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Why do our hearts race at the sound of an email? Why does one glance at our phones send us into full-blown panic? In this episode, we're joined by massage therapist and author Carrie Ekins, who helps us understand what’s really going on in our bodies when everything feels like a threat.

Carrie shares how the nervous system can get stuck in survival mode and why modern life triggers ancient fear responses that were once meant to protect us from sabre-toothed tigers. Together, we explore simple, practical ways to return to safety, anchor ourselves in the present, and reclaim emotional steadiness in a world that often feels like too much.

You’ll learn:

  • Why your brain can't tell the difference between an email and a real-life threat
  • The hidden cost of being constantly “on” — and how to gently switch off
  • What “safety” actually feels like in the body
  • Small, powerful tools to regulate your emotions

Whether you’re feeling fried, frantic, or just a bit untethered lately, this conversation offers a warm, human path back to yourself. You don’t need to meditate for 40 minutes or change everything about your life – just a few small shifts can make a big difference.

01:41 The Saber-Tooth Tiger Analogy

02:46 Carrie's Journey into Massage Therapy

05:10 Understanding the Stress Response Cycle

07:03 Techniques for Managing Stress

08:57 The Disembodied vs. Embodied Self

13:19 The Importance of Mind-Body Connection

20:32 Storytelling and Myofascial Release

24:40 The Power of Breath and Softening

26:02 The Magic of Being Present

28:09 Challenging Hustle Culture

29:43 Emotions and the Body

32:15 Building Emotional Safety

36:24 Navigating Midlife Changes

37:26 The Importance of Connection

41:47 Embracing Magic and Alchemy

Mentioned in this episode:

About Carrie Ekins

With two decades of experience as a Massage Therapist specialising in Myofascial Release and a degree in Psychology, Carrie Ekins delves into the intricacies of human behavior and how it relates to the tension we hold within our bodies.

Carrie is driven by a vivacious playfulness and a passion for empowering others to reframe old beliefs and explore new possibilities. Throughout her work, she encourages clients to connect to their bodies, nourish their wellbeing, and pursue what ignites their inner joy. She is the author of ‘Hot Mess Alchemist: the mind body reasons why you’re feeling overwhelmed and under stress’.

About Claire Fitzsimmons

Claire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on a mission to get people to a better place, sometimes literally. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps women navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives. Claire writes on Substack under MoreGoodDays.

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14 episodes