Listening Well Podcast

Stephanie Bovis

Welcome to the Listening Well Podcast, a space where I explore the many different facets that comprise the wellness industry with the intention to transform our chaos into clarity.

I'm Stephanie Bovis, a certified yoga and meditation teacher living in Singapore, with over 1000 hours dedicated to various avenues of practice. I am also a live event emcee, host, and voice-over artist, and thus have culminated my different career paths to birth this baby of mine, the Listening Well Podcast.

Through my own reflections and conversations with some pretty special people who have dedicated their lives to their own craft, I have found a healing space in my life. I hope that you too find a nugget or two of wisdom that can support your own journey too.

The path of self growth is messy, beautiful, and constantly on-going, and I am so happy to be here with you wherever you are on your journey.

Get in touch with Stephanie

www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast

Thank you for Listening Well!

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Finding Balance As A Fashion Designer with Lisa Von Tang
3d ago
Finding Balance As A Fashion Designer with Lisa Von Tang
This week, I speak to a force to be reckoned with, a woman who I truly admire and respect, the goddess that is Lisa Crosswhite (Lisa Von Tang). Lisa Von Tang is a fashion designer born in Canada and a permanent resident of Singapore where her namesake label is based. Her designs incorporate her mixed heritage and love for Southeast Asia alongside her values of female modernity, powerful sensuality and unboxable fluidity. The brand has utilised best in class sustainability practises when it comes to material sourcing and upcycling as well as ethical production. A staple of the local industry scene, LVT represents the beauty of cultural inclusion.  This episode was more like two friends catching up, where we discuss the ins, outs, ups, and downs of life, sharing with each other the ways we stay balanced and centered when the waves come crashing down. Episode Highlights: How Lisa maintains her balance despite her busy scheduleWhat defines living a "pure" lifestyle?The role of mythology that depict the balance of pleasure and workA day in the life of LisaFinding balance between delegation and perfectionThe highs and lows, and the lessons learned in Lisa's love lifeAhhhh relationshipsHow she uses her emotional learnings to inspire new collectionsHer new collection "Samsara" in Milan Fashion WeekLearning our karmic lessons or else we continue this cycle of sufferingThe interplay of dominance and submissionFlowing through yin and yang cycles through time Follow Lisa on Instagram and visit her LVT webpage for some truly eclectic, badass fashion. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Understanding Our Self In Relationships with Dr. Oberdan Marianetti
Apr 8 2024
Understanding Our Self In Relationships with Dr. Oberdan Marianetti
In every relationship, there are three entities to consider. There is yourself, your partner, and the relationship as a whole. This conversation was so enlightening with Dr. Oberdan, as we explored the importance of getting to know one's Self, and how that extrapolates into the health of a relationship with another. Sharing your life with someone is a constant dance, and as continuously evolving creatures we always have to give and take, push and pull, and do so effectively with the help of effective communication. Easier said than done, of course! But as Dr. O so eloquently articulates, getting to know one's Self is first and foremost the most important thing. Dr Oberdan Marianetti is a UK-trained psychologist with a US doctorate in Clinical Sexology and combines over two decades of international experience. First as an in-house psychologist for financial institutions where he was the Global Head of the Learning and Organisational Development team at the peak of his career and then as an independent professional.Having successfully transitioned in and out of the corporate world twice, he is well-versed in navigating and understanding the challenges of modern life from both ends of the spectrum. In 2015, Dr Marianetti pursued his calling and opened his first clinic in Singapore to serve the local community, focusing on relationship and sexuality challenges. Dr Marianetti’s trailblazing spirit extends beyond his field of work. Continually driven by a thirst for knowledge and innovation, he remains on a perpetual quest for new theories, approaches, and techniques, all aimed at finding more impactful ways to assist his clients in rediscovering their inner power and purpose. To find out more about Dr. O's retreats, VISIT THIS LINK! Episode Highlights: Dr. O’s explanation of the Self and the importance of getting to know yourselfThe 3 Core Types of SelfGetting to know your own dashboardHow to know when you’re veering off path and how to better listen to the alerts/signs that come from withinHow conditioning prohibits us from connecting to the SelfThe importance of connection as a predictor of success, longevity, health etc.The three entities in a relationship (me, you, us)The equation: Familiar = Safe and how this equation shows up in our relationshipsHaving awareness of your own triggers/patterns, and being curious of your partner'sWhat are the barriers to couples that are "stuck" in their marriage/relationshipShould couples stay together just for the kids?The importance of course correcting when couples are in conflictWorking on your Self is not selfish, it is altruistic! Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All About Sex Positivity with Akil Apollo Davis
Mar 25 2024
All About Sex Positivity with Akil Apollo Davis
This episode may get your heads scratching if you're tuning in from a society that has very specific relationship dynamics and arrangements in place. My curiosity to how other's live their lives and what they deem as healthy for their relationships has never been higher, as I am in the process of becoming the best partner and friend myself.In this episode, I speak to Akil Apollo Davis, a full-time Performing Artist & Theatre Professor of Mask and Art Aesthetic. He has been a unique and influential presence in New York City’s performance, educational and cultural avant-garde for 2 decades. We discuss the ins and outs of this thing called Sex Positivity. And to give you a brief idea, sex positivity is a social and cultural movement that promotes an affirmative and open attitude towards all aspects of sexuality. It encourages individuals to embrace and explore their own sexual desires, preferences, and identities without judgment or shame. Sex positivity emphasizes the importance of consent, communication, and respect in sexual relationships. He has trained with Monks in Thailand, Brahmans in Bali, Witches in New York, and has worked with Psychologists to bridge the gaps between esoteric knowledge and classical paradigms. Akil’s Karmic mantra: there must be more light. Episode Highlights Meet the one and only AkilHow he went from celibacy to monogamy to discovering consensual non-monogamyAkil's understanding of attachment and fear in relationshipsThe establishment of monogamyAccessing your healthy sexual energyThe tiers of being non-monogamous, and the importance of communication on your wants and needsEmotional maturityReal life examples on how non-monogamy worksThe ins and outs of play partiesThe downsides of sex positivity/monogamyCompersion - a new word to remember Resources, courtesy of Akil:Sex-Positivity for Curious Minds 1.“The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships & Other Adventures” by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy2.“Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life” by Emily Nagoski3.“Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What It Means for Modern Relationships” by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá4.“Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships” by Tristan Taormino5.“What Makes a Baby” by Cory Silverberg (for all kinds of families)6.“Queer: A Graphic History” by Meg-John Barker and Julia Scheele7.“The New Topping Book” by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy8.“The New Bottoming Book” by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy9.“Girl Sex 101” by Allison Moon and KD Diamond10.“Pussy: A Reclamation” by Regena Thomashauer11.“Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century” by Barbara Carrellas12.“Sex God Method” by Daniel Rose13.“The Art of Sexual Magic: Cultivating Sexual Energy to Transform Your Life” by Margo Anand Psychological and Emotional Work for Curious Minds1.“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk2.“The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse” by Wendy Maltz3.“Healing Sex: A Mind-Body Approach to Healing Sexual Trauma” by Staci Haines4.“Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha” by Tara Brach5.“The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship” by Don Miguel Ruiz6.“Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love” by Dr. Sue Johnson7.“More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory” by Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert8.“Love’s Executioner and Other Tales of Psychotherapy” by Irvin D. Yalom9.“Sexual Intelligence: What We Really Want from Sex—and How to Get It” by Marty Klein Improving Your Sex Life1.“She Comes First: The Thinking Man’s Guide to Pleasuring a Woman” by Ian Kerner2.“The Multi-Orgasmic Man: Sexual Secrets Every Man Should Know” by Mantak Chia and Douglas Abrams3.“The Ultimate Guide to Kink: BDSM, Role Play and the Erotic Edge” by Tristan Taormino4.“The Multi-Orgasmic Woman: How Any Woman Can Experience Ultimate Pleasure and Dramatically Enhance Her Health and Happiness” by Mantak Chia and Rachel Carlton Abrams5.“The Multi-Orgasmic Couple: How Couples Can Dramatically Enhance Their Pleasure, Intimacy, and Health” by Mantak Chia, Maneewan Chia, Douglas Abrams, and Rachel Carlton Abrams6.“The Enlightened Sex Manual: Sexual Skills for the Superior Lover” by David Deida7.“Guide to Getting It On: Unzipped” by Paul Joannides, Psy.D.8.“Passionista: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Pleasuring a Man” by Ian Kerner  Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mindful Intimacy with Viv Kan
Feb 26 2024
Mindful Intimacy with Viv Kan
Intimacy is something we all seek. Be it with a romantic partner, a friend, or even your parents! In this episode, I speak to Viv Kan to discuss mindful intimacy as it pertains to a romantic relationship. Viv Kan  is a Mindful Intimacy Coach who helps busy individuals transform their  relationships by connecting the mind, body, breath, Yoni & Lingam.  Her mission is to help individuals and couples deepen their connection  through normalizing and educating the practice of mindful intimacy,  pleasure and desire. She is a trained practitioner of Yoni and Lingam massage and is a speaker at TEDx the Hong Kong Mental Health Conference. Viv is a certified Mindfulness Life Coach, Mental Health First Aider, RYT500, and the founder of Mindful Intimacy and Kan Elevate Corporate Wellness. Episode Highlights: Viv's journey into becoming a Mindful Intimacy CoachWhy intimacy is so important in your relationshipsThe importance of listening to one another in a relationshipHow to mitigate communication blocks with your partnerYoni and Lingam workshopsThe ways ladies can achieve optimal orgasmThe importance in sleep in hormonal balance and libidoThe difference between Doing energy and Being energyHow to overcome your addiction to your vibratorViv's tips on how to connect better with your Yoni or Lingam Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Being Mind vs. Doing Mind
Feb 12 2024
Being Mind vs. Doing Mind
In this episode, I reflect on how can we access our BEING mind in the midst of a DOING world?  Upon recording this episode, I am in the depths of the alps, in a valley called Roseg, just outside of the bougie town of St. Moritz. My holiday mode is in full activation, and I can feel my body and mind in a very quiet, serene state of rest. I am far from the bustling city of Singapore, I am away from the friendship orbs and home responsibilities, I am away from the sheer buzz I can feel from my fellow neighbors. The complete change of environment has put in me in a state of BEING which I can feel so intimately. It's like I’ve taken a back seat in life, where this time and space has allowed me to relish on the little miracles Life has to offer. I can find my breath with greater ease, and more often. The attitude of gratitude becomes more apparent. A stark contrast from the constant swirl of energy and the need to fill in moments of down time that I experience in Singapore. I often wonder why simply doing nothing proves to be such a challenge in the city, not to mention the perception that if you aren’t doing anything, you are wasting your time and thus aren’t moving efficiently on the hamster wheel. As I feel my nervous system "smoothen" out, it has got me reflecting on what it means to be in BEING state of mind vs a DOING state of mind. I am reflecting on the ways I live in both extremes, and why it is that we can’t find this middle ground where there is a healthy balance of simply BEING, and thus so tied into the moment, but also to operate in a healthy state of DOING where we can support ourselves financially and to keep that drive and fire in our bellies burning. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The World Of Sound Healing with Shervin Baloorian
Jan 15 2024
The World Of Sound Healing with Shervin Baloorian
Shervin Boloorian is Founder of Sound Healing Bali and a graduate of Tama-Do (Way of the Soul) sound and color therapist. Shervin is also the CoFounder of Bali Sound Healers Collective, the world’s first community of sound healers and an award winning music artist. Currently based in Ubud, Shervin earned his professional credentials as a sound therapist from Fabien Maman’s Tama-Do “Way of the Soul” Academy (started in 1988), holds a Masters Degree, is trained in urban shamanism, is a passionate lifelong vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumental musician.Shervin is celebrated internationally and in Bali for his group and one-on-one skills as a sound healing practitioner. He was in 2018 named one of Bali’s top 5 Healers (Honeycombers Intl).  Shervin’s Sound Healing sessions were also highlighted as one of two Yoga Barn activities “not to be missed “in Ubud by Yoga Magazine International.  Shervin also trains others in sound healing and has presented at Google Corporate Offices in Singapore. Shervin facilitates regular live, multi-instrumental Sound Medicine journeys at the Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali’s historic and most popular yoga studio. Individual premium sound therapy sessions are available at Swasti Eco Cottages also in Ubud. Shervin also offers private one-on-one and group sessions for visiting Bali guests, retreats, Festivals, yoga teacher trainings, and has presented at holistic centers and festivals worldwide. Episode Highlights: The rise of sound healing popularityThe benefits of sound healingThe universality of musicMusic as a way to connect and heal the disconnect from the worldDifferent types of sound therapyShervin's quest to create a safe container to simply feel. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nervous System Health with Kathy Gabriel
Jan 1 2024
Nervous System Health with Kathy Gabriel
Kathy (She/They) is an entrepreneur, educator and therapist based in Singapore. With a family background in Traditional Chinese Medicine, she started her journey in mindfulness, yoga and the healing arts at the age of 14. Kathy is a licensed Craniosacral Therapist and professional member of Pacific Association of Craniosacral Therapists (PACT) offering healing and recovery by gently guiding the body, mind and spirit back to its natural state of harmony. Kathy wholeheartedly believes in the innate intelligence of the body and the role of touch in facilitating deep rest and transformation.  Throughout her years of practice, she now combines Craniosacral Therapy with other modalities from Myofascial release, Somato emotional release, Neural manipulation and Visceral manipulation. Outside of manual therapy, she is also a certified sound therapist and therapist trainer in Singapore. Her deepest purpose is to help others explore their internal landscapes, to better understand their nervous system and health so that they can find their way back to well-being. She works one-on-one with clients at Soma Haus with a focus on chronic pain and trauma. Soma Haus is the manifestation of her dream to build community, transform the perspectives of health and to bring holistic wellness education to a wider audience.Episode highlights: How Kathy has been coping and her wellness regime as a new business owner and entrepreneurCraniosacral Therapy and how Kathy uses this practice to heal others How we understand the nervous system The innate ways a body can heal on its own with appropriate therapies/toolsThe Vague Nerve The nervous system and how it responds to trauma The importance of integration and reflection after a healing session.When our stress response becomes maladaptiveNervous system dysregulation and a testimony on its symptomsWhy Kathy doesn’t believe that “Time heals all” Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Check Your Facts Before You React!
Dec 18 2023
Check Your Facts Before You React!
Have you reacted to a trigger out of an assumption? It is important to take the opportunity to step back, as the observer, and sort through what we are noticing, rather than getting caught up in and carried away by unchecked thoughts, without realising that we may be consumed by them. This is when we become prone to reacting from emotions rather than responding to the facts of the situation. We end up experiencing these really intense emotions and have unnecessary suffering. Suffering is not necessary. I find that one of the outcomes of working on your emotional maturity, is being able to examine whether our emotional reaction FITS THE FACTS of the situation we are in. How many times have you reacted to what someone said because of a situation and you become completely engrossed in that emotion. You have justified the ways that you are right for feeling a certain way when really, it might have been stemmed from a fear, or an unearthed trauma, or simply a trigger embedded deep into your subconscious. It happens! But, one of the biggest lessons and takeaways on this journey of emotional regulation, and really on my mental health, is actually training myself to take the time to slow down, and check the facts of the situation before I react. To RESPOND to the facts of the situation instead of REACTING to the emotions that I flood my system. I learned this tool from the Dialectical Behavioural Therapy course I have been doing for the past couple of months, and it's proven to be soooo effective! I do hope you enjoy this episode! Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The World Of Kambo Medicine with Vatche Avakian
Nov 6 2023
The World Of Kambo Medicine with Vatche Avakian
This week, I interview my first international guest, Kambo practitioner Vatche Avakian. Vatche was born in Ethiopia to Armenian parents, and with a deep-rooted connection to his heritage and a passion for natural healing methods, Vatche has dedicated his life to helping others on their journey towards physical and spiritual well-being. Kambo is a powerful, natural medicine derived from the secretion of the giant monkey frog, and has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest for its remarkable healing properties. Through extentive training and apprenticeship with experienced shamans to master the art of administering Kambo, Vatche combines his knowledge of Kambo with his innate intuition and compassionate nature to provide personalized healing experiences for his clients. I had the privilege to partake in a 3-day Kambo retreat in the Dominican Republic, where he now resides. Alongside his healing sessions, Vatche conducts workshops, seminars, and retreats where he educates participants about the benefits of Kambo, empowering his participants with the knowledge for self-care and personal growth. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Vatche’s path towards finding his purposeWhat is Kambo?How it’s extracted from the Amazonian Monkey Frog.The benefits of KamboKambo and its relationship with other plant medicinesHow to get over the fear of the PurgeHaving the right intentions when doing Kambo Find Vatche on Instagram. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To Be Embodied And Empowered with Amber Sawyer
Oct 16 2023
To Be Embodied And Empowered with Amber Sawyer
This week, I have a special guest who I hold so dearly to my heart. My first yoga and meditation mentor, teacher, and sister. I was thankful to have been able to snag an hour of Amber's busy schedule as she visited Singapore to conduct her prenatal/postpartum yoga teacher training. I've been wanting Amber on my podcast for months, and I just know that this won't be the last time she makes an appearance! As an embodiment facilitator, Amber shares the joy of living through holistic practices of yoga, active meditations, and pre/postnatal birth support. With 25 years of study and practice in Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation, as well as a PhD in Biomedical Engineering in the field of stem-cell tissue repair, Amber brings a unique perspective on healing and self-discovery through the influence of scientific and ancient wisdoms.  Highly recommended to listen if you are an expecting mother or if this is in your future plans! Episode Highlights: Reflections of Amber's meditation community, SatsangaActive Meditations and what they areAmbers transition from maiden to motherThe birth of Embodied Woman Yoga & her intentions of offering support to new mothersHow a soon to be mother can come home to yourself and feel empowered to make your own choices in the birthing processThe importance of embodiment Connect with Amber here. Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Painting As A Portal To Embodiment with Carmen Ceniga
Sep 4 2023
Painting As A Portal To Embodiment with Carmen Ceniga
This week, I have a beautiful artist on the Pod. Carmen Ceniga Prado uses her work as a medium to reconnect with the internal body and its cycles of subtle shapeshifting. Through abstract painting and carved wooden sculptures, her works grapple with the invisible but potent pulses of vitality that move through and around us. Using the body as a starting point, the pieces are a reflection of the range of emotional states or embodied sensations, such as darkness, clarity, anxiety as well as the moments in between.  Carmen started her studies in Fine Arts at Pratt Institute in New York in 2015 (supported by their International Merit Scholarship), before finishing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Wimbledon College of Arts at the University of the Arts London in 2018. Recent notable shows include Rationale for Fables (Singapore, 2023), New Makers at Atta Gallery (Bangkok, 2023), Entre Aguas at Aldama Fabre Gallery (Bilbao, 2022), and At Dusk, We Tread the Earth at starch (Singapore, 2022). Episode highlights: Art as a means of embodiment of internal body experiencesLife as an endless spiral, and what that means for CarmenCarmen’s shift from physical practice to her mindfulness journey, and how she relays her internal observation through her art-makingExperiences as abstractThe impact of AI on modern day art Art therapy and what it’s all about SUPPORT THE PODCAST ON PATREON Get in touch with Stephanie: www.listeningwellpodcast.com | @listeningwellpodcast Thank you for Listening Well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.