BraveSpace Podcast

The Heartbeat of Ecstatic Dance with Sheena Medicina

Join host Matthew Nelson as he welcomes Christina Sasser, an ecstatic dance DJ and event producer from Portland, Oregon. In this episode, Christina shares her journey from lifelong dancer to DJ, creating and holding spaces like Ecstatic Dance Portland and the Medicina Camp Out. They delve into the principles of ecstatic dance, its powerful impact on community and personal transformation, and the unique challenges and joys of DJing for this dynamic, improvisational practice. They also explore the intersection of music, dance, and psychedelics as a tool for healing and transformation. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to ecstatic dance, this episode offers deep insights into the world of conscious movement. 00:00 Introduction to the Brave Space Podcast 01:01 Christina Sasser's Dance Journey 03:42 Ecstatic Dance: Principles and Practices 05:46 Origins and Evolution of Ecstatic Dance 08:33 The Power of Bass in Dance 18:15 Creating a Coherent Dance Community 24:29 The Importance of a Good Dance Floor 26:34 Holding Space and Building a Team 29:40 Balancing Respect and Accessibility in Ecstatic Dance 30:48 The Emotional Labor of Holding Space 31:54 Navigating Drama in Ecstatic Dance Communities 33:15 The Power of Community and Team Support 34:34 Facilitating Large Dance Events 35:08 Setting Boundaries as a Facilitator 37:10 Creating Safe and Transformative Spaces 44:26 The Challenges of Being an Ecstatic Dance DJ 51:36 The Role of Psychedelics in Dance and Music 57:13 The Healing Power of Breathwork 59:22 Connecting Through Dance and Music Want to connect more deeply with your own body in ecstatic flow? Try my free masterclass on Building Sensual Intelligence: https://be.bravespaceembodiment.com/start

Queering Life's Scripts--A Trans Somatic Experience with Madazon Can Can

In this episode of the Brave Space Podcast, host Matthew Nelson invites Madazon CanCan, a trans performance artist, to discuss their experience queering societal norms and personal identity. Madazon shares how gender fluidity, authenticity, and transformation have manifested through their life, and how they have embraced the challenges. The conversation delves into the somatic experience of living between gender binaries, the courage required to live differently, and the societal implications of challenging gender and power structures. Join Matthew and Madazon in a discourse about bravery, vulnerability, and the radical act of embracing change. 00:00 Introduction to the Brave Space Podcast 00:42 Meet Madazon CanCan: An Artistic Journey 01:33 Exploring Gender Through Experimentation 02:49 Understanding Bravery and Courage 04:25 Transformation and Fluidity in Identity 06:29 The Trans Experience: Beyond the Binary 12:01 Power Dynamics and Gender 15:11 Personal Stories of Gender Exploration 22:02 The Role of Drag and Burlesque 29:19 Queering the Script: A New Perspective 33:51 The Challenge of Trans Identity 34:30 Confronting Societal Norms 35:14 The Trans Experience and Duality 38:51 Navigating Relationships and Solitude 42:50 The Intersection of Art and Identity 55:05 Medicalization and Authenticity 59:15 Facing Death and Embracing Authenticity 01:00:42 Closing Thoughts and Finding Madazon Can Can   Find Madazon at www.madazoncancan.com

Exploring Power: Domination, Submission, and Co-Creation with Susan Coates and Claire Rumore

Join host Matthew Nelson on the Brave Space Podcast as he dives into the complex themes of power, domination, submission, and co-creation with two remarkable guests: Susan Coates and Claire Rumore, both seasoned dancers and sex and relationship coaches. They explore how these dynamics manifest in contact improvisation, partner dancing, and their intersections with sexuality and spirituality. Engage with insightful discussions on the nuances of dominance, submission, conscious leadership, and the potential of co-creative relationships. Discover strategies for navigating erotic energy, trauma, and consent, and envision new ways to create inclusive and empowering spaces. Whether you're a dance enthusiast, relationship coach, or someone curious about power dynamics, this episode promises to broaden your understanding and inspire deeper connections. 00:00 Introduction to Power Dynamics 01:21 Meet the Guests: Susan Coates and Claire Rumore 02:47 Exploring Dominance and Submission 06:17 The Role of Attunement in Relationships 08:50 Devotion and Leadership in Dance 21:42 The We Space Concept 23:42 Partner Dance Dynamics 29:56 Integrating Tantra and BDSM 33:53 Creating Safe Dance Zones 36:10 Navigating Power Dynamics in Dance 40:10 Understanding Trauma and Erotic Energy 52:42 The Role of Consent and Feedback 01:01:24 Co-Creation and Relational Skills 01:07:26 Conclusion and Contact Information Join the contact list at www.bravespacesomatics.com [www.bravespacesomatics.com] to know when episodes are published and stay informed about BraveSpace retreats and workshops. Claire Rumore is an innovative intimacy coach, erotic educator and conscious sexuality researcher based in the SF Bay Area. With a rich background in the Erotic Blueprints, Urban Tantra, somatic sex coaching, emotional intelligence, and more, Claire’s eternal delight is  guiding individuals and couples to explore and embrace their multidimensional sexual, spiritual, and relational identities through private coaching, local events, bespoke intensives, personal retreats, and adventures she calls “Erotic Odysseys.”. Find out more at ⁠www.ClaireRumore.com⁠ [http://www.clairerumore.com/] And say hello here: ⁠Hello@ClaireRumore.com⁠ [Hello@ClaireRumore.com] Susan Coates is a sex, intimacy, and relationship coach in Denver, Colorado, and works both online and in person with individuals and people in relationships. Also a faculty member of the Somatica Institute® in Berkeley, CA, Susan also teaches accredited sex and relationship coaching certification programs worldwide. She has a M.A. in International Relations/Human Rights, is a certified Somatica® practitioner, is a certified Unitive Justice Facilitator, and co-founder of the Boulder Contact Improvisation Lab, CO. Susan speaks at college campuses and offers keynotes on the topics of sexuality, intimacy, sovereignty, unconventional relationships, women's life cycles, and power dynamics. For inquiries and booking you can find Susan at the following: www.susancoatescoaching.com [http://www.susancoatescoaching.com/] Email: shoesandcoates@gmail.com [shoesandcoates@gmail.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanCoatesCoaching [https://www.facebook.com/SusanCoatesCoaching] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susancoatescoaching/ [https://www.instagram.com/susancoatescoaching/] TikTok: @susanthesexcoach Medium (blog): https://medium.com/@susancoates [https://medium.com/@susancoates]

Loving Our Bodies Through Somatic Dance with Jane Hawley

In this episode of the Brave Space Podcast, host Matthew Nelson engages in a conversation about how authentic artistry applies to all of us with Jane Hawley, the director of the dance program at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Together, they explore Jane's pioneering approach to dance education which she has been developing and refining over the past 25 years. Unlike the mainstream dance movement, Jane's program is founded on a somatic perspective that includes contact improvisation and integrates life force and spirit into the artistry. They discuss how dancers can learn to love their bodies, expand their creative capacities, and find meaning beyond traditional dance forms through Movement Fundamentals. The conversation also dives into the importance of somatics, the significance of authentic self-expression, and the transformative power of community and witnessing in dance. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the intersections of dance, somatics, and spiritual growth. 00:00 Introduction to the Brave Space Podcast 00:40 Meet Jane Hawley: A Pioneer in Somatic Dance 01:47 The Essence of Somatic Dance 03:01 Jane's Journey: From Traditional to Somatic Dance 08:03 Exploring Movement Vocabulary 09:24 The Role of Contact Improvisation 13:50 Witnessing and Authentic Movement 29:11 Reflective Watching: How Do We Observe? 30:03 Creating Art and Witnessing Each Other 31:21 The Power of Vulnerability and Belonging 32:31 Exploring Authenticity in Performance 32:55 Artistry in Everyday Life 35:04 Rewilding Ourselves 38:52 Spirit and Energy in Artistic Practice 43:32 Body as Primary Source Material 48:06 The Artistry of Living and Giving Back 50:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Loneliness of God (Supplemental) with Burcs

In this supplemental episode of the BraveSpace Podcast, host Matthew Nelson continues with Burcs—a layer deeper into his personal spiritual journey. The conversation covers his experiences with lucid dreaming, the nature of consciousness, and the profound realizations about existence and authenticity that have shaped his life. Burcs shares transformative moments, philosophical insights, and the emotional impact of feeling both the loneliness and connectedness of God. This episode encourages listeners to explore their own inner truths and the beauty of life’s dualities. 00:00 Introduction to Burcs' Spiritual Journey 01:26 Exploring Hermeticism and Lucid Dreaming 04:04 The Loneliness of God and Existential Realizations 07:01 Integrating Spiritual Insights into Daily Life 08:52 The Gift of Existence and Authenticity 22:18 Cymatics and the Power of Sound 25:38 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity 31:52 Conclusion and Reflections