Heart of Motion
Susannah Steers
The Heart of Motion Podcast is an exploration of the heart, soul and science of movement - and what it means in our lives.
Movement connects us more deeply to ourselves, to our bodies and to the things and people that are most important to us. Beyond a fitness routine, why do you move? And what moves you? When we can look past the hamster wheel of ''fitness" - we start to realize that when we really live the lives of our bodies - life can be a whole lot more fulfilling, and a whole lot more fun!
Host Susannah Steers is your guide on a quest to understand how we can move better, feel better in our bodies and connect more deeply to our people and the world around us. Join her for some conversation, interviews with experts, and conversations with everyday people about what movement means to them. You might just find movement feels a little different on the other side...
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Heart of Motion Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Heart of Motion episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Heart of Motion for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Heart of Motion episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
03/31/25 • 26 min
Paddle into the remarkable world of Kamini Jain, an Olympic kayaker whose journey from shy teenager to Hall of Fame paddler reveals powerful lessons about perseverance, community, and finding strength on the water.
Kamini's story begins with a quiet 14-year-old discovering kayaking – a perfect fit for her introverted nature that would eventually lead to Olympic finals, 11 World Cup medals, and induction into three different Halls of Fame.
Kamini has a unique perspective, with her breadth of experience across multiple paddle disciplines. From sprint kayaking to dragon boating to outrigger canoes, she illuminates the technical foundations that connect these sports while celebrating their unique challenges. Her global coaching camps have shared this expertise with paddlers around the world, creating communities bonded by their love of water.
Particularly moving is Kamini's work with breast cancer survivors through dragon boat programs. These initiatives provide not just physical benefits but crucial emotional support networks. "It brings them into an environment where people know about the treatment options, they know about how tired you are," she explains. This perspective gained even deeper meaning during her own five-year cancer journey, teaching her vulnerability alongside strength.
The conversation concludes with a heartwarming tale about Choti, a street dog Kamini rescued in India who serendipitously ended up with host Susannah's family – a beautiful reminder of how unexpected connections enrich our lives, much like the communities formed through paddle sports. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or simply curious about how athletic pursuits shape character, this conversation will inspire you to find your own rhythm in life's currents.
About Kamini Jain
Kamini Jain is an Olympian and World Champion dragon boat and outrigger canoe coach and paddler, and the founder of Right Angle Performance, a paddle sport service company in Vancouver.
Right Angle Performance delivers to teams, individuals and coaches technical, tactical and training education for dragon boat, outrigger canoe, surfski and kayak racing.
Kamini sees sport as a way for people to expand their boundaries, live without limits, and gain empowerment by proving their physical strength and mental discipline. Her coaching objective is to encourage paddlers to set ambitious goals and provide them with the tools to perform their absolute best & fulfill their objectives.
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
Doing Hard Things with Love
Heart of Motion
08/26/24 • 41 min
In this episode of the Heart of Motion podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Kristy Kilcup, a seasoned health and wellness professional with over 30 years of experience. Kristy recounts her inspiring journey of finding solace and self-assurance through sports and physical activity, despite facing struggles in academic settings. Join me as Kristy candidly shares the highs and lows of pushing her body to its limits and her evolving understanding of self-worth from her youth, through motherhood and into peri-menopause.
Discover Kristy's transition from traditional fitness and coaching to hypnotherapy, specifically Rapid Transformational Therapy, and how it sparked her involvement in a startup company called, AHA Healing. We delve into the role hypnosis can play in breaking self-sabotaging behaviors and achieving lasting change. Kristy shares her passion for empowering individuals across emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions. This episode offers a wealth of insights into holistic wellness and the profound impact of nurturing all aspects of health.
Kristy Kilcup
[email protected]
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
08/12/24 • 39 min
Can organizing your movements really transform your life? Discover the surprising intersection between Marie Kondo's organizational methods and movement patterns on today's Heart of Motion podcast. We share an inspiring story of one client's journey from debilitating back pain to newfound freedom and joy through tailored movement practices. This tale highlights the profound impact of organizing our movement patterns just like we organize our living spaces—leading to a more efficient and enjoyable life.
Patterns have power! Our everyday movements shape the very structure of our bodies, influencing our posture and interactions with the world. From the experimental phase to habit formation, consistent actions create lasting imprints on our physicality. Insights from developmental biology and early life experiences unveil how genetics and environment collaboratively mold our movement patterns from a young age, emphasizing that our bodies are ever-evolving processes.
Finally, the episode underscores the value of personal satisfaction over relentless optimization, advocating for a movement and fitness approach tailored to individual needs. We delve into a curiosity-driven assessment process to understand unique movement patterns and life contexts, building new habits in a thoughtful, step-by-step manner. From gaining control to increasing strength, this journey ensures sustainable improvements and a more enjoyable experience in your body. Tune in for heartfelt appreciation and an invitation to engage with us again for more enlightening discussions on movement and well-being.
Here's a link to the TED Talk Susannah references in this episode:
Daniel Wolpert's TED Talk: The Real Reason for Brains.
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
Why Good Posture is More than Just Looking Good
Heart of Motion
03/17/25 • 21 min
Have you ever considered that the way you stand and sit could be influencing everything from your aches and pains to your energy levels to your risk of chronic disease? Forget what you thought you knew about "standing up straight"—posture is far more dynamic and influential than most of us realize.
I'm diving deep into our body's relationship with gravity and movement to reveal how posture acts as a continuous, adaptive process rather than a static position.
Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, seeking better athletic performance, or simply want more energy throughout your day, understanding posture as a dynamic system offers powerful insights for improving your health. Listen for practical strategies to enhance your body awareness and create balanced, efficient movement patterns that support your overall wellbeing. Your body has a story to tell—are you ready to listen?
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
Balancing the Beast: Stress, Movement, and Health
Heart of Motion
11/18/24 • 24 min
Could understanding the body's reaction to stress be key to unlocking better health? This week we unpack the nuanced relationship between stress, movement, and health. You'll learn how stress, in measured doses, can actually bolster strength and resilience, yet when unchecked, it can detrimentally impact our well-being.
Stress and movement are more intertwined than you might think, particularly when it comes to chronic stress and physical activity. This episode shines a light on how stress can disrupt our motor control and stability in unexpected ways. Discover how mindful movement, breath work, and other stress management techniques can counteract these effects and lead to improved stability and coordination.
Embracing a holistic approach to stress management, we'll explore a comprehensive roadmap to building resilience against stress. Movement is a powerful ally in this journey, and by listening to your body and acting with compassion, you can effectively navigate stress's challenges.
********************
References:
“Sympathetic-induced changes in discharge rate and spike-triggered average twitch torque of low-threshold motor units in humans.” The Journal of Physiology, 586.22, pp 5561-5574, 2008(2) Silvestro Roatta, Dept. of Neuroscience, Physiology Section, University of Torino, Torino, Italy(3) Lars Arendt-Nielsen and Dario Farina, Centre for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Dept. of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
Not referenced specifically here, but interesting and relevant research:
A 2015 review by Macefield and Henderson in the Journal of Applied Physiology reinforced the idea that sympathetic activation can influence muscle function. They noted that sympathetic activation can affect both blood flow to muscles and the contractile properties of muscle fibers.
A 2018 study by Hellyer et al. in the Journal of Neurophysiology found that sympathetic activation can modulate motor unit behavior, supporting Roatta, Arendt-Nielsen & Farina's findings about sympathetic effects on muscle activation.
Research by Passatore and Roatta (2019) in the European Journal of Applied Physiology further explored how stress-related sympathetic activation affects skeletal muscle function, largely supporting the 2008 findings.
A 2020 review by Boulton and Grubb in Experimental Physiology discussed how sympathetic activation can influence muscle afferent feedback, which indirectly supports the referenced study's conclusions about sympathetic effects on motor control.
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
The Science of Breath for Better Health
Heart of Motion
02/17/25 • 26 min
Enhance your health through the power of breath, and discover how such a simple act can profoundly impact your physical and emotional well-being. Join me, Susannah Steers, as I guide you through the often-overlooked science of breathing, drawing insights from James Nestor's "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art." Together, we'll navigate the intricate connections between breathing patterns and health. Learn about the role of the diaphragm in effective breathing, and how modern society's loss of fundamental breathing skills affects everything from posture to athletic performance. Whether you're into Pilates, fitness or sport or or whether you're someone curious about ways to improve your wellbeing, you'll gain valuable insights into how movement practices like Pilates, and deep nasal breath can help you live healthier and feel better.
Some references for this episode:
- Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, ” James Nestor, Riverhead Books/Penguin Random House, USA, 2020
- “Spark: The Revolutionary Science of Exercise and the Brain ,” John J.Ratey, MD with Erik Hagerman, Little Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group. New York, NY 2008
- “Multidisciplinary Approaches to Breathing Pattern Disorders, ” Leon Chaitow, Dinah Bradley, Christopher Gilbert, Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
Discovering Core Strength Beyond the Abdominals
Heart of Motion
10/21/24 • 29 min
Unlock the secrets of true core strength! Join me as we challenge the widespread myth that a strong core is all about abs. In this episode, we redefine what it truly means to have a robust core by exploring the intricate dance between the deep inner unit core musculature (including the deep abdominal wall), and other systems in the body. Discover how this structure forms a dynamic cylinder that not only stabilizes your spine and pelvis but also plays a crucial role in posture and movement efficiency.
The core is a pressure zone! We'll play with the metaphor of a water balloon to illuminate the fascinating pressure dynamics within the core.
Finding the power of the core is a personal movement journey,; unique for everyone. It's all about starting from where you are and building gradually. Tune in, embrace your current abilities, and remember: seeking guidance when needed is a strength, not a weakness!
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
Julie Rothschild on Art, Movement, and Menopause
Heart of Motion
09/23/24 • 35 min
Join me as I reconnect with the extraordinary Julie Rothschild, a dancer, artist, and movement teacher whose journey through art and motion will leave you inspired. Julie takes us through her profound relationship with dance and how the pandemic led her to the intricate world of tapestry weaving, offering a new dimension to her creative expression and fulfilling her artistic yearnings in ways dance alone could not.
Join us as we unpack the intricate dance between improvisation and structured techniques in movement and teaching. Julie and I share personal stories on how frameworks can guide yet not stifle spontaneity, enhancing the teaching experience. We discuss movement modalities like the Alexander Technique, and Pilates, their impact on our approach to movement, and how they helped us overcome our own physical challenges. Adaptability and continuous learning emerge as central themes in navigating both personal and professional landscapes.
In our final segment, we explore the evolving nature of movement practices, especially as we age. We reflect on the importance of wisdom, shared experiences, and adapting our practices to maintain an active lifestyle.
Correction!!
In error, Julie mentioned an exhibit at the New Local. Please note that the gallery hosting the exhibit is instead the Low Rider. The opening of that exhibit is a private reception not open to the public.
We apologize for any confusion that may have caused.
Julie Rothschild Website
Julie's Instagram
And here's the link to the Michelle Obama podcast about menopause that Julie talked about.
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
Unlocking the Secrets to Flexibility and Joint Health
Heart of Motion
09/09/24 • 28 min
Ready to unlock the secrets behind true flexibility and joint health? Discover how understanding the interplay between muscles, bones, and soft tissues can transform your range of motion and overall mobility. On this episode of the Heart of Motion podcast, we tackle common complaints like tight hips, stiff backs, and sore necks by examining the crucial roles of ligaments, tendons, and fascia. You'll gain valuable insights into how these elements contribute to your body's stability and flexibility, and you'll learn practical tips for achieving a balanced state of functional flexibility.
We dive deep into the importance of hydration and varied movement for maintaining fascia health, and how skeletal muscles and the nervous system work together to enable smooth, flexible movement. Plus, discover the profound link between physical exercise and cognitive health, and how embracing flexibility in both body and mind can lead to a more vibrant, connected life. Tune in to this episode and transform your approach to flexibility and joint health.
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
02/03/25 • 35 min
Ever wondered how movement can transform not just your body, but your entire way of living? Join us as we welcome Tara Walsh, an expert horticulturalist and outdoor enthusiast, whose life story is a testament to the power of movement.
From the physically demanding world of horticulture to her mountain biking and outdoor adventures, Tara’s journey highlights the incredible benefits of balancing high-level athletic training with mindful recovery practices. Her experience with Moving Spirit Pilates reshaped her approach to healing, teaching her the importance of listening to her body and embracing resilience.
As we chat with Tara, we unravel the art of integrating self-care into rigorous training routines. It's a shift from the "no pain, no gain" mindset to a more sustainable approach that honors the body's need for recovery. Learn how everyday rituals and mindful practices, often overlooked in favor of more intense workouts, can be transformative. By acknowledging the body's interconnected nature, Tara helps us see the value in incorporating Pilates, yoga, and other mindful activities into our lives, ensuring we enjoy the sports and hobbies we love well into our later years.
Our conversation expands beyond personal performance, revealing the profound significance of interconnectedness in our lives. By recognizing our bodies as holistic systems that mirror the natural world, Tara’s insights teach us to foster deeper connections with ourselves and our environment. We explore the necessity of staying present in a fast-paced technological era, and how embracing a holistic view can lead to more meaningful relationships and sustainable living. Let Tara’s story inspire you to integrate movement, presence, and connection into a life full of joy and purpose.
Walsh & Co Gardens and Design Ltd.
Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Heart of Motion have?
Heart of Motion currently has 21 episodes available.
What topics does Heart of Motion cover?
The podcast is about Mens Health, Health & Fitness, Movement, Mental Health, Wellness, Fitness, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Health and Pilates.
What is the most popular episode on Heart of Motion?
The episode title 'Resilience, Healing, and Connection through Somatics with Amy Ruth' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Heart of Motion?
The average episode length on Heart of Motion is 30 minutes.
How often are episodes of Heart of Motion released?
Episodes of Heart of Motion are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Heart of Motion?
The first episode of Heart of Motion was released on Jun 12, 2024.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ