Welcome to The Craniosacral Podcast!

Do you love cranial work? If so, you’ve come to the right place! It is my goal to help you integrate craniosacral therapy into your professional life in an authentic and meaningful way.

This podcast ran continuously from 2015-2021, largely featuring interviews with prominent practitioners and teachers in the field. Also included are live classroom recordings and a few meditations. Much of the content elaborates on timeless principles, so jump right in and I hope you find it useful!

-Ryan Hallford

Episode 150 – Liza Borodkin and Dawn Sofia – Sacred ReCreation

Liza Borodkin craniosacral

Liza Borodkin has studied craniosacral work with Franklyn Sills, Mike Boxhall, and other prominent figures in the field. She has also trained in yoga, Vipassana and Transcendental Meditation, and has extensive experience with the Feldenkrais Method and Alexander Technique. As a world traveler, her practice has naturally evolved to a point where the majority of her therapeutic work is now done remotely. In this interview she talks about her history with craniosacral biodynamics and how she has adapted its principles for therapeutic interactions that do not involve physical touch.

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Episode 149 – Cator Shachoy and Christian Current – The Prana Vayus and Primary Respiration

Prana Vayus

For this episode we take a closer look at the prana vayus, the currents of vital force spoken about in the yogic and ayurvedic traditions. Yoga teachers Cator Shachoy and Christian Current explore areas of overlap with primary respiration and craniosacral practice.

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Episode 148 – Etienne Peirsman – The “No Mind” Space

Etienne Peirsman

Etienne Peirsman returns to the podcast to share more about his 30 year history in the field of craniosacral therapy and his approach to teaching. Etienne heads the Peirsman Craniosacral Academy, which has outlets in Europe and the United States. In this interview he discusses many topics relevant to cranial work, emphasizing the importance of being in an instinctual, sensual “no mind” space while employing craniosacral-style touch.

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Episode 147 – Sophie Rieu – My Cranio Sacral Life

Sophie Rieu craniosacral

Sophie Rieu is a biodynamic practitioner who lives and practices in Ireland. Her blog “My Cranio Sacral Life” details her personal and professional experiences through the lens of biodynamic cranial work. Sophie's writing is intimate, poetic, and informative. In this interview she discusses a wide range of topics and how biodynamic theory and practice have changed her life.

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Episode 146 – Jennifer Song – The 2020 Breath of Life Virtual Conference

Breath of Life Conference

Jennifer Song, a founding member of the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America, joins us to talk about the 2020 Virtual Breath of Life Conference. The conference is a creative response to the Covid-19 outbreak, and is a great opportunity to connect with some of the leading teachers in the global craniosacral community.

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Episode 145 – Tai C.K. – A Youthful Perspective on Intergenerational Trauma and Racial Dynamics

Tai C.K. is a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist who centers LGBTQ and POC communities in her work. She is a young activist and passionate craniosacral therapist who sees individual bodily systems as inseparable from collective systems of trauma, fulcrums, and healing. She lives and practices in New York City.

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Episode 144 – Frances Reed – Affirming Transgender Individuals in a Bodywork Setting

Frances Reed bodywork

Frances Reed is the founder of Freed Bodyworks, a body-positive and queer-focused holistic wellness center in Washington DC. Frances has been specializing in transition-related bodywork for gender non-conforming people for almost a decade and has recently launched HealthyBinding.com to promote healthy binding practices to transmasculine individuals and health providers. Frances teaches courses for a variety of holistic providers to become more knowledgeable in cultural competency in order to work with trans clients as affirmatively and knowledgeably as possible.

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Episode 143 – Susan Raffo – Healing Justice … for Minneapolis and the Broader World

Susan Raffo

Susan Raffo practices craniosacral therapy in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has studied with Hugh Milne, The Upledger Institute, and Body Intelligence. While cranial work is her primary modality for individual healing work, she largely sees the world through the lens of social justice. Of special interest to her is the exploration of where systems of power and oppression are held in the tissues of the body. She also facilitates groups and organizations in matters of conflict support and cultural change, and is passionate about healing justice for all people of color.  In this episode I ask Susan to share with us some of her perspective on what is happening on the ground in Minneapolis through her cultural lens. We also discuss the importance of taking a closer look at the roots of Osteopathy with a more sensitive and honest evaluation of the role of indigenous spirit in its birth.

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Episode 142 – Safa Boga – Distance Healing, Discernment, and Embodying Potency

Safa Boga

Safa Boga is back on the podcast to share what's she's learned about building a rewarding, potent, and authentic healing practice. She talks about the importance of knowing who you are, being transparent with clients, and focusing your energy to be a powerful agent of change. She also shares her perspective on evaluating new clients to determine if they are a good fit for your particular style of practice.

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Episode 141 – Liz Hartshorn – Biodynamics and The Realization Process in NYC

Liz Hartshorn

Liz Hartshorn practices Biodynamics, massage therapy, and Somatic Experiencing in New York City. She is also a recognized teacher of The Realization Process. In this interview she'll tell us about her history in healing work and elaborate on why she finds Judith Blackstone's Realization Process such a powerful tool for self-development and client care.

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