floor Training During Pregnancy: Why Squeezes Won’t Save YouIf you’re pregnant, you may have been told:“Do 100 Kegels aday to prevent tearing during birth.” But what if that advice was outdated—and could actually do more harm than good?In this episode, Marianne is busting the myths around pelvic floor training during pregnancy and shifting the focus to what truly prepares you for birth and optimises recovery.Overrecruiting your pelvic floor can lead to dysfunction—leaks, painful sex, hip pain, and even a more challenging birth experience. Instead of old-school practices, Marianne guides you through a more effective approach:🔹Squeeze less—More cont...
2025-02-1409 minThe Core Connect Podcast🤰Should Your Train Your Abs During Pregnancy?🤰Should Your Train Your Abs During Pregnancy?Can using them make diastasis recti worse? Could activating your core harm your baby in any way? 👉In this episode, Marianne breaks down the facts about abdominal training during pregnancy—what's safe, what’s beneficial, and what to avoid.The challenges to our abdominal wall during pregnancy go beyond just abdominal separation (diastasis recti).They also involve how our brain connects to these supportingtissues.Marianne uses two main analogies, the chewing-gum and the foreign language, to help you grasp these concepts an...
2025-02-0915 minThe Core Connect PodcastWhy Your Tailbone Hurts, What to Do About It and Why You Should Rest More – with Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Jasmine Evelyn⚡Ever felt a sharp pain when sitting for too long?
Or maybe you've been told to "just do Kegels"—but something still feels off?
Enter Jasmine Evelyn—a Barbados-based physiotherapist, yoga teacher, avid runner, and young mama who’s on a mission to change how we approach pelvic health.
In this episode, we dive into Jasmine’s journey as a pelvic health specialist, the varied causes and treatments for tailbone pain, the key movements that heals, and why rest is just as important as movement—for both productivity and happiness.
2025-01-3150 minThe Core Connect PodcastInclusivity, Loss, and Building a Fulfilling Pilates Career with Leslie Parker - Studio Owner Series⭐In this heartfelt episode, Marianne sits down with Leslie Parker, a former ballerina, celebrated studio owner in Toronto, and one of North America’s most respected master Pilates trainers.
Over two decades in the industry, Leslie has built her career on inclusivity, openness, and a deep commitment to making Pilates accessible to all—an approach that sets her apart in a field often divided by debates over tradition and method.
Leslie shares the pivotal moments of her journey, from recovering from a teenage injury that led her to Pilates to becoming a sought-after trainer and mentor...
2025-01-241h 22The Core Connect PodcastRe-Release | Healing Your Pelvic Floor with Claire SparrowIn this episode, Marianne is joined by Claire Sparrow, a Pilates instructor, mother of three, best-selling author, and creator of HOPE, a transformative method for healing the pelvic floor.
After experiencing a prolapse following what seemed like a “normal” birth, Claire embarked on a personal and professional journey to redefine how women address pelvic health. Her story and expertise have empowered countless women to heal and thrive.
Claire shares her 4-step approach to pelvic floor healing, blending clinical expertise, the principles of biotensegrity, and a deep understanding of neuromuscular coordination.
Together, Marianne and Claire deb...
2025-01-1757 minThe Core Connect PodcastBeyond Spinach: Understanding and Treating Iron Deficiency with Dr Dheeraj KhiataniFatigue, Hair Loss, Poor Concentration—Could You Be Iron Deficient?
Did you know that iron deficiency can develop years before anemia sets in? Or that you'd need anywhere between 8 to 30 kilograms of spinach just to meet your recommended daily iron intake?
In this episode, Dr. Dheeraj Khiatani, a Singapore-based General Practitioner and one of Asia's leading experts on iron deficiency, joins Marianne to discuss the essentials of iron absorption and iron loss. Together, they explore:
The demographics, dietary habits, and cultural factors that make iron deficiency so common.
Why many women go undiagnosed despite suff...
2025-01-1045 minThe Core Connect PodcastStart the Year Right: Releasing Tension with the Sunflower ExerciseWelcome to the first Core Connect Podcast episode of 2025! 🌟
January often brings a flurry of resolutions and endless to-do lists. But what if this year, you started differently—by focusing on being rather than doing?
In this episode, we explore how to care for yourself through mindful relaxation and gentle visualisation with the Sunflower Exercise 🌻
A simple practice to guide your mind and body toward calm.
Added bonus: it’s a beautiful way to release tension in the pelvic floor through visualisation.
This isn’t just a technique; it’s an invitation...
2025-01-0310 minThe Core Connect Podcast5 Simple Tactics to Improve your Sleep in 20255 Simple Tactics to Improve your Sleep in 2025
Featuring Dr Korem, Chantal Blake, and Dr Labib
Who does not want more (and higher-quality) sleep? 💤As the year comes to a close, join us for an end-of-year masterclass with three leading health experts.
Learn how to optimise your rest by leveraging natural rhythms, building sustainable routines, and reducing exposure to what OB/GYN Dr. Labib calls the "social media toxin."
01:25 Dr. Erik Korem: Unlocking the secrets of your sleep-wake cycle to supercharge your energy.
05:54 Chantal Blake: How honoring you...
2024-12-2712 minThe Core Connect PodcastHealing Your Pelvic Floor with Claire SparrowIn this episode, Marianne is joined by Claire Sparrow, a Pilates instructor, mother of three, best-selling author, and creator of HOPE, a transformative method for healing the pelvic floor.
After experiencing a prolapse following what seemed like a “normal” birth, Claire embarked on a personal and professional journey to redefine how women address pelvic health. Her story and expertise have empowered countless women to heal and thrive.
Claire shares her 4-step approach to pelvic floor healing, blending clinical expertise, the principles of biotensegrity, and a deep understanding of neuromuscular coordination.
Together, Marianne and Claire deb...
2024-12-2057 minThe Core Connect PodcastNavigating Holiday Emotions: 3 Simple Practices for a Peaceful Winter SeasonDo you find yourself feeling anxious during the Winter Holiday Season?Does this time of year bring up emotions like resentment, grief, or tension?You’re not alone.
“Going home” or spending time with extended family can be both joyful and challenging. The good news is that there are intentional ways to navigate these emotions and truly enjoy this season.
In this solo episode, Marianne shares three simple yet powerful practices you can incorporate—no matter how busy you are. These tools will help you embrace the holidays with more ease and start 2025 feeling...
2024-12-1813 minThe Core Connect PodcastWhen Sound Medicine Meets Devotion: The Power of Kirtans with Singer and Bhakta Ellen ArthurYou don’t have to call yourself “spiritual” to love Ellen Arthur’s
voice and harmonium melodies. By the end of this episode—when Ellen shares a mantra to the sound of her harmonium—you’ll see why her music transcends labels and touches the soul.
In this conversation, Ellen and Marianne explore:
The science behind sound healing (no, it’s not woo-woo).
Why we often resist mantras—and how surrendering to them can be deeply transformative.
How motherhood can be the most devotional practice (listen for the sweet sound of little Rafa in the background!).
Ellen...
2024-12-0646 minThe Core Connect PodcastUnlocking the Power of Your Menstrual Cycle with Chantal BlakeDo you ever wish you could skip your period?Or wonder why your moods, energy, and focus seem to change throughout the month?What if you could use your cycle to enhance your sports performance, fertility, or even daily life?
👀 In this episode, Marianne is joined by Chantal Blake, a menstrual health specialist, former nurse, environmental engineer, mother of three, and author of Peaceful Period. Chantal’s journey spans the globe—from New York City to Algeria, Oman, Yemen, and now Senegal—and her wisdom on the menstrual cycle is both deeply scientific and profoundly empowering...
2024-11-281h 04The Core Connect PodcastDr. Labib on Clean Living, Supplements, and the Fourth TrimesterCan we really live “clean” in a contaminated world?
Is chronic fatigue postpartum something we should accept as normal?
And just how long are we postpartum?
In this lively and candid conversation with Marianne, Dr Labib
Ghulmiyyah brings his expertise and charisma to break down big topics in a relatable way.
He dives into the pillars of a smoother postpartum journey—and a healthier life, from high-quality nutrients to clean living and avoiding emotional and social “toxins”.
Dr Labib and Marianne also emphasise the transformative role of systematic pelvic floor physiotherapy and how sim...
2024-11-2150 minThe Core Connect PodcastStudio Owner Series - Jill Harris on 30 Years in Pilates, Building FitSprings, and Resilience in Entrepreneurship
Today’s episode is part of the special Studio Owner Series.
In this episode, Marianne chats with Jill Harris, a powerhouse of creativity in the Pilates world. With 30 years in the industry, 25 years as a studio owner, and a gorgeous smile on social media, Jill’s impact is profound.
Jill is also the visionary behind FitSprings, a piece of equipment developed over nearly a decade to support those with impairments or recovering from injuries, or simply those who like to feel lighter during fun workouts.
You won’t want to miss this conversation. Jill s...
2024-11-141h 07The Core Connect PodcastElection Week: 3 Grounding PracticesMany of us have been glued to our phones to follow American elections this week. It’s no wonder. American decisions impact both domestic and foreign matters a huge deal.
They tend to elicit conflicted and anxious feelings.
All over the world.
How can we deal with these?
There is only one natural antidote to anxiety.
The present moment.
In this episode, Marianne offers three short grounding practices
to help you reconnect with the here and now.
02:36 -Count 10 Things: A Mindfulness Exercise
03:3...
2024-11-0710 minThe Core Connect PodcastSleep, Fitness & Modern Parenting: Dr Erik Korem’s Blueprint to a Balanced LifeWant a good life?
Meet Dr Korem!
Dr Korem is a sports scientist who uses the data from
wearables to provide people with step-by-step and individualised physical and mental fitness recommendations.
Prior to founding AIM7, Dr Korem spent over 15 years working as a performance director in collegiate and professional American football.
In this conversation with Marianne, Dr Korem reminds us that that the foundations of a good life are the same as the pillars of peak athletic performance – being in sync with natural rhythms, maintaining a consistent exercise routine, fostering community, get...
2024-10-3148 minThe Core Connect PodcastBeyond Kegels: 3 Simple Pelvic Floor ExercisesHave you ever been told to “do your Kegels,” only to see little improvement in your sex life, prolapse concerns, or incontinence issues?
It’s not uncommon, and often it’s because many of the basic cues we hear are either incomplete or don’t target all the layers of the pelvic floor.
In this episode, Marianne explains why pelvic floor training involves both direct and indirect (or functional) approaches.
She also shares three of her clients’ favourite pelvic floor
imagery exercises to help you reconnect with the deep layers of your pelvic floor and impr...
2024-10-2424 minThe Core Connect PodcastUnderstanding (Lower Back) Pain with NeuroPilates creator Heba Abdel GawadDo you know that the highest pay-off for reducing lower back pain is … job fulfilment? Not nerve flossing, not the "5 best moves for back pain" on social media. Job satisfaction!
In this episode Marianne is joined by two-time Olympian Heba AbdelGawad, co-founder of Bodyhack, the leading fitness education company in the Middle East, and creator of the revolutionary NeuroPilates method.
Heba’s expertise in applied neuroanatomy, combined with her background as a synchronised swimmer, makes her uniquely qualified to address one of the most common challenges mothers face—lower back pain.
Marianne and Heba d...
2024-10-1748 minThe Core Connect PodcastTackling C-Section Overhang, Avoiding Surgery and Reclaiming Mobility with Scar Treatment Specialist Emma HollyDid you know that chronic shoulder or hip pain could be linked to a distant scar, like a C-section scar? In fact, some shoulder surgeries and even hip replacements can be avoided by addressing scar tissue concerns.
Scar tissue is about 20% less functional than healthy tissue, causing adhesions and inflammation that often go unnoticed, yet play a significant role in chronic pain.
In this episode, Marianne is joined by Emma Holly, a
renowned UK-based physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience specialising in scar treatment. Emma certifies therapists globally and has made it her mission to...
2024-10-1055 minThe Core Connect PodcastLaura Farrier’s Homebirth Story: Insights from Statistics, Marcus Aurelius & the Bhagavad GitaAre we safer to birth in hospital settings?
Why are women who choose to deliver at home so often labelled “crazy”?
And what lessons can we draw from yoga and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations to prepare for birth and enhance the quality of our lives?
In this episode, Laura Farrier, an internationally recognised yoga and mobility instructor, begins by sharing her angelic voice in an opening prayer, and discussing her unconventional upbringing, and equally unconventional birth story.
Laura and Marianne also discuss the statistics and controversies around birth injuries and neonatal mortality and tap...
2024-10-031h 16The Core Connect PodcastPrenatal Yoga or Pilates? 3 Benefits and Limitations of Each DisciplineDid you know?
47.8% of pregnant women in their third trimester experience lower back pain.
Nearly a third suffer from pubic symphysis dysfunction.
And all expecting mothers will experience diastasis recti, a natural separation of the abdominals as the womb expands.
With many experiencing physical changes during pregnancy, it’s no wonder that doctors are recommending mindful movement modalities like Pilates and Yoga.
In this episode, Marianne explores the key differences between prenatal yoga and prenatal Pilates to help you choose the best practice for your needs. Whether you’re looking to alleviate pain, protect your pelvic floor...
2024-09-2627 minThe Core Connect PodcastThe Truth about IVF, Vaginismus and Fertility-boosting Practices: A Taboo-free Conversation with Dr Gael Abou GhannamNo. You probably don’t need that tummy tuck.
You definitely don’t need intimate wipes, creams, or whiteners.And you may not even need the IVF treatment you’ve been offered.
My guest today, Dr. Gael Abou Ghannam, is an Obstetrics, Gynecology, and fertility specialist who tackles these uncomfortable, often taboo, topics head-on.
Trained in Lebanon and Belgium with a specialization in fertility preservation for cancer patients, Dr. Gael has become one of the leading voices for women’s health in the Middle East—a renowned researcher, podcaster, and brilliant obstetrician.
In this ep...
2024-09-1946 minThe Core Connect PodcastDr Aarti Javeri-Mehta on Ozempic, intermittent fasting, and healthy weight managementWelcome back to the Core Connect Podcast!
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Aarti Javeri-Mehta, an internal and lifestyle medicine physician specialising in a no-diet approach to weight management.
We explore the role of intermittent fasting for women, considering factors like stress levels, menstrual cycles, and metabolic health.
Dr. Aarti also sheds light on the use of weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, and we dive into an honest conversation about body image, mindset work, and our personal journeys of overcoming eating disorders.
If you are keen to manage your weig...
2024-09-091h 04The Core Connect PodcastBack to Fitness: 3 Simple Strategies to Stay Motivated This Season
September is not just back-to-school; it’s also back-to-fitness season.
How can we not only start an exciting fitness routine but ensure it becomes a lasting habit?
This summer, The Lancet reported that nearly 1.8 billion people are at risk of preventable diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers due to insufficient physical activity. Yet, alarming statistics alone aren't enough to keep us going when life throws the unexpected our way.
In this solo episode, Marianne shares three simple strategies to stay motivated—even when things get tough!
02:45 – Marianne opens up about...
2024-09-0617 minThe Core Connect PodcastResearcher Grainne Donnelly on Return to Exercise Postpartum: Running, Squatting, and Individualized TimelinesIf you have ever explored women’s health research, you know Grainne Donnelly, my guest today, is a celebrity.
Grainne Donnelly is an advanced physiotherapist in pelvic health and a doctoral researcher from Northern Ireland. In her free time, she is a mother of four and incidentally the current Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy, sitting on its board of trustees.
What do we really know of postpartum recovery? When should women get back into running after having a baby? When is it a good time to start deep squatting? The trut...
2024-09-051h 19
Matt Marney PodcastEpisode 107: "I've Just Had a Baby, When Can I Go Back to Exercise?" – An Interview with Marianne TafaniIn this episode, Matt chats with Pilates educator and women's health advocate Marianne Tafani. Marianne experienced a traumatic first birth, resulting in serious injury and a lack of support afterward. She was compelled to educate herself and find solutions.This journey led to the creation of Core Connect, a company founded by Marianne that offers pre and postnatal courses, classes, and education. Marianne has assisted thousands of expectant mothers, and in this episode, she continues to share her valuable insights.If you're uncertain about the steps to take in terms of rehabilitation after childbirth and...
2024-02-281h 15
FRIDAY'S CHILDBirth Trauma & Recovery with Marianne TafaniWelcome to Friday’s Child – The podcast on a mission to educate, empower and support you on your parenting journey.I’m your host, Peta, a British expat who’s been living in Dubai for 10 years and first time Mama to my gorgeous little girl Mavia.Each episode, I’ll be speaking with a different incredible guest from Childbirth Educators, Parenting Coaches, Infant Sleep Specialists, Weaning Experts, Entrepreneurs and more, and we’ll be discussing all areas of parenting and beyond.My guest today is Marianne Tafani. Marianne is a Pre & Postnatal Pilates Educator, th...
2021-12-0655 min
The Goodness PodcastMarianne Tafani: When Childbirth Doesn't Go According to PlanMarianne Tafani is a Pilates instructor known in the UAE as the "core strength guru". Three years ago, she gave birth to her first son, Adam, but things did not go to plan. Marianne had decided on a natural birth, but an unfortunate series of events and neglect on behalf of her care providers resulted in a traumatic experience.
Warning: This episode may be triggering to you if you’ve had a negative childbirth experience, but you might also find her advice to be helpful.
2020-10-0536 min
Histoires de Dubai : lever les clichés et mettre en lumière ses habitants#2 Marianne Tafani : devenir professeur de Pilates à Dubai 🏋♀Vous souhaitez vous expatrier à Dubai ?Vous souhaitez entreprendre à Dubai ?Ou vous souhaitez simplement en savoir plus sur cette cité-état ?Pour cette deuxième interview du podcast Histoires de Dubai, j’ai choisi d’inviter Marianne Tafani, reconvertie en professeur de Pilates à Dubai. Dans cette interview, vous découvrirez :Les circonstances dans lesquelles elle est arrivée à Dubai Les difficultés qu’elle a pu rencontrer à son arrivée Les premiers challenges qu’elle a eu à surmonter Sa reconversion puisque Marianne suivait une carrière politique en Fran...
2020-04-2247 min