Advertise on podcast: The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Liz Burkholder for a real, unscripted conversation about emotions, what they're here to teach us, and how to move through them in a healthy way. We talk about anger, grief, sadness, fear, anxiety, and what happens when we keep pushing our emotions down instead of allowing them to move through us. Liz and I also explore what it means to truly hold space for ourselves and for other people, why so many of us were never taught how to feel our emotions, and how emotional repression can show up in the body, in relationships, and in everyday life. This is a powerful conversation about learning to stay present with what you feel instead of bypassing it, fixing it, or trying to make it go away. In this episode, you'll hear:  Why anger is a healthy emotion and how it can help you set boundaries The difference between feeling anger and projecting it onto other people How emotions like sadness and anger can sometimes cover for each other Why grief needs space, presence, and support instead of being rushed away What anxiety and depression can reveal about unfelt emotions How emotional repression can impact the body, relationships, and nervous system What it looks like to let emotions move through you instead of storing them inside Why so many of us were never taught how to process emotions in a healthy way Liz Burkholder is the founder of Go Within Institute. She helps people heal through breathwork, subconscious work, nervous system regulation, and deep emotional processing. Her work supports clients, clinicians, and coaches in learning how to move through life with greater presence, connection, and self-trust. Resources from this Episode: GoWithin Institute | Heal Yourself Listen to Liz's podcast: We Are The Medicine Podcast MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by therapist, bestselling author, and speaker Amy Morin for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to become mentally strong. Amy shares how her understanding of mental strength was shaped not only by her work as a therapist, but by walking through profound grief, unexpected loss, and the kind of life experiences that can completely change you.  We talk about the difference between grief and self-pity, why people-pleasing drains us, how boundaries support mental strength, and what to do with the inner critic that keeps trying to run the show. Amy also shares powerful insight on social media, comparison, alone time, and why becoming mentally strong often starts with the smallest choices we make each day.  In this episode, you'll learn:  The difference between feeling your grief and getting stuck in self-pity How to stop giving away your power to other people Why mentally strong people don't avoid change How to learn from mistakes instead of repeating them Why alone time and reflection are essential for emotional health How people pleasing weakens your sense of self Why boundaries are a key part of mental strength How to work with your inner critic through self-compassion How social media fuels comparison and what to do instead Why being intentional about what you consume matters for your mental well-being Resources from this Episode: Find Amy's books, Tedx Talks and more on Amy's website Listen to Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin Get the Mentally Strong app here! MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

In this episode, I'm joined by Eric Zimmer for a grounded and honest conversation about what real change actually looks like and why lasting transformation usually doesn't happen all at once. Eric shares his powerful recovery story, what finally helped him create lasting change, and why the smallest daily choices often matter more than the big breakthrough moments we tend to chase. We talk about how to work with the parts of ourselves we'd rather avoid, what to do when we shut down, shrink, or feel overwhelmed, and why true growth comes from learning how to relate to ourselves differently over time. Eric also shares practical tools for changing the meaning we assign to situations, building wise habits, and taking small steps that add up to a meaningful life. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why overnight transformation is a myth, and what actually creates lasting change How small, consistent actions can build real momentum over time What it means to befriend the parts of yourself you want to avoid How awareness helps you catch patterns like shutting down, shrinking, or going blank in real time Practical ways to regulate your nervous system and stay connected to yourself in difficult moments Why having a simple phrase prepared can help when emotions take over How to rethink overwhelm and shift out of the feeling that life is happening to you A simple 3-question tool to help you challenge discouraging thoughts and choose a more supportive perspective Resources from this Episode: Eric's website Eric's podcast: The One You Feed Eric's book: How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. David Clements for a deep, mind-expanding conversation about consciousness, intuition, and what happens when we learn to perceive life through the heart, not just the mind. David has an extraordinary background, with advanced degrees in mathematics and theoretical physics (including work in string theory), and he shares the awakening that shifted everything for him. We talk about remote viewing, out-of-body experiences, and why David believes human beings have far more perceptual capacity than most of us have been taught to access. We also explore his perspective on the sacred heart, the "infinity point gateway," and what he calls Infinite Source Intelligence as a direct inner connection available to all of us. In this episode, you'll learn:  How David's journey moved from left-brain physics into a lived experience of consciousness and energetic perception What remote viewing is, how it works, and why his first experience changed his entire worldview Why I believe children naturally have access to expanded perception, and how we often "train" it out of ourselves as we grow up The difference between mind-centered living and heart-centered intelligence, and why the heart is a unifying, harmonizing intelligence Why so many people feel like their identity is dissolving right now David's perspective on why painful things happen in the world, how free will fits in, and why he sees "love" as an intelligence, not a fluffy concept Resources from this Episode: Infinite Source Creations (David's main site): infinitesourcecreations.com Meditation #14: Beginning the Opening of Your Infinity Point Meditation #15: Preparing Heart Fields for Deeper Source Intelligence Connection   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

In this episode, I'm joined by Adult Chair® Certified Coach Michelle Wootten for a practical, real-life conversation about the "how-to" of healing and staying grounded when life gets messy. We talk about generational trauma, setting boundaries with toxic family members, navigating grief when relationships change, and using the Adult Chair tools to strengthen communication in marriage. Michelle shares her personal story of hitting a breaking point, how her body signaled it was time to stop, and what helped her begin healing from the inside out. You'll also hear honest insights about going no-contact with an adult child, holding grief and joy at the same time, and why trigger work is one of the most powerful paths to transformation. In this episode, you'll learn:  What it really means to live in your Adult Chair How chronic stress and emotional suppression can build over time and eventually show up in the body What it can look like to set boundaries with a toxic adult child, including the grief that can come with it Why healing isn't linear and how to hold both grief and joy at the same time How trigger work can help heal generational patterns and create change for future generations How Adult Chair tools helped Michelle strengthen her marriage, especially around attachment styles and communication Resources from this Episode: Connect with Michelle Wootten on her website: https://www.michellewootten.com/  Get the Relationship Reset Course here. Listen to all of Michelle Chalfant's meditations & Inner Child work on YouTube!   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Dr. Liz Burkholder, a holistic nurse practitioner and the founder of Go Within Institute. Liz opens up about her cancer diagnosis and shares the very conscious, guided approach she's taken, rooted in deep inner work, intuition, and mind-body healing. We explore what Liz calls "the consciousness of cancer," how the body can hold repressed emotions, and why healing requires both practical support and emotional release. Liz also shares jaw-dropping updates from her imaging, including lesions disappearing and a primary lesion shrinking significantly, even without conventional treatment. In this episode, you'll hear:  What it means to meet the "consciousness" of an illness, and why Liz sees cancer as information, not just pathology Why trusting your intuition can be one of the most important factors in healing The 10 common factors behind unexpected healing The role of repressed emotions  How boundaries and nervous system support matter when other people's fear is loud Resources from this Episode: GoWithin Institute | Heal Yourself Dr. Kelly Turner's books: Radical Remission and Radical Hope Listen to #43: Living Through Cancer in The Adult Chair   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bradley Nelson, creator of The Emotion Code and The Body Code, to talk about his newer work, The Heart Code and the powerful concept of the "heart wall." We explore how trapped emotions form, how they can impact the body and mind (including anxiety, depression, disconnection, and low self-worth), and what it can look like to clear them so you can feel more love, joy, and belonging in your life. Dr. Brad also walks me through a real, live heart wall clearing, so you can hear what the process sounds like in real time. In this episode, you'll learn:  What a "heart wall" is, and why Dr. Brad believes most people have one How trapped emotions form (and why they sometimes get "stuck") The surprising link between emotional baggage and physical pain How inherited and absorbed emotions can become part of your emotional reality Why clearing emotional energy can unlock love, creativity, connection, and belonging What to expect after a heart wall release, including how the integration period can feel Resources from this Episode: Visit Dr. Bradley's website here.  The Emotion Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson The Body Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson The Heart Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today's episode is a special one as we celebrate the 500th episode of the show and over 11 million downloads worldwide. I'm joined by Jess Giacobbe from my team, who turns the microphone around and asks me the questions listeners have always wanted to ask about my journey, my work, and what I've learned along the way. We talk about how this podcast began, the real behind-the-scenes moments that challenged me, the times I almost quit, and how learning to trust my intuition changed everything. I also share what "downloads" actually feel like, how triggers reveal unconscious beliefs, and why real change can happen faster than you think when you shift your response. *Congratulations to the winners of our 500th Episode Giveaway - Heather R. & Joellen G. Thank you to everyone who shared the podcast or left a review!* In this episode, you'll learn:  How the podcast began and why I almost didn't start it What intuition and "downloads" actually feel like in real life The biggest lessons I learned from setbacks and rebuilding my business Why triggers reveal old beliefs and how to use them for growth How to stay grounded in your Adult Chair even during life's hardest moments Resources from this Episode: Get your free trigger kit here! In case you haven't already, get your copy of The Adult Chair book now MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by scientist, nutritionist, and emotional eating and self-sabotage coach Matty Lansdown for a real conversation about health and weight that goes way deeper than food rules. Matty shares why most of us already know what to do, but still feel stuck, and how the real shift happens when you understand the patterns underneath your choices.  We talk about emotional eating, trauma and self-protection, dopamine loops, and the unsexy truth that sustainable change usually comes from building awareness first, then making small tweaks consistently, without triggering rebellion. In this episode, we explore:  Why it's "not about calories or kale," it's mindset and behavior change Two common roots behind emotional eating: trauma and dopamine-driven self-soothing A simple awareness practice: track what you eat, where you eat, and what you feel "One tweak a week" and why slow change is often the only change that sticks How rebellion gets triggered by rigid plans, and how self-guided empowerment helps Why naming the emotion can quiet a craving (Michelle shares her own "potato chips" moment) Fermented foods, gut health, and how the microbiome can influence your body's set  Obesogens, plastics, and common chemicals that may disrupt metabolism and hormones Resources from this Episode: Connect with Matty Lansdown: Visit Matty's website Matty's Podcast: The Real Weight Loss Coach Matty on Instagram: @the.real.weight.loss.coach   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Sonia Flores, someone I've known and worked with for years, and after a team meeting where she dropped a phrase that stopped us all in our tracks, I knew we had to bring it to the podcast. The term is "Mantourage Dating," and it's a powerful way to date from self-worth, boundaries, and grounded confidence. This conversation is about dating, but it's also about so much more. If you're not dating, don't skip this episode. What Sonia shares applies to long-term partnerships, marriages, and every relationship you have, because the real shift happens when you stop making it about them and start making it about you. In this episode, we explore:  How "Mantourage Dating" works and why it helps you stay grounded Why dating gets easier when you stop chasing outcomes and focus on your own experience The mindset shift that changed everything for Sonia How to date with clear standards, boundaries, and self-respect Why having a list of what you want (places, experiences, energy) keeps you out of people-pleasing How self-worth changes what you tolerate, what you attract, and what you choose Why this concept applies even if you're already in a committed relationship   Resources from this Episode: Learn more about Sonia: Website: https://www.bluechakrastudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluechakrastudio Podcast: https://apple.co/3G50aQC   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today's episode is a true "sneak attack" mini-session I recorded on the spot because the shift happened so fast, I wanted you to hear it in real time.  At first, I introduced my guest "JoJo" as a code name. Then we reveal the big moment: "JoJo" is actually my mom, Nancy Brindisi, and this is her first-ever time on the podcast! My mom is in that brave space of considering dating again after years, and the negative self-talk started spiraling. So I walked her through one simple practice that stopped the mental loop within minutes, and the calm that followed was unmistakable. In this episode, I share:  Why negative self-talk often spikes when you're stepping into something new, especially dating again How I work with "parts" as energetic parts work (working with the energy of the judging, doubting part) A practical way to borrow supportive energy when you can't access your Adult Chair in the moment How this practice can come through as words, images, or a felt sense, and why your way is the right way   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Emmy-winning journalist and menopause advocate Tamsen Fadal, whose own unexpected journey through perimenopause and menopause led her to create a global movement of education, support, and empowerment for women. After years of brain fog, exhaustion, misdiagnosis, and silence from the medical system, Tamsen began using her voice and platform to help women understand what is happening in their bodies and how to advocate for real care. In this episode, we talk honestly about symptoms, hormones, relationships, sex, confidence, and why so many women feel blindsided by this transition. Tamsen brings clarity, humor, and compassion to a life stage that has been ignored for far too long, and she offers real guidance for women who want to feel informed, supported, and empowered. In this episode, we explore:  The symptoms most women miss in early perimenopause Why brain fog and sleep issues are among the most debilitating changes The impact of hormonal shifts on mood, libido, skin, hair, and body composition Misconceptions about estrogen, the WHI study, and hormone therapy The role of testosterone and why it is often a missing piece How to communicate with your partner about what you are experiencing Why advocating for yourself and finding an educated provider is essential   Resources from this Episode: Learn more about Tamsen Fadal: https://tamsenfadal.com Menopause Society Provider Finder: https://menopausesociety.org  Get Tamsen's book, "How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before"   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Today, I'm joined by Debra Martin, a certified research medium whose three near death experiences completely transformed her life. Each experience opened her to the reality of the soul, the presence of divine love, and a deeper understanding of why we are here. Debra shares how these moments awakened her spiritual gifts, led her into unexpected healing abilities, and helped her remember who we truly are beneath the human experience. Her stories offer hope, validation, and a powerful reminder that we are never alone. In this episode, we explore:  What Debra experienced during her three near death experiences and how they changed her life The role of spiritual surgeons, divine intervention, and soul contracts in healing Why emotional patterns, childhood wounds, and unprocessed pain often sit beneath illness How Debra facilitates remote healing sessions and the profound results she has witnessed Why love, presence, and connection to your divine essence are essential parts of healing Resources from this Episode: Learn more about Debra Martin: https://debramartinhealer.com/    MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

What does it really mean to live a soul aligned life, and why does it often feel so hard, even when I know it leads to more peace, joy, and freedom? In this episode, I break down what a soul aligned life actually is (beyond spiritual buzzwords), why it can feel like everything is "falling apart" when you are actually waking up, and how to start consciously partnering with the part of you that is 99.99% Source instead of the 0.01% that is ego. I share practical, grounded tools for navigating big life transitions, sitting with uncomfortable emotions without getting swallowed by them, and working with your triggers so they become portals to growth instead of proof that you are broken. In this episode, you'll learn:  What a soul aligned life really is How to shift from "life happens to me" to "life happens for me" How challenges and transitions can deepen your alignment Simple practices to sit with emotions and use presence to calm anxiety How your outer life mirrors your beliefs and how trigger work realigns you   MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

In this episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth April, author of Your Anxiety Is Giving Me Anxiety. We explore a powerful reframe of anxiety, not as something to fix or eliminate, but as an intelligent signal from the nervous system pointing toward healing and deeper self-awareness. Elizabeth shares her framework for identifying whether anxiety is rooted in the past, present, or future, why high-functioning tendencies often come from overstimulation, and how her Renew Technique helps move out of survival mode and into lasting nervous system regulation, trust, and conscious awareness aligned with living from your Adult Chair. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why anxiety can feel contagious and how we absorb the emotional states of others How to identify whether your anxiety is driven by past experiences, present overwhelm, or future fear Why common coping tools often manage symptoms without addressing the root cause How the Renew Technique helps you recognize, neutralize, and work with anxiety The role of physical and digital clutter in nervous system overload How to use awareness to regulate your body before anxiety escalates Why personal growth and healing often happen through challenge, not comfort Resources from this Episode: Visit Elizabeth April's website Get the book: Your Anxiety is Giving Me Anxiety Follow Elizabeth April on Instagram and Socials: @Elizabeth.April    MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com Membership: The Adult Chair Collective https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant