Science & Magic with Amanda
The Science & Magic podcast, hosted by Amanda Helen, explores topics related to the nervous system, feminine energy, and working more deliciously. It combines wisdom from both science and magic to discover a more nourishing way to live.
Episodes
Stop Chasing Easy (your softness needs your strength)
There’s a lot of conversation right now about creating a “soft life.” But what if ease isn’t about making life easy?In this episode, I explore the difference between ease and easy, and how true softness comes from inner strength, not external control.We talk about nervous system resilience, feminine energy, and why challenge is not something to avoid… but something that shapes you.If you’ve ever
Your Attention Is Currency (where are you spending it?)
Your attention is one of the most powerful forces shaping your life.In this video, we explore how where you place your focus quite literally rewires your brain and influences what unfolds in your reality. If you’ve been looping old stories, fixating on what’s missing, or feeling stuck, this is an invitation to reclaim your energy.You always have access to your attention. The question is… where is
Letting Go of Tension: A High Achiever’s Journey Out of Chronic Pain
Darcie spent decades living with chronic pain while pushing herself as a lifelong high achiever. In this episode, she shares how learning to regulate her nervous system through breathwork, meditation, yin yoga, and identity shifting helped her release years of tension and finally experience relief.SCIENCE & MAGIC AP:Download NowIf you are interested in building an ap for your business, book a
Why Your Body Won't Let Go (a must listen for high achieving women!)
In this episode, I explore why letting go of control feels so difficult, especially for high achievers, and what's really driving the grip. Drawing on nervous system science, I unpack how our biology and ego-driven identities keep us clinging to external validation for safety and worth. I share personal stories of identity shifts I've navigated, from motherhood to divorce to unexpected
Staying Regulated in a Season of Unrest w/ Kevin McCarthy
This episode was inspired by what we’re all living through here in Minnesota right now - a time of deep political tension and community hurt after a surge of federal immigration enforcement and the fatal shootings of civilians by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, events that have shaken many and sparked protests statewide. I sit down with Somatic Experiencing practitioner Kevin McCarthy t
Sustainable Excellence: Preventing Burnout Before It Starts with Dr. Derek Porter
Burnout isn’t a personal failure, it’s a systems problem. In this conversation with Dr. Derek Porter, we explore how leaders and faculty can build sustainable cultures, support nervous system health, and prevent burnout before it starts.SOOTHE YOU NERVOUS SYSTEM:Nervous System Massage MeditationWORK WITH DR. DEREK PORTER:Connect on LinkedinBook a ConsultationWORK WITH AMANDA:Apply For CoachingSoft
How to Actually Be Unbothered (hint: include your nervous system!)
What does it really mean to be unbothered? In this episode, I explore the difference between true self sovereignty and emotional shutdown. I unpack healthy detachment as an embodied practice that allows you to stay grounded, heart centered, and connected rather than disconnected or avoidant.Through a nervous system lens, I discusses emotional regulation, triggers, self soothing, and the importanc
From Burnout to Awe: A High Achiever’s Journey w/ Gaia
High achievers often tie their self worth to performance and achievement. In this episode, Amanda Helen and Gaia explore what happens when burnout forces a deeper reckoning with identity.Gaia shares her journey from burnout to self love, nervous system safety, and emotional intelligence. Together, they discuss letting go of control, sitting with emotions, and finding true joy beyond external valid
Nervous System Care for Creatives w/ Tearra Oso (your inner dialogue is everything!!)
In this inspiring conversation, Tearra Oso shares her journey as a dancer, musician, and healer, weaving the cultural significance of Bomba as a tool for ancestral connection and transformation. Together, we explore the importance of nervous system care, honest self-inquiry, and embracing your feelings as part of the healing journey.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Bomba connects us to ancestry and community healing
The Hormones of Attachment (when you get clingy)
Why does detachment bring true peace? In this episode, you’ll learn how your nervous system, oxytocin, and simple self-soothing practices help you stop clinging to the external world and start feeling safe from within. Tune in to explore how surrender builds trust, resilience, and your deepest personal power.CONNECT WITH ME:Visit my websiteScience & Magic Facebook GroupInstagram Broadcast Cha
Eat Fear and Make More Money w/ Mina Irfan (for rich, wild women who want it all)
What if fear isn’t something to avoid—but a portal to power? In this episode, I sit down with Mina Irfan to explore how high-level women alchemize fear into fuel, rewire their nervous systems, and attract wealth.We dive into money energetics, feminine ferocity, the “Huntress Gene,” and the self-concept shifts that help women move fast, consume fear, and magnetize abundance at rapid speeds.This on
Face Your Fear and Level Up (it's time, babe)
Fear is often the final gatekeeper before your next level. Whether you’re launching something new, having a tough conversation, or showing up more boldly—fear will arise. The question is: Will you let it stop you, or move through it?In this episode, we explore:Why fear shows up right before expansionHow high achievers tie fear to failure or identitySomatic tools to shift from freeze into flowHow t
Luscious Energy as a Wife and a Mother w/ Mina Irfan
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Mina Irfan (aka The Universe Guru) to explore how women can maintain vibrant, juicy energy as wives and mothers. We talk about motherhood, marriage, feminine vitality, spiritual connection, and reframing trauma as empowerment.This conversation offers a refreshing, soul-nourishing alternative to the tired narrative of sacrifice. Tune in for wisdom on femin
How Early Nurture Shapes Your Stress Response w/ Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum
Can nurturing shape a child’s brain for life? In this powerful episode, neuroscientist and author Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum unpacks the science behind early brain development and emotional health. We explore how responsive parenting, co-regulation, and caregiver well-being lay the foundation for lifelong resilience. Dr. Kirshenbaum challenges outdated ideas about “spoiling” and offers hope for healin
How to Improve Self Worth as a Woman w/ Luv By Lindsey (former NFL Cheerleader!)
In this conversation, I sit down with former NFL cheerleader and mindset coach Lindsey Soderberg to explore the deeper layers of confidence, self-worth, and personal growth. We discuss the importance of defining your value beyond external validation and dive into the journey toward true confidence through the lens of self-awareness and self-acceptance. Lindsey shares insights from her experience a
Move into Feminine Magnetism (find your flow) w/ Lailla Sena
A powerful way to move into feminine magnetism is literally to MOVE! Whether it's through dance, yoga, improvisation, shaking, or other somatic techniques, moving the body breaks up stagnation and releases built up pressure in the body that is getting in the way of soul's most authentic expression. Once we are able to release and let go of all the blocks standing in the way of our true
Restoring the Sparkle in Overworked Women ✨ ( for boss babes, mothers, or anything in between!))
As feminine women, our radiance is meant to shine—but if you’re feeling depleted, hardened, or dull, it’s time to focus on restoring the sparkle in overworked women! The truth is, our female hormone cycle operates differently from the male cycle, yet we’ve been conditioned to function in a world designed around masculine energy. Overworking—whether in a career, school, or home life—can dim your na
Manifest Money and Love the Feminine Way w/ Star Nerud
Join me for a delicious conversation to manifest money and love the feminine way with energetic alchemist, Star Nerud. As a devoted yogi, she has felt the tension that lives between yogic principles of Divine surrender/letting life unfold AND using manifestation principles to consciously direct visions from the unseen realm into physical form. Can these two things coexist? YES! Through direct
Nervous System Optimization for Women - relaxed, radiant, & wildly successful
Picture this: you've been able to shift your nervous system out of a chronic state of survival and into a space of balance. You aren't so wound up anymore. You are relaxed, trusting, and open to life unfolding. Where do you go from here? Perhaps the next step for you is optimization! I will share tips & tricks I have learned over the years to increase nervous system optimizatio
Emotional Regulation as Women (when you feel out of control...especially b/c of hormones)
Emotion regulation is defined as "the ability to exert control over one's own emotional state." Women are cyclical beings, and the emotions that flow through us can feel overwhelming at times. In order to have more agency over the way we express our emotions, it is imperative that we understand the way the nervous system works. Emotions like fear, anxiety, and anger are often tri
How Pleasure Soothes Your Nervous System (and enhances your feminine energy!)
Pleasure is defined as being a 'source of enjoyment or delight' - this episode will explore why pleasure soothes your nervous system and increases your feminine energy. In general, when we tune into and live through the portal of our human body, we can more fully embody our feminine radiance. Feminine radiance is emitted through heart & body connection, and is the reason why pleasu
Sex, Surrender & Feminine Energy (why your pleasure can change the world) w/ Nicole Nardone
Our sexual energy is a sacred elixir of essence and life force - when we learn how to relate to it in a way that is whole, honoring, and loving, our external reality can shift in magical ways. In this conversation, Nicole Nardone and I explore the power of relationship to this vital energy. Our feminine essence is intimately tied to our sexual expression - when we infuse our bodies with love and
Your Radiant Feminine Heart - get out of your head & into your soul
There is no doubt about it, your radiant feminine heart holds the whispers to your soul. This episode is for you if...- you have a hard time getting out of your head - you struggle with actualizing feminine energy through your body- you want to amplify your magnetism & glow- you desire to connect with your soul's true path through your radiant feminine heartLEVEL 1 OF NERVOUS SYSTEM OF A
Let Things Be Easy... Until They're Not.
Since the feminine way is softness, fluidity, and flow... those of us with a feminine core might feel that when life gets rocky & rough, we are out of alignment. Not so! The human experience, inevitably, will present us with challenges (heart break, death of loved ones, career transitions, etc). It's a good thing that we've evolved an incredibly robust nervous system to adapt to a
When You Push Through Life - grit, perseverance, & stamina
Rewiring the brain can be uncomfortable, quantum leaping might be unnerving, and shifting behaviors may take some discipline. So, dear butterfly, let things be easy - but don't be afraid of a little friction. When you push through life, you are embracing your masculine energy, which can be powerful medicine to your feminine essence! There are certain milestones that require a bit of grit,
When Life Moves Through You... Relax
When life moves through you and expands reality, it can feel uncomfortable (especially if the nervous system feels unsafe). However, the feminine way is to surrender to discomfort, not fight against it. Let it easy by leaning into what feels difficult. When life moves through you, ALLOW Spirit to chisel away at your fixed identity. Embrace the growing pains that are inevitable with evolution.
Your Triggers are Aging You (breathe, babe - it's not worth it)
I want to be very clear that aging is not a bad thing - in fact, I think it's an honor! However, there is a way to grow older and accumulate vitality, harmony, and ease in the body instead of inflammation, exhaustion, and pain. Your triggers are aging you into patterns of restriction and fatigue, rather than light and beauty (your natural essence as a feminine being). I am going to share a
How to Lighten Your Feminine Energy (stop being so heavy!)
Light Feminine Energy and Feminine Lightness are two separate concepts - Feminine Lightness results from keeping an open and unburdened energetic/emotional field. If you want to know how to lighten your feminine energy and stop being so heavy, it starts with feeling emotions in the body as they arise (rather than letting them accumulate). The accumulation of burdens, traumas, resentments, bitte
Manifest Through Your Shadows (you can't bypass your nervous system!)
The mainstream messaging of manifestation is to create a positive inner dialogue, and the external world will respond accordingly. There is truth to this! However, when we ignore unpleasant emotions, sensations, and stored trauma in the body, they will just grow louder and louder in our subconscious until they are attended to. The good news is that you CAN manifest through your shadows. They c
Stress Works Against Feminine Energy (be a queen and avoid burn out)
First of all, stress isn't inherently bad - in fact, it unleashes an incredible amount of energy to effectively meet threats! However, when experienced in large doses, stress works against feminine energy. Feminine energy, in essence, is overflow, radiance, and softness. When our stress response is overly activated, our precious energy reserves are depleted and we become exhausted, rigid
Soothe Your Nervous System & Change Your Life w/ Tonny
Tonny reached out to me because he was feeling stuck, heavy, and lethargic. He knew that something in his life needed to change, but he wasn't sure what it was or how to even go about it. After just a few weeks of learning about and soothing his nervous system, Tonny felt a huge weight lift in his body. He went from feeling like his 'heavy heart was glued to his bed' to feeling &
Your Energy is Expensive (for feminine beings & entrepreneurs)
This video is for feminine beings, HD projectors, and entrepreneurs who are navigating how to spend their time and energy in work, relationships, and life in general. Key words - your energy is expensive! As HD Projectors, we don't have a lot of it to put towards things that take effort. As feminine beings - it's all about our juicy presence, which takes a lot of input to maintain.
The Feminine Melt (relax into masculine support)
To embody the feminine melt, you must actually show up into your body and PRACTICE softness. Stretch. Breathe. Let go of tension... literally. Enough of the learning! Enough of the youtube binging! It's actually time to implement it, my love. When we are able to feel the feminine melt in our muscles, bones, and tissue, the masculine can then rise up to support us. If there is nothing
Nervous System of a Goddess + Lots of Updates (solocast)
Hi everyone, it's been awhile! In this episode, I share lots of updates <3 The content and approach to this podcast will be changing as a I create more cohesion with my youtube channel. I also talk a bit about my new program, 'Nervous System of a Goddess' (I'm SO excited for this!), as well as other ways to connect/work with me in the new year. It's super casual, ea
Becoming Success (Stop Trading Time for Money!) w/ Bri Seeley
Bri Seeley helps ambitious female entrepreneurs create highly profitable businesses. Our conversation centers around restructuring our definition of success to include our wellbeing - mental, emotional, and relational. We also talk bout common limiting beliefs around money, how the workaholic pattern lives in entrepreneurship, channeling success by connecting to a greater energetic field, how to
Breaking Free From the Mental Monotony of a 9 to 5 w/ Danielle
I had one of my amazing clients on the show to talk about her transformational journey from a daily life of monotony to inside-out alignment. Stuck in the mental stagnation of a 9 to 5 job that wasn’t bringing her spirit alive, Danielle felt bored, uninspired, drained, and not sure what to do about it. She was easily irritated, stuck in her head, and trapped in the same daily routine. She knew
Manifesting with Feminine Energy: My Final Days of Pregnancy (solocast)
As I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy, I find myself in reflection of the deep, transformational journey I've experienced throughout the past 9 months. In this episode, I talk about the perspective of manifestation from feminine energy components like softening, yielding, surrendering, glowing, & flowing. This is an intimate and soft episode, and will perhaps offer a healing ba
A Body-Based Approach to Trauma w/ Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy & I dive into all things trauma in this conversation. We talk about the nervous system, stress, resilience, anxiety, depression, and how to establish resource in your body and life to help heal trauma… all from the lens of the body and radical kindness. Kevin's approach contains a lot of love, as he invites us all to feel empowered in our experience of trauma as a part o
How to Sleep as a High Performer w/ Neuroscientist & Sleep Expert Dr. Roxanne Prichard
Are you someone who has a hard time falling asleep? Do you wake up feeling rested, or are you someone who tosses & turns throughout the night, unable to sink deeply into a restorative sleep cycle? This conversation will dive into everything you need to know about sleep, as well as how to sleep as a high performer. With expert sleep advice from Dr. Roxanne Prichard, you will be well equipped
Self Love, Confidence, & Shadow Work w/ Deborah Hill
In this episode, Deborah Hill and I talk about evoking self love through shadow work, building self confidence, the importance of shifting subconscious beliefs, and letting go of perfectionism and judgements from/for others. She shares daily nervous system rituals that have helped her avoid burn out as a self employed entrepreneur and business owner. We also spend some time discussing how conne
Autumn & Winter Self Care: Ayurvedic Wisdom w/ Vanashree Belgamwar
The colder, darker months of the year can be difficult for many people. In this episode, Ayurvedic doctor Vanashree Belgamwar shares a plethora of information that might help create more ease during the seasons of Autumn and Winter. She offers nutritional advice, self care rituals, behavioral shifts, and mindset changes to help soothe the nervous system in the coming months. Grab a pen and pape
Love Yourself by Loving Your Shadows (solocast)
I believe that self love means full acceptance of ALL parts of us... not just the spaces that are desirable or 'easy.' In this episode, I explore how the practice of this radical self love can have a positive influence on our relationships... and thus the collective at large. Self love isn't selfish - it's essential to our planetary healing. After I offer my personal sharing
Rest & Manifest - Work Deliciously w/ Lucy Liang
When Lucy & I started working together six months ago, she was a self identified workaholic. Her sense of worth was determined by the external success of her business and she sacrificed her mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing to force the results she wanted. She embodied the essence of a helicopter parent - she was smothering the natural growth of her business with her obsessive thoug
Surrender, Nervous System Safety, and Dancing with Life (solocast)
Surrender means letting go, yielding and giving up control. It is the opposite embodiment of activating, leading, strategizing, and pushing through. For many of us (especially high achievers), surrender can feel incredibly uncomfortable. In addition to going against the societal value of 'taking charge of our own lives,' loosening our grip on our careers, desires, and plans can be thr
Let The Body Lead - Neuroscience, Heart Resonance, and Creativity w/ Nkechi Njaka
Nkechi Njaka & I dive into the brain body connection, the mystery of the heart brain, stress & the nervous system, mindfulness through the five senses, evoking creativity through broadening perception, and embodiment as a necessity for global wellbeing. Nkechi is a neuroscientist, dancer, creator, and mindfulness expert. She navigates through her life with courageous curiosity, letting
Working Deliciously as a High Performer w/ Dr. Bryan Laskin
Dr. Bryan Laskin is a dentist, entrepreneur, innovator in the tech industry, and best selling author. As a high performing, high energy individual, Bryan’s mind and energy operates at a million miles per minute - and in many ways, this is what creates his unique genius. But where does this leave his nervous system and physical wellbeing? In this conversation, Bryan & I talk about all things
How Our Beliefs Influence Our Lives - Money, Energy, & Behavior w/ Jamila Taylor
Somatic Mindset Expert, Jamila Taylor, dives into the energy and the science around how we develop and express our belief systems. We talk about emotions, energy, upbringing, nervous system safety, and behavioral patterning. Jamila shares the common limiting beliefs she sees in society in regards to money, and how those beliefs might create behavioral patterns that result in physical manifestati
From Adrenal Fatigue to Replenishment: A Journey Towards Rest w/ Liz Andolong
Liz Andolong and I explore how we find rest in the body, mind, and spirit. Liz is a wellness practitioner who explores the cultivation of safety, comfort, and rest from the wisdom of many different modalities. In this conversation, we discuss challenges and barriers to rest, as well as different approaches to rituals and routines that encourage more moments of rest in our lives. Liz shares her
Transformation through Embodiment w/ Jo Jo & Lyndsey
Jo Jo & Lyndsey, a scientist and an engineer, are both active practitioners of magick. They are both former clients of mine who, after a year of moving through the curriculum I offer, were able to move from a state of survival and into a deep embodiment of their unique soul essence. In this episode of the Science & Magic Podcast, we talk about nervous system regulation, stress resilience
The Art of Dreaming, Night School, and Awakening to Our Spiritual Gifts w/ Holly Emmerson
Dream Oracle, Holly Emmerson, connects with Spirit in her dreams to receive messages about individuals and the collective. She shares her journey of how she uncovered this gift by transitioning out of a corporate career, moving to a different country, and leaving everything behind to live a life in service. In this episode of the Science & Magic podcast, we talk about all things dreaming - d
A Nonlinear Exploration of Yoga, Queerness, and Anxiety w/ Greg Hines
A nonlinear conversation with Greg Hines that explores a wide array of approaches to yoga, how queerness is explored in the body & nature, morning rituals, and different ways to soothe anxiety. Greg is a Yoga educator, Katonah certified instructor, and Yoga Therapist with a Master’s degree in Yoga Therapy. He has a beautiful heart, calming presence, and intelligent mind. CONNECT WITH GREG
Soul Essence Advocacy & Angelic Guidance w/ Nikki Gomez
This episode with Nikki Gomez explores connecting with Angelic & Divine guidance, the importance of advocating for soul essence, the rigidity of claiming a belief system, body acceptance & diverse beauty in the fashion industry, and courageously aligning with our unique purpose. Nikki is open about the difficulties she experienced in childhood, and how these challenges brought her to wher
Chemistry of Gratitude, Power of Perspective, & Artistic Exploration w/ Chance York
Chance York and I talk about the power of perspective, the neurochemical benefits of gratitude, and how caring for your nervous system can increase your creativity and productivity. Chance shares his journey about how he became a wellness practitioner after years as a traveling performing artist, and how he currently blends these aspects of his offerings into his work.Chance is a teacher, yoga
FOR NEW LISTENERS: Both/And Conversations of Science, Magic, and Everything in Between with Amanda Leaveck
Welcome Science & Magic Podcast listeners! My name is Amanda Leaveck, and I am the host of this podcast. I wanted to take a few minutes and introduce myself, my work, and my vision for this show. Thank you so much for being here, I hope you enjoy these conversations.To learn more about my work, visit my website: https://amandaleaveck.com/
Seasonal Living & Body Brilliance w/ Sophia Bouwens
In the first episode of the Science & Magic Podcast, I have a conversation with Sophia Bouwens about how she infuses her neuroscience education into her acupuncture practice, different ways to approach the summer and winter seasons, and her miraculous recovery from a traumatic brain injury that was a result of a near fatal car accident years ago. This conversation centers around the intellige
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