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The Fight Back Podcast

The Fight Back Podcast

By Georgia

"Martial Arts Saved Me" - every martial artist ever. Why do Martial Arts have such a big impact on mental health? On The Fight Back Podcast you'll hear from UFC fighters, University researchers, Women training to battle demons and everyone in between. Georgia and her guests explore trauma, mental health, exercise and all the reasons combat sports help us Fight Back against tough times.
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Understanding Empowerment Self Defense

The Fight Back PodcastMay 14, 2021

00:00
58:44
You’ll Want To Make More Mistakes After This Episode

You’ll Want To Make More Mistakes After This Episode

How can we utilize mistakes as martial artists? As martial arts teachers? And also, teachers in the trauma-informed martial arts space?

In this solo episode, Georgia gets on a deep analysis about making mistakes and how we can reframe making mistakes from a negative into a positive. And some of the therapeutic benefits to making mistakes in martial arts classes, as well as a growth mindset. What that means, and how we can apply it in our practice.


What you will learn:

  • How mistakes can help improve learning
  • Distinguishing between learning and performance
  • And much more!

Resources Mentioned:

Danielle Salber Episode

Carol Dweck MindsetWorks

Huberman Lab Podcast


How To Get Involved :

The Fight Back Podcast

Facebook

Apple Podcast

Georgia on Instagram


Thank you to our sponsor: Safie. Safie is a violence prevention app that could save your life!

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/safie/id1548410357

https://www.safie.com.au/

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Jul 13, 202101:03:32
Danielle Salber - Martial Arts Is The Best Therapy

Danielle Salber - Martial Arts Is The Best Therapy

Danielle Salber, Founder of Boxing Therapy. She lives in Israel, which is the home of Krav Maga, self-defense that's all about values and protecting oneself.

In this episode, Georgia and Danielle jam together and talk about how self-defense not only could protect oneself but also can be empowered, and can help be their best self in whatever situation.


Georgia and Danielle discuss:

  • Danielle’s journey as a martial-arts practitioner and building the Boxing Therapy Program and Ready For Anything
  • An introduction to Ready For Anything and what it’s all about, and why it’s something to look forward to
  • How Martial Arts impact Danielle’s life to become the person she is today

Connect with Danielle:

Facebook

Gmail


Thank you to our sponsor: Safie. Safie is a violence prevention app that could save your life!

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/safie/id1548410357

https://www.safie.com.au/

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Jul 06, 202148:04
Dr. George Jennings - Martial Arts Led Me To Enter Into A Different World

Dr. George Jennings - Martial Arts Led Me To Enter Into A Different World

Dr. George Jennings is a Senior Lecturer in Sports Sociology at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK. He started learning martial arts at age 14, and since then, he got interested in it. And from that, he became interested in fitness and health, and well-being. That's what led George to study sports science, Sports Science degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences degree at the University of Exeter.

In this episode, Georgia and George talk in-depth about the structure and routine in Martial Arts in connection with saving someone’s life. And how martial arts can help people who perhaps have other issues in their lives.


Georgia and George discuss:

  • The different avenues of martial arts that can be used to change people's lives
  • What is it that hooked George into learning Martial Arts and eventually doing a study about it
  • What is FightingAndSpirit, how it is formed, and what are its contributions to the society


Connect with George:

Fightingandspirit.com

Twitter


Thank you to our sponsor: Safie. Safie is a violence prevention app that could save your life!

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/safie/id1548410357

https://www.safie.com.au/

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Jul 01, 202101:07:30
Jill Baker Shames - The Warrior Who Lives Inside All The Time Waiting To Come Out
Jun 15, 202101:10:25
Sara Ezadyar -  Making A Positive Impact After A Setback

Sara Ezadyar - Making A Positive Impact After A Setback

To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 

Sara is a mother and a survivor with an incredible story who had recently sided her journey into Brazillian Jiu-Jutsu.

In this episode, Georgia and Sara talk about what led her to learn Jiu-Jutsu and how the idea of building an incredible app that can save many lives especially those victims of domestic abuse. Tune in to another inspiring episode of The Fight Back Podcast!

Georgia and Sarah discuss:

  • How she cope up with her experience from an abusive partner
  • Why things need to change when it comes to domestic violence
  • What government services you can get and take advantage of to help you stand up again  
  • How Sara found a comfortable place within the martial arts community who continuously support her


Connect With Sara:

Instagram


Resources mentioned:

NDIS

Magistrates Court Aus

VOCAT

Crime Hotline 1800 333 000


Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 



Jun 08, 202145:31
Jenny Valentish - How Martial Arts Changed My Life

Jenny Valentish - How Martial Arts Changed My Life

To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 

Jenny Valentish, author of Everything Harder Than Everyone Else. Jenny is an amateur Muay Thai fighter and a journalist. 

In this episode, Georgia and Jenny explore the chapters of the Everything Harder Than Everyone Else book and give you a glimpse of what you will learn from it as an athlete or someone who loves sports and how martial arts can actually save someone’s life. Tune in to know the story of the Everything Harder Than Everyone Else book and why you should read it!

Georgia and Jenny discuss:

  • What makes the difference between someone who experiences pain in childhood is drawn to it and someone who experiences pain who avoids it
  • How sport helped others overcome their trauma
  • Ego and anger, are they credible tools for fighting?
  • How body change has such a profound impact on someone’s confidence and starts to impact other areas of their life
  • The crisis that all athletes encounter
  • Will Jenny fight again?


Get her awesome book here and check out The Fight Back Project in Chapter 5!

Everything Harder Than Everyone Else

Connect with Jenny:

Instagram

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 



Jun 01, 202153:16
Understanding Empowerment Self Defense

Understanding Empowerment Self Defense

 To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 

In this weeks episode, Lauren Bailey and I talked about the difference between regular self-defense and empowerment self-defense.  

We will also learn how important it for women and people who are healing to have a community that not only train you but also foster growth, strength, confidence and healing.

You can follow and support Lauren @ https://www.thriveselfdefense.com/





 Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 







May 14, 202158:44
Simone Offord: Muay Thai Made Me Feel That I can Fight Back

Simone Offord: Muay Thai Made Me Feel That I can Fight Back

To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 

Simone Offord is a 2x K1 champion,
She was introduced to kickboxing during the lowest of her life, 
She has a very valuable message for you that you don't want to miss out!

Listen in to know more about how she learns to FIGHTBACK !


Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 


May 05, 202134:12
What does Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Have To Do with Trauma-Informed Kickboxing

What does Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Have To Do with Trauma-Informed Kickboxing

To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 


My good friend and mentor @mindfully.curious explains what makes Trauma Sensitive Yoga different from traditional yoga, as we prepare to launch our taster program: The Curiosity Project. We also dig into how the work from @tctsy informed The Fight Back Project. 

If you’d like to try Trauma Sensitive Yoga AND Trauma-informed kickboxing, DM to find out how to secure one of the limited places.


Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Apr 28, 202153:31
What Makes People Keep Coming Back To Martial Art

What Makes People Keep Coming Back To Martial Art

To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 

John Deidouss
Muay Thai Coach
3x Amateur Striking Champion
Ph.D. Student‐Cultural Studies in Sports
focusing on social issues around combat sports particularly looking at people of color. 

 Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga


Apr 21, 202155:12
How to Empower Women through Martial Arts
Apr 14, 202142:06
How Martial Arts Can Change How You Deal with Pain and Suffering

How Martial Arts Can Change How You Deal with Pain and Suffering

To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 



Dr. Syd Hiskey has an academic background in trauma psychology and more recently compassion-based therapeutic approaches. He has been doing martial arts for the last two decades and been focusing on Wing Chun Kung Fu (in which he has a black sash) and Mixed Self Defence/Martial Arts (Hybrid Defence).

Dr. Neil Clapton is a Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS with adults with complex mental health issues in secondary mental health services in Swindon, specializing in the provision of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
By the age of 13 he already has a 1st degree Black Belt in Taekwando. 

This episode talks about how can martial arts training help manage our own responses to unfortunate life events. They aim to develop a program to further develop their distress tolerance and compassion resilience. 

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Apr 07, 202139:02
How can we Break Body Stigma and Strengthen Gender Equality Through Strength Training?

How can we Break Body Stigma and Strengthen Gender Equality Through Strength Training?

 To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 


Noelle Bridgen is an Associate Professor of  Politics at Marquette University  and Founder of Pesas Y Poder


Pesas y Poder is a non-profit that promotes Gender Equity Community Empowerment, Healing from Trauma through the practice of strength sports.

Listen in to know more about how Noelle empowers the community in El Salvador through powerlifting.

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 

Mar 31, 202145:57
How She Combat Depression and Alcohol Abuse with Muay Thai

How She Combat Depression and Alcohol Abuse with Muay Thai

To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm


Celeste Hansen is an Australian Muay Thai Fighter living in Phuket, Thailand. Celeste struggled with depression and alcohol abuse until she found Muay Thai. She is now a PK-1 World Champion and Patong Stadium Champion.


Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga








Mar 24, 202127:48
Is she 2 or 3 times Female World Muay Thai Champion? With Claire Baxter

Is she 2 or 3 times Female World Muay Thai Champion? With Claire Baxter

 To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm 

Claire Baxter is a Muay Thai World Champion and General Psychologist in Melbourne, Australia. 

This episode we get into some philosophical topics around fighting. Why do we fight, what can we learn about ourselves through fighting and how does fighting change us? Tune in especially to the second half for some wonderful food for thought for everyone in combat sports. 

Claire and Georgia discuss: 

  • Fighting despite being in a heavier weight class
  • Training and fighting in Thailand 
  • Her WPMF title and title “defence”
  • Her WMC title
  • How she went from being interested in high performance to wellbeing
  • Why Claire fights 
  • The importance of relationships in Muay Thai 
  • How Muay Thai has changed Claire as a person
  • Why Claire thinks Muay Thai might have helped others 
  • How Muay Thai has shaped Claire as a practitioner 

 Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 

Mar 04, 202143:09
Martial Arts with Women's Circles, Kids, Periods and More! with Hollie B

Martial Arts with Women's Circles, Kids, Periods and More! with Hollie B

If you'd like to learn more about my women's online strength training group "Mindful Muscles", email me at fightbackproject@gmail.com or check out my website

Hollie Bakerboljkovac is Counsellor and Coach in rural New South Wales. Hollie runs Motion Ninja Academy, a martial arts school combining Natural Movement with stand up combat skills. 

In her work as a Counsellor, she uses relational and somatic based therapy. She works with all ages, both in clinic and in nature (ecotherapy) and educates people for wholebody wellness (beyond counselling). 

She produces a yearly planner that’s in its sixth year of publication, with a cyclical approach to planning, habits and creating a life that sets you free. 

Hollie and Georgia discuss: 

  • Hollie's personal experience as a martial artist 
  • How her experience as a counsellor lead her to develop an anxiety informed martial arts school 
  • Her work as chair of the Braidwood says No to Violence Committee 
  • The prevalence of Domestic Violence 
  • Women’s circles and Martial Arts 
  • Menstruation Health and how to align your cycle to training
  • Martial Arts for ADHD

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Feb 17, 202101:26:33
Under The Ropes with Emma Thomas

Under The Ropes with Emma Thomas

Emma Thomas is a writer, activist and former Muay Thai fighter living in Bangkok, Thailand. She is the creator of the blog "Under the Ropes", a site for women interested in training Muay Thai in Thailand. Emma and Georgia discuss: 

  •  'We are fighters' a Muay Thai class for survivors of violence 
  •  How Self Defense classes for survivors can do more harm than good
  •  Emma's experience being sexually assaulted by a trainer in Thailand
  •  What it's like to train Muay Thai as a female in Thailand
  •  How power-lifting helped Emma when she stopped fighting
  • Emma's advice for women coming to Thailand to train 

Emma's website is: 

https://undertheropes.com/about/ 


On Instagram Emma is @under_the_ropes: 

https://www.instagram.com/under_the_ropes/?hl=en


On Facebook Emma is:

 https://www.facebook.com/undertheropes/


On Twitter Emma is: 

https://twitter.com/undertheropes?lang=en


The forum Emma discusses to check out before coming to Thailand to train is: 

https://8limbsus.com/muay-thai-forum/


To donate to Bangkok Rising and support survivors of domestic violence on the Thai-Myanmar border: 

https://donorbox.org/freedomrestorationproject


If you'd like to learn more about my women's online strength training group "Mindful Muscles", email me at fightbackproject@gmail.com or check out my website https://www.traumainformedkickboxing.com/programsThank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 

Feb 10, 202147:25
Trauma Informed Exercise, Nutrition and Wellness with Leah Hantman

Trauma Informed Exercise, Nutrition and Wellness with Leah Hantman

Leah is the founder of empowered RX - a women's program about the transformative and healing power of wellness. She started Kung Fu at age 9 and leaned upon her expertise to help other women as well as herself. 


Leah and Georgia discuss: 

  •  How kung fu and kickboxing LITERALLY saved Leah when she was assaulted
  •  Leah's experience with PTSD
  •  Weightlifting, combat and exercise as an outlet for Leah 
  • Leah's response to clients becoming stressed by COVID
  • Teaching self defense over zoom 
  •  How to ditch your diet
  •  How to believe in yourself and lift HEAVY
  • How to develop a sleep routine


To connect with Leah: 

Instagram: empoweredrx

Location: https://prototypetraining.com/ 

Email: leah@prototypetraining.com

Podcast: Empowered: Trauma-Informed Women's Health, Fitness and Nutrition

https://anchor.fm/empoweredrx 


Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 


Feb 03, 202133:09
Left Write Hook with Donna Lyon

Left Write Hook with Donna Lyon

 Donna Lyon is the Founder of LEFT / WRITE // HOOK. A multi-modal creative arts research project and documentary designed to help women who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma find a connection to their body, mind and spirit through weekly transformative writing and boxing workshops. 

Donna and Georgia unpack: 

  • What does it mean to be "saved" 
  • Donna's story as a survivor starting boxing 
  • The Story of Left Write Hook 
  • How to use prompts to journal through trauma or anything on your mind 
  • The combination of writing and movement 
  • The Left Wrte Hook Documentary 
  • The Left Write Hook research https://www.internationaljournalofwellbeing.org/index.php/ijow/article/view/1505 
  • The upcoming Trauma Informed Martial Arts Conference

 Contact Donna at https://www.facebook.com/leftwritehook or https://leftwritehook.wordpress.com/ 

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 

Jan 28, 202147:21
Trauma and Abuse Survivors in Aikido with Paul Linden

Trauma and Abuse Survivors in Aikido with Paul Linden

Paul Linden is a body awareness educator, a martial artist, and an author. He is the developer of Being In Movement® mindbody education, and founder of the Columbus Center for Movement Studies in Columbus, Ohio USA. He holds a BA in Philosophy and a PhD in Physical Education. He has been practicing and teaching Aikido since 1969 and holds a sixth degree black belt in Aikido as well as a first degree black belt in Karate. He is an instructor of the Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education. Paul and Georgia discuss: - Why Aikido "saves" people

How to get hit and keep going

- What Paul has learned from having Parkinson's disease

- The use of humor when working with trauma survivors

- Trauma informed vs regular aikido

 To connect with Paul, email him at paullinden@aol.com or visit his website: https://www.being-in-movement.com/

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 

Jan 12, 202147:23
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Leads to Women Starting Martial Arts with Dr Stephanie Phillips

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Leads to Women Starting Martial Arts with Dr Stephanie Phillips

 Dr Stephanie Phillips surveyed over 300  women about why they participate in combat sports. She found that many women were sharing stories of overcoming violence and trauma and using martial arts as an outlet and a means of healing. 

Steph has worked as a Muay Thai coach and up until covid was still a Muay Thai practitioner, although she spends most of her time drawing comic books these days. 

Steph and Georgia chat about: 

  • How she started Muay Thai 
  • Why people say Martial Arts saved me
  • Steph's survey and what she found
  • Why she started a women's only class
  • Women taking up space
  • Bruises on women 
  • Positive relationships with men in the gym 
  • Whether martial arts make people respectful or people only stay in martial arts if they are respectful. 
  • Advice for women joining a gym 
  • Advice for women

To chat to Steph, you can connect with her on twitter at @steph_smash

 Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga   

Dec 16, 202042:55
BJJ, Body Image, Anxiety and Claustrophobia with Livia Giles

BJJ, Body Image, Anxiety and Claustrophobia with Livia Giles

 Livia Giles is a first degree black belt, a world champion international competitor, coach, physiotherapist and combat sports board member. 

Liv has a wealth of experience dealing with the pressure of being an elite athlete and spoke with Georgia about: 

  • The community in BJJ
  • The value in learning a skill
  • BJJ as meditation 
  • Being obsessed with being the best
  • Being smaller than most people on the mat
  • How to teach people how to train with you  
  • Effective communication during rolls
  • How to create a club culture that welcomes women
  • Why women need to roll with women
  •  How nerves and anxiety are a good thing
  • How she stopped focusing on feeling good or bad in competitions
  • Why you should compete more often 
  • Having a panic attack/ feeling claustrophobic in a competition 
  • Tapping due to claustrophobia
  • The physiology of panic attacks
  • Weight cutting and body image
  • Appreciate your body! 

Liv started out as a gymnast in Poland. At age 18 she retired and transitioned into track cycling. When she was 24 she decided to take a break for competitive sport and went to university to become a physiotherapist. While working as a physiotherapist she met her now husband Dr Lachlan Giles PhD who introduced her to BJJ. And the rest is history.. 

Liv's Achievements in BJJ include: 

  • Copa Podio Superfight Winner (2016) 
  • UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro 2nd Place (2018) 
  • ADCC Asian Trials 2nd Place (2015) U
  • AEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro 3rd Place (2017) 
  • IBJJF World Champion (2016 brown, 2013 blue) 
  • IBJJF World No-Gi Champion (2013 purple) 
  • IBJJF Asian International Open Champion (2014 purple, 2016 brown) 
  • IBJJF Melbourne International Open Champion (2015** purple) 
  • IBJJF Melbourne International No-Gi Open Champion (2015 purple) 
  • IBJJF World Championship Runner-up (2015 purple) 
  • CBJJ Brazilian National Championship Runner-up (2014 purple) 


Follow @livia_giles on instagram for updates about seminars around Australia! 

https://www.instagram.com/livia_giles/?hl=en 


Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga  

Dec 09, 202038:49
"Martial Arts gives people keys to growth they didn't even know they were missing" with Meesha Hall

"Martial Arts gives people keys to growth they didn't even know they were missing" with Meesha Hall

 Meesha Hall is an NLP and integration coach and a BJJ blue belt. She is passionate about helping women use systems and strategic planning to free up time and energy so they can do more of what they love. 

Meesh and Georgia discuss: 

  • How Martial Arts provide structure in people's lives 
  • How Martial Arts teach discipline 
  • How Martial Arts teach respect 
  • How being brutally assaulted lead to Meesh starting BJJ 
  • How Meesh has turned her life around 
  • What Meesh has learned during COVID 
  • Why Meesh sold all her belongings 
  • Meesh's new business and how you can work with her 

Follow Meesh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meesha.hall/ 

Book here to work with Meesh: https://calendly.com/alignyourlife/prodev?fbclid=IwAR1PvmpSA7-v8bscHI1UhcmTTbJFQQujxkSjbHIrTwUbTwnrdm5TH6DdCY0&month=2020-12 


Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga 

Dec 02, 202001:32:39
The Pink Belt Project with Kristy Hitchens

The Pink Belt Project with Kristy Hitchens

Kristy Hitchens started Taekwando when she was 40 and found the process of training from white to black belt so transformational she decided to start The Pink Belt Project. 

The Pink Belt Project is a charity project empowering women in need with a year of free martial arts training at their local club. 

Kristy and Georgia discuss: 

  • The explosion of interest in The Pink Belt Project around Australia 
  • The impact of training on mental health 
  • How and why martial arts schools can can involved 
  • How and why women can get involved 
  • Practical tips for survivors wishing to join a martial arts clubs The Pink Belt Project details can be found at:

 https://www.facebook.com/pinkbeltproj...
http://www.pinkbelt.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/pinkbeltpro...

If you're interested in joining a support group for women new to martial arts, Kristy has started one!!! Here is is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/40844... 

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Nov 24, 202045:29
Breathwork or Starting Martial Arts Will Never Be Comfortable - with WTF Empire
Oct 29, 202057:17
"Girls are beter than boys at karate" with Chloe Maclean

"Girls are beter than boys at karate" with Chloe Maclean

Chloe Maclean is a sociology lecturer, gender, embodiment and karate researcher and international karate athlete from Scotland. 

Her research has explored how ideas of gender are negotiated, subverted, and embodied in the inter-bodily experience of mixed-sex karate training, and what lessons this can bring for developing gender equality in sport and society more broadly.  

Chloe and Georgia discuss: 

  • Why Chloe thinks people say "Martial Arts saved them" 
  • How Chloe got into researching gender and karate 
  • What makes friendship bonds so strong in karate


On twitter you can find Chloe at @ChloeMaclean https://twitter.com/ChloeMaclean

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Oct 01, 202001:07:43
UFC Fighters Battle Anxiety too - Mallory Martin

UFC Fighters Battle Anxiety too - Mallory Martin

UFC Strawweight Mallory Martin and Georgia discuss how MMA has saved her life, how a therapist helped her overcome anxiety and the mind exercises she uses to train mental toughness.

Mallory made headlines at UFC Fight Night 175. Following her comeback win over Hannah Ciphers reporters heard Mallory say "You Saved Me" to Hannah while still in the cage. When questioned about why she said that in the post-fight interview, Mallory broke down stating she had been battling with her mental health during the fight camp and having the fight booked was the only thing keeping her going. You can watch the interview here:
https://youtu.be/Hi-UxK0ZDtA 

Mallory and Georgia discuss: 

  • Why Mallory started MMA 
  • The Death of Mallory's father when she was 18 
  • The impact of feeling severe anxiety during this fight camp 
  • How to separate yourself from anxiety feelings 
  • Finding activities to keep your mind busy 
  • Visualization 
  • Breathwork 

Mallory's breathwork coach can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/wtfstateofm...

The book Mallory cites is here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mind-Gym-At... 

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Sep 26, 202034:31
Nobody "makes" mistakes!

Nobody "makes" mistakes!

Daniela Welzel is a lifelong martial artist with a passion for embodiment. She is an Aikido Black Belt and Mindfulness teacher. She worked for 10 years as a police officer with the German Federal Police. 

She then went to Israel for 2 years to explore meditation, working as Dojo Manager of The Integral Dojo and teaching Aikido in Israel and Palestine.

She is now in Holland working as a Freelancer for SeeTrue Mindfulness teaching Teacher Training around Mindfulness Based Interventions for therapists, HR and Health Professionals.

She is now heavily involved with running the embodiment conference (https://theembodimentconference.org/) which is how we met! Catch me and another 1000 experts talking about embodiment in the biggest online trauma information event in history! 

 Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga  

Sep 15, 202058:51
From Breakups and Partying to Pro Muay Thai Fighters

From Breakups and Partying to Pro Muay Thai Fighters

Somsurat (Som) Rangkla and Joanne (The Lioness) La are the founders of JS Muay Thai, a beginners Muay Thai program taught by women, for women.  

Som trains and fights out of 8 blades Muay Thai, she has been doing Muay Thai for 5.5 years, she has 10 pro fights with 7 wins. She is a PT at women's only gyms.

Jo is a fighter, PT and business owner. She also fights out of 8 blades and has a record of 14 fights with 11 wins and 1 knockout. 

Jo, Som and Georgia chat about: 

  • JS Muay Thai
  • Why Jo and Som started Muay Thai
  • Becoming fighters
  • Mental Health in Muay Thai 
  • How to cultivate a champion's mindset
  • How Muay Thai builds self confidence
  • Jo's least favourite weight cuts
  • Som's message for everyone to stop cutting so much weight
  • Taking action on dreams 
  • Believing in yourself 
  • Being Kind

To follow Jo and Som on instagram search @ssomsurat @joaneeela @jsmuaythai. On facebook visit: https://www.facebook.com/jsmuaythai

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

Sep 05, 202056:37
Do you hit girls?

Do you hit girls?

Dr Alex Channon is a Senior Lecturer at Brighton University's School of Sport and Service Management. His research has explored the relationship between gender, sexuality and participation; the value of martial arts within physical education curricula; media representations of professional fighters; the construction of meaning around notions of ‘violence’ among martial artists; the provision of medical support in combat sports; and the experiences of referees in mixed martial arts competitions as they pertain to risk management. Alex is one of the founders of Love Fighting Hate Violence http://lfhv.org/ which is a campaign aiming to raise awareness of the important moral difference between sport-based combat, and violence.

Alex and Georgia discuss: 

  • The importance of explicit consent 
  • How martial arts can be used to teach kids about consent 
  • The impact of learning to fight on victimization
  • Why men have trouble hitting girls in class
  • Valerie Loureda: The sexualization of female mma athletes

Links to the papers Alex mentions:
Jocelyn Hollander self-defence research review paper –
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/soc4.12597

Randall Collins violence and confrontational tension/fear – https://www.isegoria.net/2018/06/confrontational-tension-and-fear-make-most-violence-incompetent/

Helen Owton’s reflective piece about her boxing career – https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9781137439369_14

Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified women survicors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga



Aug 30, 202001:17:50
My Pussy Said No More!!!!

My Pussy Said No More!!!!

Stephanie Rae is a Breathwork and Somatic Experiencing for Trauma Release Practitioner. She has been teaching Yoga and Breathwork for 11 years and has been a Reiki Master Teacher for 6 years She is a survivor of sexual trauma and has recently added Krav Maga into her healing practices.

Steph and Georgia discuss: 

  • The different ways Steph's trauma has manifested in her body 
  • When Steph first realized she was traumatized 
  • Steph's journey to recovery 
  • What is krav maga
  • Why she started krav maga
  • Why she quit krav maga 
  • Why she went back 
  • What happened when she defined her boundaries to the class
  • Steph's advice for women who have experienced trauma

Follow Steph on instagram: @breathe.burn.rise

Aug 20, 202047:06
Wrestling Boys & Beating Eating Disorders

Wrestling Boys & Beating Eating Disorders

Solin Piearcy is 4x All American Wrestler and 2x National Wrestler. She has been wrestling for 11 years and is a strong advocate for body image issues. 

Solin and Georgia discuss: 

  • What is wrestling 
  • Being a girl in a male dominated sport 
  • Why Sol loves wrestling
  • Sol's journey with eating disorders
  • The relationship between wrestling and eating disorders
  • Sol's research looking at eating disorders at her university campus 
  • Why we turn to food for comfort
  • Eating disorders and COVID-19
  • Women trying wrestling for the first time

On Instagram, Sol is @sosolsolin

Sol also recommends following @meandmyed.art and @xandriaooi  

Aug 12, 202058:02
Engaging in Fighting Training Channeled My Anxiety

Engaging in Fighting Training Channeled My Anxiety

Jasmine is an emergency room doctor and lifelong martial artist. 

Georgia and Jas discuss: 

  • Growing up training Shotokan karate 
  • Using kicking, punching, sparring and training to channel anxiety
  • Overcoming traumatic experiences
  • Balancing being a doctor with training 
  • Mental health for doctors during the COVID pandemic


Aug 05, 202023:03
Overcoming Depression, Anxiety and Trauma through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Overcoming Depression, Anxiety and Trauma through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Georgia interviews trauma survivor Shantelle Thompson. Shantelle is a mum, storyteller, athlete, speaker, educator, role model, mentor, facilitator and business owner. She is an activist and social entrepreneur who believes that actions speaks louder than words and strives to be the change she wants to see in the world. She is a x3 world champion in Jiu Jitsu, former National wrestling Australia Athlete, Oceania wrestling champion, survivor of sexual abuse, lateral violence, racism, a challenging childhood, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety and post-natal depression.

In this episode Georgia and Shantelle discuss: 

  • Shantelle's amazing story 
  • Why Shantelle started Martial Arts
  • Why Shantelle kept training 
  • How it felt to train despite experiencing so much trauma 
  • Emotional overload during training
  • Freezing during training
  • Being pinned down in training 
  • Shantelle's advice for women
Jul 28, 202047:54
Shape Your Life: Trauma Informed Boxing

Shape Your Life: Trauma Informed Boxing

Georgia interviews Cathy Van Ingen from Brock University in Toronto, Canada. Cathy is a researcher looking at gender-based violence, boxing, trauma-informed physical activity, geographies of sport and physical activity, sport media, youth culture and sport for development. 

Cathy founded Shape Your Life,  a free, non-contact boxing program for female-identified people who have experienced violence. 

In this episode we discuss: 

  • The history of women in boxing 
  • The difference between trauma-informed boxing and regular boxing (Choice and invitation, a safe environment, taking care of food, transport and other need, no obligation to tell your story, giving women the space to experience their emotions) 
  • The outcomes of shape your life
  • Stories of amazing women that have participated in Shape Your Life 
  • How Cathy got government funding 
  • Advice for female trauma survivors
Jul 22, 202001:07:49
Mindfullness is the mising ingredient in MMA

Mindfullness is the mising ingredient in MMA

In this episode Georgia interviews Shawn Desjardins from Mindful Martial Arts in Toronto, Canada. Shawn and Georgia discuss:

  • The history of Brazilian jiu jitsu
  • The origins of mindful martial arts
  • Shawn's experiences as a childhood trauma-survivor training at big MMA gyms like Tristar
  • Trauma-informed martial arts
  • Guidelines to have a mindful martial arts club: 

- Respect yourself. Respect your training partners. 
- Do your best
- Enjoy the process 

  • The window of tolerance in martial arts and how your nervous system can be working against you.
  • The importance of breathing 
  • Women's only classes


You can find Shawn online at: 
https://www.mindfulmartialarts.ca/ 
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=shawn%20desjardins
https://www.instagram.com/mindful_martial_arts/

Jul 15, 202001:23:33
Somatic Experiencing: Animals shake off traumic events but us humans think too much

Somatic Experiencing: Animals shake off traumic events but us humans think too much

Anne Mathison is a somatic experiencing psychotherapist. She helps trauma survivors understand how their biology, sympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve have been impacted by their response to the trauma and works with them to develop strategies to feel safe once more. 

In this episode Anne explains: 

  • Somatic experiencing (SE)
  • How animals respond to trauma
  • An example of the SE approach to healing trauma
  • The Window of Tolerance 
  • Mirror Neurons
  • How trauma survivors should approach martial arts 
  • How martial arts instructors should teach to protect survivors from being retraumatized 
Jul 07, 202032:28
A Fighter's Mindset: Daring to feel fear and doing it anyway

A Fighter's Mindset: Daring to feel fear and doing it anyway

Sonja is a badass female psychologist from Finland who stared taikwondo because it looked like fun when her son did it! She helps people increase their self efficacy, find resilience and ways to feel alive and cope with everyday life. She specializes in play therapy with children and families and workers affected by harmful stress who are on sick leave.

In this interview Sonja shares 

  • Her unique perspective on martial arts, mental health and trauma as both a psychologist and recreational kickboxer. 
  • The normal response to trauma
  • The fighter mindset
  • 10 grounding strategies listeners can try 
Jul 01, 202050:57
Martial Arts Are Better Than Running!!

Martial Arts Are Better Than Running!!

This week in Australia, gyms reopen after being closed for 3 months due to COVID-19. In this episode Georgia discusses some of the reasons why everyone is so keen to stop running and get back to martial arts - beside the fact that martial arts are obviously way more fun! ;) 

Georgia uses the example of schizophrenia to explain that there are additional mental health benefits from combat sports to the fact that they're a fun way to get in a sufficient dose of physical activity per week. 

The articles are here: 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25650668/ 
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-10711-008 

Follow The Fight Back Project on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date: 
https://www.facebook.com/the.fight.back.project.and.podcast/ 
https://www.instagram.com/fightbackproject/

Jun 21, 202020:35
"You kicked me in the head!"

"You kicked me in the head!"

April Dimase is an Australian woman with a history of family trauma and domestic abuse. She started kickboxing after being inspired by MMA fighters like Ronda Rousey and quickly fell in love with the empowering feeling of going to training. 

Georgia and April discuss: 

  • Kickboxing with a history of trauma
  • Overcoming fears
  • Body image and more!
Jun 16, 202024:11
Why Martial Arts Make You Happy

Why Martial Arts Make You Happy

The title pretty much says it all. In this episode Georgia reviews a review by Adam Croom called "Embodying martial arts for mental health: cultivating psychological well-being with martial arts practice". 

Georgia explains how martial arts can add positive emotions, flow states, relationships, meaning and accomplishment to your life. 

The TED talk about happiness vs meaning is here: 
https://www.ted.com/talks/emily_esfahani_smith_there_s_more_to_life_than_being_happy 

Jun 10, 202035:27
Meet Georgia!

Meet Georgia!

Why did Georgia start The Fight Back Podcast? In this episode Georgia tells her Martial Arts Story and hints at some of the lessons she has learned in her journey so far. 

The book Georgia mentions is called 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel Van Der Kolk 

Jun 07, 202009:50